South Carolina executed Marion Bowman Jr. by lethal injection on Friday, January 25, 2025. His execution marks the first in the United States for the year. Bowman had spent over 20 years on Death Row after being convicted of the brutal 2001 murder of Kandee Martin, a 21-year-old mother of one.

The Murder of Kandee Martin

On February 17, 2001, police discovered Martin’s body in the trunk of her car. She had been shot twice—once in the chest and once in the head—before her body was set on fire. Her murder was a shocking and tragic event that rocked the small town of Branchville, South Carolina.

Martin, who had a young son, was remembered by her family as someone who had dreams of leaving her small town and starting a better life. Tragically, she never got the chance to fulfill those dreams, leaving behind a grieving family and an unsolved crime for years.

Bowman, who had been friends with Martin and sometimes involved with her romantically, always maintained that he was innocent. He admitted to selling Martin crack cocaine but denied any involvement in her murder. Despite his claims, the jury convicted him of the crime, citing evidence that he had threatened Martin before her death.

Bowman’s Final Words

In his final moments, Marion Bowman maintained his innocence, stating, “I did not kill Kandee Martin. I’m innocent of the crimes I’m here to die for.” Despite this, he expressed sympathy for Martin’s family, acknowledging their pain and anger. He said, “If my death brings them some relief and the ability to focus on the good times and funny stories, then I guess it will have served a purpose.” Bowman also shared his views on the death penalty, stating that those on Death Row are often misunderstood and that society’s view of them is shaped by the worst moments of their lives.

“We are not what the State labels us to be. We are kind, caring, loving people, and it’s a shame the world can’t see that,” Bowman added in his final words.

The Execution Method: Lethal Injection

Bowman’s execution was carried out using lethal injection, the preferred method for capital punishment in South Carolina. This decision came after Marion Bowman chose lethal injection over other execution methods, such as the electric chair or firing squad. His attorneys had raised concerns over the secrecy surrounding the lethal injection drug used, particularly regarding its quality and purity. Despite these concerns, Bowman opted for lethal injection, as he believed the alternatives were “barbaric and unconstitutional.”

The Case Against Marion Bowman

The prosecution argued that Marion Bowman murdered Martin because she owed him money for drugs. They presented testimony from Bowman’s cousin, who was granted a plea deal in exchange for his testimony, as well as witnesses who claimed that Bowman had threatened to kill Martin. However, Marion Bowman always insisted that the real killers were his cousin and another man, who he believed had a role in the murder. He also argued that jurors never heard about a confession made by his cousin to a fellow inmate.

Throughout his time on Death Row, Bowman expressed regret for his involvement in the drug trade but maintained that he did not murder Martin. He acknowledged that his actions, particularly selling drugs to Martin, likely contributed to her death but denied being the one to take her life.

A Look Into Bowman’s Life

Marion Bowman grew up in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, in a poor family. His mother became ill when he was a teenager, and Bowman stepped up to support his family. After struggling to make ends meet through manual labor, he turned to selling crack cocaine to provide for his loved ones. It was this decision that led to his involvement in Martin’s life and ultimately, his conviction for her murder.

While incarcerated, Marion Bowman found religion and wrote poetry, including a poem titled “Last Breath or Sigh,” which he wrote before his execution. His family, including his wife and children, stood by him throughout his time on Death Row, and he became a grandfather during his incarceration.

Closure for Martin’s Family

For Kandee Martin’s family, Marion Bowman’s execution brought some sense of closure, though it didn’t erase the pain of losing a loved one. Martin’s relatives had hoped that Bowman’s death would bring them peace and allow them to remember Kandee for the good times they shared.

Martin’s family described the execution as the end of a long wait for justice, saying that while Bowman had 24 years to “find God,” they were robbed of the chance to see Kandee grow and raise her child. They were also frustrated that they could not have the same closure as Bowman, who had time to prepare for his death, while they were left with only memories of their beloved Kandee.