COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina executed Marion Bowman Jr. on January 31, 2025, marking the state’s third execution since it resumed the death penalty last September. The lethal injection carried out at the Broad River Correctional Institution at approximately 6:27 p.m. has reignited discussions about the state’s judicial processes and the ethics surrounding capital punishment.
Bowman, 44, was convicted of the 2001 murder of 21-year-old Kandee Martin, whose charred body was found abandoned in the trunk of a burning car. Forever maintaining his innocence, Bowman continued to profess his lack of guilt up until his final moments. “I did not kill Kandee Martin. I’m innocent of the crimes I’m here to die for,” he declared through his attorney as he prepared for execution.
His case, which has been closely monitored by advocates against the death penalty, centers around claims of fundamental injustices during his trial. “Marion has steadfastly maintained his innocence… yet he has already spent more than half of his life on death row,” said Lindsey Vann, Bowman's co-lead appellate attorney. The prosecution relied heavily on testimonies from friends and family members of Martin, some of whom received favorable plea deals, raising questions about the reliability of their statements.
The crux of Bowman's conviction ties back to his interaction with Martin, who he noted had been both his friend and casual acquaintance. According to trial proceedings, the two had previously engaged in drug-related exchanges. Bowman's defense claimed his original attorney had displayed insufficient representation and harbored biases, particularly considering racial dynamics, as both Bowman and Martin were Black and white respectively.
The events leading up to Martin's death involved Bowman's threats, as recounted during the trial, where he had demanded repayment for debts. Testimonies detailed how he allegedly shot Martin after accusing her of wearing a recording device and fearing she would turn against him. “I killed Kandee Martin. I ain’t got you involved with it, don’t worry about it,” Bowman allegedly told friends post-crime, according to testimonies presented during the trial.
Governor Henry McMaster, who received petitions urging him to commute Bowman’s sentence, declined the requests. No South Carolina governor has granted clemency to any capital defendant since reinstatement of the death penalty.
The protests outside the prison on the day of the execution rippled through social media, with activists chanting songs and carrying banners opposing capital punishment. Local organizations have voiced concerns about the validity of the justice process, emphasizing cases like Bowman’s as indicative of systemic flaws. “Death is final, and I just don’t think there’s enough certainty in the justice system,” said one of the protesters who stood outside the prison gates.
Bowman’s execution was the first to take place since the U.S. Supreme Court declined to intervene on his behalf. The South Carolina Supreme Court, too, dismissed his latest appeal which cited inadequate legal representation and the withholding of key evidence during the trial.
His legal team fought to the end, expressing discontent with both the judicial outcome and what they termed as “insurmountable obstacles” he faced throughout the legal proceedings. The revelations surrounding the South Carolina penal system’s shift to using pentobarbital for lethal injections, following years of difficulty sourcing execution drugs, have also escalated concerns about transparency and ethical standards.
Bowman’s final meal consisted of fried seafood, chicken wings, onion rings, banana pudding, and German chocolate cake. Witnesses reported his emotional last words where he acknowledged the pain endured by Martin’s family: “If my death brings them some relief and the ability to focus on the good times and funny stories, then I guess it will have served a purpose. I hope they find peace.” This reflection on his relationships and regrets echoed through the comments made by his aunt, who highlighted his character, stating, “Marion has been kindhearted… always trying to build others up.”
The execution marks the third since South Carolina resumed the death penalty after more than 13 years. The state has expressed plans to continue with more executions, with three additional inmates awaiting dates as their appeals have likewise been exhausted. Understandably, advocates for reform continue to express concerns about the fairness of trials and the enduring consequences for families on both sides of the spectrum.
The debate surrounding the effectiveness and morality of the death penalty is expected to linger as community responses formulate, fueled by the realities of cases like Marion Bowman Jr.’s. His plight exemplifies the complexity and emotional weight of capital punishment discussions.