South Carolina set to execute Khalil Allah amid evidence doubts

Khalil Divine Black Sun Allah, aged 46, is scheduled for execution by lethal injection in South Carolina, marking the state's first execution in 13 years. His conviction stems from a murder case where a key witness, Steven Golden, later claimed he provided false testimony under pressure from prosecutors. This revelation raises significant doubts about the integrity of the trial, as the defense argues that the prosecution failed to disclose a potential deal that could have influenced Golden's testimony. Allah's background reveals a troubled upbringing characterized by poverty, domestic violence, and abuse, which his attorneys argue should be considered in evaluating his culpability. Despite not being the shooter, he faces execution as a major participant in the crime, a decision supported by the justices despite the new evidence. The attorney general's office denies any secret agreements, maintaining that Golden's testimony was valid. The case highlights a broader trend in South Carolina, where the state is moving forward with multiple executions despite declining national support for the death penalty. Critics, including advocates for alternatives to capital punishment, emphasize the historical context of racial disparities in executions, particularly among young Black defendants. As Allah contemplates his final days, including his last meal and the distribution of his belongings, the situation underscores the ethical dilemmas surrounding capital punishment and the implications of potentially wrongful convictions in the justice system.