South Carolina executed Marion Bowman Jr. by lethal injection on January 31, marking the first execution in the United States in 2025. Bowman, pronounced dead at 6:27 p.m., had maintained his innocence regarding the 2001 murder of Kandee Martin, a 21-year-old mother whose body was found in the trunk of her burning car following a brutal crime.

Bowman, who described Martin as a lifelong friend and occasional sexual partner, admitted to selling her drugs but adamantly insisted that he did not kill her. “I did not kill Kandee Martin. I’m innocent of the crimes I’m here to die for,” his final words, released via his legal team, expressed profound regret for the pain caused to Martin's family. He added, “If my death brings them some relief and ability to focus on the good times and funny stories, then I guess it will have served a purpose," as reported by USA Today.

Martin was found shot twice, with her murder occurring just five days before her son’s second birthday. Her family has been vocal in their belief that Bowman is guilty, expressing that they view the execution as a means of closure after two decades of grief. “He’s had 24 years to find God and tie up his loose ends,” said Lisa Martin, Kandee's sister-in-law. "We never got that opportunity,” reflecting the mixed feelings about the death penalty's impact on their healing process.

The execution methodology, lethal injection with pentobarbital, raised several ethical concerns. Bowman's lawyers challenged the lack of transparency around the drug's sourcing and quality, arguing that it should warrant a stay of execution. However, the courts dismissed these claims before the execution commenced.

Bowman had previously fought against the legal system’s decisions, alleging ineffective legal representation—specifically, that his defense attorney showed bias against him due to his racial background relating to the case of a white victim. This appeal was also turned down by the U.S. Supreme Court.

The broader context of his execution reflects South Carolina's resumption of capital punishment following a lengthy pause due to difficulties acquiring lethal injection drugs. The state has executed two other inmates since the moratorium ended.

In his last moments, Bowman shared his views on societal perceptions of death row inmates, stating, “None of these guys that I have gotten to know and grown to love are the people that they were when they had their moment that cost them everything.” He envisioned that, had the public understood the reality of death row inmates' daily lives, views on capital punishment might differ significantly.

Bowman’s last meal included fried shrimp, fish, chicken wings, onion rings, banana pudding, and juices, a final reflection of the simple pleasures life offered before his passing.

As the state continues its contentious path with the death penalty, discussions surrounding wrongful convictions and systematic bias in capital cases remain a pressing concern for advocates and affected families alike. The execution of Marion Bowman highlights the dichotomy between justice for victims and the potential misuse of the death penalty, raising difficult questions for society at large.

This article incorporates information from multiple sources, including USA Today and The Guardian.