South Carolina inmate seeks execution delay amid plea deal claims

Freddie Eugene Owens, a South Carolina death row inmate, is seeking a delay in his execution scheduled for September 20, 2023. His legal team argues that his co-defendant, Steven Golden, lied during the trial about not having a plea deal in exchange for his testimony against Owens. Golden claimed he could still face the death penalty or life imprisonment, but Owens' lawyers assert there was a verbal agreement that he would not receive such sentences. This claim raises questions about the integrity of the trial process. Additionally, Owens' attorneys contend that a juror witnessed him wearing an electronic stun device in court, which was not adequately addressed by the presiding judge. This situation could have influenced the juror's perception of Owens during the trial. The South Carolina Supreme Court is expected to respond to Owens' request for a delay, allowing him to present new evidence and potentially seek a new trial. The state has not executed anyone since 2011 due to difficulties in obtaining lethal injection drugs, but recent legislative changes have allowed for more privacy regarding drug suppliers. South Carolina plans to use pentobarbital for lethal injections, aligning its protocol with federal practices. The state currently has 32 inmates on death row, and the Supreme Court has established a five-week interval between executions. Owens has expressed a strong religious conviction against actively participating in his own death, which has led him to sign over his power of attorney to his lawyer. This case highlights ongoing debates surrounding the death penalty and the legal processes involved in capital punishment cases in South Carolina.