Columbia, SC – South Carolina is set to carry out its first execution of 2025 as Marion Bowman Jr. faces lethal injection for the 2001 murder of 21-year-old Kandee Martin. Bowman, who has spent nearly 24 years on death row, continues to claim his innocence, insisting that the justice system failed him. Meanwhile, Martin’s family believes justice is long overdue, calling Bowman a liar who deserves his punishment.

The case has sparked heated debates over wrongful convictions, racial bias, and the use of lethal injection. Here’s everything you need to know about the execution.

The Crime: What Was Bowman Convicted Of?

In February 2001, Kandee Martin, a 21-year-old mother, was found shot and burned in the trunk of her own car. Her body had two gunshot wounds—one in the chest and one in the head.

Bowman, who was 20 years old at the time, admitted he sold drugs to Martin but denied any involvement in her murder. Prosecutors argued that Martin owed Bowman money and that multiple witnesses heard him threaten her life.

Bowman’s cousin, who was also a drug dealer, became the star witness in the trial. As part of a plea deal, he testified against Bowman in exchange for a reduced sentence. However, Bowman’s defense later discovered evidence suggesting the cousin may have confessed to the murder while in jail—evidence that was never presented to the jury.

Bowman’s Plea for Justice: ‘I Did Not Do This’

Despite being on death row for over two decades, Bowman maintains that he is not the killer.

“I am so sorry for Kandee and her family, but I did not do it,” Bowman wrote in an online statement. “I just don’t want to be executed for a crime I didn’t commit.”

Bowman’s lawyers argue that his trial was unfair, pointing to racial bias, a lack of key evidence, and inconsistencies in witness testimonies.

However, Martin’s family has no doubt that Bowman is guilty.

“He gets to live his life in prison, talk to his family, and even meet his grandkids. Kandee never got that chance,” said Lisa Martin, Kandee’s sister-in-law. “We have waited 24 years for this day, and we will finally get justice.”

Execution Details: When and How Will It Happen?

Date & Time: Friday, Jan. 31, 6 p.m.

Location: Broad River Correctional Institution, Columbia, South Carolina

Method: Lethal injection (pentobarbital)

Bowman had the option to choose between lethal injection, the electric chair, or a firing squad. He picked lethal injection, despite concerns over its effectiveness and secrecy.

Controversy Over Lethal Injection: Is It Safe?

Bowman’s lawyers have raised concerns over pentobarbital, the drug being used for the execution. They claim the state has refused to reveal key details like:

 Expiration date

 Storage conditions

 Purity and effectiveness

These concerns grew after a 2024 execution in South Carolina where an inmate was given a second dose of pentobarbital after the first one failed to work properly.

Attorney Lindsey Vann says Bowman chose lethal injection because the other two methods are inhumane, but still worries about the painful effects of pentobarbital.

Who Was Kandee Martin?

Kandee Martin was a young mother from a small town in South Carolina. She had dreams of moving to Charleston and building a better life for herself and her son.

Her family describes her as a loving, ambitious, and devoted mother who was determined to create a brighter future.

“Before she could leave Branchville, she got pregnant,” Martin’s sister-in-law said. “She went from being just a young girl to being someone’s mom, and to her, that was the coolest thing ever.”

Now, her family hopes Bowman’s execution will finally bring closure to their long fight for justice.

Bowman’s Life Behind Bars

Since being sentenced to death, Bowman has spent over two decades in prison, where he has:

Developed a deep faith in God

Become a poet, writing about hope and regret

Stayed connected with his daughter and grandchildren

Despite his transformation in prison, his past criminal activities and the weight of Martin’s brutal murder continue to define his fate.

Final Thoughts: Justice or a Wrongful Execution?

With less than 24 hours to live, Marion Bowman Jr. continues to plead for his life. His lawyers argue that the case was flawed, but the justice system has upheld his conviction time and time again.

Meanwhile, Kandee Martin’s family is preparing for the end of a painful chapter—one they have been waiting for since 2001.

Will Bowman’s execution be the justice Martin’s family deserves, or will it be remembered as a grave miscarriage of justice?

The answer will come Friday night when South Carolina carries out its first execution of 2025.

Disclaimer—Our team has checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any misinformation. We are committed to providing clear and reliable information for our readers.