Friday, the state of South Carolina carried out the execution of Marion Bowman, Jr. Below are his final words:
“I did not kill Kandee Martin. I’m innocent of the crimes, I’m here to die for.
Living behind these walls has taught me a lot about loss and grief. It is never easy, but I have learned to find comfort in sharing good memories and funny stories. My suffering will soon be at an end, but I know it is the beginning for others. Please keep your head up, remember I love you, and please share your memories of me.
I know that Kandee’s family is in pain, they are justifiably angry. If my death brings them some relief and ability to focus on the good times and funny stories, then I guess it will have served a purpose. I hope they find peace.
To my family, friends, and supporters, I have nothing to give, but I have gained so much. I have tried to give a good return on your investment with love and care. I had bad moments but never a bad day because there were so many people that I could reach out to, investing in me and giving me a hand up. We all ended up as family, and I got a whole lot of family. Thank you.
Over the years I have learned that we are labeled as the worst of the worst. None of these guys that I have gotten to know and grown to love are the people that they were when they had their moment that cost them everything. If the world could see us in our day to day, they would have a different view of the death penalty. We all pray for grace and forgiveness, but the outside world is stuck with images of monsters perpetrated by the State, while our real voices are silenced. 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.”
"Last Breath or Sigh
Last breath or sigh of relief,
It was God who breathed the breath of life into Adam.
So why is taking our last breath so hard to fathom?
How many times you've held your breath,
When you've wondered what would happen if you exhaled.
Overcoming your fears, doubts, and many tears,
And you know God's pulled or pushed you through,
Only to release a sigh of relief.
Let there be no mistaking—
I've felt love with every breath I've taken.
I hope I've given a good return on that investment.
So, when I've breathed my last gasp,
The good Lord just took back what He gave me as breath.
Know that I'm in God's grasp,
And it's in His bosom I'll rest in.
Did I take a last breath or sigh of relief?
Last breath or sigh of relief.
Peace, Love, and Respect
– Marion Bowman Jr.”
Lindsey S. Vann, Executive Director of Justice 360, issued the following statement on behalf of Marion’s legal team, which includes the Capital Habeas Unit for the Fourth Circuit and Boyd Young of the South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense:
“The execution of Marion is an irreversible and tragic miscarriage of justice. From the beginning, Marion faced insurmountable obstacles: inadequate legal representation, racial bias, and a judicial system more interested in a conviction than the truth. Nor did the system account for the man Marion became. After his arrest at just 20 years old, Marion grew into a loving caretaker who blessed his family, friends, fellow inmates, and legal team. We will continue to fight for other victims of this broken system, and we will honor Marion by demanding a future where no one else suffers this same injustice.”
