South Carolina resumed executions after a 13-year hiatus with the lethal injection of Freddie Owens, convicted of a 1997 murder and an inmate killing, marking a significant shift in the state's execution protocols.

The resumption of capital punishment in South Carolina, marked by Owens' execution, not only signals a definitive change in the state's approach but also highlights a broader commitment to carry out executions more frequently, with plans for one every five weeks. This move comes amid a drastic reduction in the death row population, and the adoption of a new, streamlined execution method using only the drug pentobarbital, reflecting ongoing debates about the ethics and practicality of capital punishment.

Freddie Owens was sentenced to death for the 1997 killing of a convenience store clerk during a robbery. In addition to this crime, Owens was implicated in the killing of an inmate while awaiting trial, underscoring a violent history that ultimately led to his execution. The case against Owens contributed to the South Carolina legal system's decision to impose the ultimate penalty as a form of punishment for his actions.

On the day of his execution, Owens had a last meal that consisted of two cheeseburgers, french fries, a well-done ribeye steak, six chicken wings, two strawberry sodas, and a slice of apple pie. The choice of last meal is often a point of interest, offering a glimpse into the personal preferences of inmates during their final hours. The elaborate nature of Owens' meal draws attention, yet serves as a stark contrast to the gravity of the situation surrounding his execution.

As the execution was carried out, Owens chose not to make a final statement, although he did bid farewell to his attorney with a simple 'bye' before losing consciousness.

Owens became the first inmate to be executed in South Carolina in over a decade since the pause in executions began in 2011. The state's renewed focus on capital punishment comes amidst legal and procedural changes, with officials indicating a plan to conduct executions at a regular interval of every five weeks moving forward. This consistent schedule aims to address the backlog that has built up during the hiatus.

The method of execution utilized in Owens' case marked a departure from previous practices. South Carolina adopted a new protocol involving only the sedative pentobarbital for lethal injections, transitioning away from a three-drug cocktail. The switch has been a topic of significant discussion, as many states reevaluate their execution methods in light of legal and ethical considerations surrounding lethal injection protocols.

In addition to lethal injection, South Carolina maintains options for execution via the electric chair or firing squad. This variety of choices reflects the state's broader legal framework regarding capital punishment and provides inmates with alternatives depending on their individual circumstances or beliefs. However, the introduction of pentobarbital as the sole drug in the lethal injection process signifies a decisive move towards standardizing executions in the state.

Since the moratorium on executions was enacted, South Carolina's death row population has decreased dramatically from 63 inmates to just 31. This decline can be attributed to various factors, including legal appeals, the decline of death sentences, and the increasing scrutiny over capital punishment. As the state moves to execute inmates regularly, the implications for those remaining on death row and their future legal challenges remain to be seen.

Despite his pleas, Owens' final applications for a stay of execution to the U.S. Supreme Court were denied shortly before the execution took place. This denial of last-minute appeals reflects the highly complex legal landscape surrounding capital punishment, where various judicial checks and balances come into play. For many inmates on death row, the moments leading up to an execution are fraught with uncertainty as they await the court's decision.

The execution of Freddie Owens is significant for South Carolina, as it marks the state's first execution in over a decade. As the state prepares for additional executions, the ramifications for the legal system, the families affected by these crimes, and the broader community will continue to unfold.