South Carolina Schedules First Execution in 13 Years

South Carolina is set to carry out its first execution in over 13 years, with Freddie Eugene Owens scheduled for death on September 20, 2024. Owens, convicted of murder in 1997, has been given the option to choose between lethal injection, electric chair, or firing squad following a ruling that reinstated these methods after a long hiatus due to drug supply issues. Meanwhile, Loran Cole was executed in Florida after nearly 30 years on death row for the brutal 1994 murder and rape of siblings in a campground incident. Additionally, Robert Smalls, a historic figure who fought for freedom and served in Congress, is to be honored with a new monument in South Carolina, reflecting on his significant legacy. In Muskegon, Captain Jonathan Walker, an abolitionist known for his efforts to free slaves, remains a revered figure, highlighting the ongoing dialogue about historical recognition. These stories underscore the intersections of justice, history, and the evolving views on capital punishment across the U.S.