South Carolina's prisons director, Bryan Stirling, confirmed on Wednesday that the state is prepared for its first execution in over 13 years. Stirling assured that the state's lethal injection drug is pure, the electric chair was tested, and the firing squad is ready. The declaration follows a state Supreme Court order demanding a sworn statement verifying the availability of all execution methods for Freddie Owens, slated for execution on September 20.
Owens, sentenced for the 1997 murder of a convenience store clerk, has until September 6 to choose his method of execution. His lawyer, Emily Paavola, holds his power of attorney to make this decision. Stirling noted that technicians have confirmed the pentobarbital sedative's effectiveness, enabling a legal execution. Owens' legal team plans to scrutinize the sworn statement, reserving the right to challenge its adequacy in court.
The power of attorney signed by Owens raised another legal discussion to be addressed by the state Supreme Court; the prison system wants the high court to weigh in on whether such a move is allowed. Owens, who also allegedly admitted to killing a cellmate while jailed for the 1997 murder, may appeal to Governor Henry McMaster for clemency. Nonetheless, McMaster indicated he will uphold tradition, waiting until the final moments to declare his decision, stating, "When the rule of law has been followed, there really is only one answer."
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