We pray that God has mercy on Freddie’s soul. We also pray especially for the souls of Irene Grainger Graves, who was lost in a senseless act of violence, and for Christopher Lee, who was killed by Owens while incarcerated. May the Graves and Lee families find healing and peace in the comfort of Christ Jesus.

In response to the news, Michael F. Acquilano, director of the South Carolina Catholic Conference, said that today is a sad day for the Palmetto State. 

“Our state government has taken a life despite recent developments about the innocence of Mr. Owens,” he said. “The courts and the state have failed to acknowledge basic dignity and the inviolability of human life. The Catholic Conference will continue to advocate against the death penalty and work for its abolition in our state.

“Every life is precious — the lives of the victims and the lives of those who have committed offenses. We are not the arbiters of human worth and life; that belongs to God alone,” he concluded.

The execution took place despite the co-defendant in the murder trial, Steven Golden, coming forward Sept. 18 with an official statement claiming that Owens did not commit the murder of Irene Graves.

Golden wrote, “Freddie was not present when I robbed the Speedway that day,” and that it was another man who killed Graves. “This has weighed heavily on my mind, and I want to have a clear conscience.”

The execution came after the final appeals for clemency were denied by Governor Henry McMaster.

As Catholics, we mourn the loss of all the souls involved in this tragedy. We will continue to work ceaselessly for the end of the death penalty in our state, our country, and our world.

Our Lady of Peace, pray for us.