Freddie Owens
Freddie Owens
2Digest
This episode delves into the case of Freddie Owens, who was convicted of murdering a convenience store clerk in 1997 and executed in 2024. The podcast explores the details of the crime, Owens' trial, and the subsequent murder of a fellow inmate while awaiting sentencing. The episode begins with an introduction and shoutouts to Patreon supporters, followed by a discussion of the murder of Irene Graves, a single mother who was fatally shot during a robbery at a Speedway convenience store in Greenville, South Carolina. The hosts detail the events leading up to the crime and the subsequent arrest of Freddie Owens and Stephen Golden. The episode then covers the trial of Freddie Owens, including the testimony of witnesses, the defense's arguments, and the jury's verdict. Owens was convicted of murder, armed robbery, and other charges. The episode continues with a discussion of the murder of Christopher Lee, a fellow inmate at the Greenville County detention center, who was killed by Freddie Owens just one day after Owens was convicted of murder. The hosts detail the events leading up to the murder and Owens' confession. The episode concludes with a discussion of the aftermath of the murders, including Owens' sentencing, appeals, and eventual execution. The hosts discuss the controversy surrounding the case, particularly the late-stage recantation of testimony by Stephen Golden. The episode ends with voicemails from listeners and a discussion of mailbag items.
Outlines
The Case of Freddie Owens: A Murder Conviction and a Shocking Twist
This episode delves into the case of Freddie Owens, who was convicted of murdering a convenience store clerk in 1997 and executed in 2024. The podcast explores the details of the crime, Owens' trial, and the subsequent murder of a fellow inmate while awaiting sentencing.
The Murder of Irene Graves and the Arrest of Freddie Owens
The hosts discuss the murder of Irene Graves, a single mother who was fatally shot during a robbery at a Speedway convenience store in Greenville, South Carolina. They detail the events leading up to the crime and the subsequent arrest of Freddie Owens and Stephen Golden.
The Trial and Conviction of Freddie Owens
The episode covers the trial of Freddie Owens, including the testimony of witnesses, the defense's arguments, and the jury's verdict. Owens was convicted of murder, armed robbery, and other charges.
The Murder of Christopher Lee and Owens' Confession
The hosts discuss the murder of Christopher Lee, a fellow inmate at the Greenville County detention center, who was killed by Freddie Owens just one day after Owens was convicted of murder. They detail the events leading up to the murder and Owens' confession.
The Aftermath and Owens' Execution
The episode covers the aftermath of the murders, including Owens' sentencing, appeals, and eventual execution. The hosts discuss the controversy surrounding the case, particularly the late-stage recantation of testimony by Stephen Golden.
Voicemails and Mailbag
The hosts play voicemails from listeners and discuss mailbag items, including handcrafted magnets and a \"little pot\" from Colorado.
Keywords
Lethal Injection
A method of execution using a combination of drugs to induce unconsciousness, paralysis, and cardiac arrest. It has been the primary method of execution in the United States since the 1980s, but has faced controversy due to concerns about its effectiveness and potential for pain.
Recantation
The act of withdrawing or retracting a previous statement or testimony. Recantations can occur for various reasons, including pressure, coercion, or a change of heart. They are often controversial, particularly in legal proceedings, as they can raise questions about the reliability of evidence.
Death Row
A prison unit where inmates sentenced to death are held. Death row inmates typically face a long period of confinement and uncertainty while awaiting execution. The conditions and treatment of death row inmates vary significantly from state to state.
Murder Conviction
A legal finding that a person is guilty of the crime of murder. Murder convictions typically carry severe penalties, including life imprisonment or the death penalty.
Convenience Store Robbery
A crime in which a person or group of people rob a convenience store, often using force or the threat of force. Convenience store robberies are common crimes, often motivated by the desire for quick cash.
Antisocial Personality Disorder
A personality disorder characterized by a disregard for social norms, a lack of empathy, and a tendency towards impulsive and reckless behavior. Individuals with this disorder may engage in criminal activity and have difficulty maintaining relationships.
False Confession
A confession to a crime that is not true. False confessions can be coerced by law enforcement, or they may be given by individuals who are mentally ill or have a cognitive impairment.
Capital Punishment
The practice of executing a person as punishment for a crime. Capital punishment is a controversial topic, with strong arguments both for and against its use.
Q&A
What were the circumstances surrounding the murder of Irene Graves?
Irene Graves, a single mother working three jobs, was fatally shot during a robbery at a Speedway convenience store in Greenville, South Carolina. The crime occurred in the early morning hours, and security footage captured two masked men entering the store.
What was the evidence presented against Freddie Owens at his trial?
The prosecution presented testimony from witnesses who claimed Owens confessed to the crime, including his girlfriend and a co-defendant. They also presented evidence of a robbery spree Owens was involved in, including the murder of Irene Graves.
What was the significance of Stephen Golden's recantation of his testimony?
Golden's recantation, made shortly before Owens' execution, claimed that Owens was not present during the murder of Irene Graves. This raised questions about the reliability of Golden's previous testimony and the possibility of Owens' innocence.
What were the arguments made by Owens' attorneys in their attempt to delay his execution?
Owens' attorneys argued that Golden's recantation, combined with the lack of physical evidence linking Owens to the crime, warranted a new trial. They claimed that Owens was being executed for a crime he did not commit.
What was the outcome of Owens' execution?
Despite the late-stage recantation by Golden, Owens was executed by lethal injection on September 20, 2024. The state Supreme Court denied a stay of execution, finding Golden's recantation unreliable and insufficient to warrant a new trial.
Show Notes
Freddie Owens was convicted of murdering a convenience store clerk in 1997. Twenty-five years after his conviction, he was executed on September 20th, 2024, making him the first inmate executed in the state of South Carolina in thirteen years.
Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss Freddie Owens. Freddie told his girlfriend that he wanted to go down in history for committing the most murders in Greenville, South Carolina, without getting caught. Thankfully, he never reached his goal, but unfortunately for 41-year-old Irene Graves, she happened to be working at a convenience store when Freddie came in to rob it.
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