South Carolina Supreme Court Upholds Execution of Freddie Owens

Civil rights groups urge Governor McMaster to grant clemency before the scheduled execution on September 20.

Freddie Owens is set to be executed by lethal injection, marking South Carolina's first execution in 13 years.
The state Supreme Court rejected appeals citing new evidence and claims of an unfair trial.
Owens was convicted for the 1997 murder of a convenience store clerk during a robbery.
Activists argue the death penalty is inequitably applied and call for clemency, citing Owens' race, age, and mental health.
Governor McMaster, who has the final say, has indicated he will decide minutes before the execution.