Inmate in South Carolina faces execution as he criticizes lawyer for inadequate defense

Marion Bowman Jr., 44, is facing execution in South Carolina, potentially as early as January 3. He has exhausted his appeals and criticized his trial lawyer for being "too sympathetic" toward the victim, Kandee Martin, who was killed in 2001. Bowman's current appeal claims his trial attorney inadequately represented him, including making biased comments about race. Evidence against him includes testimony from friends and family, as well as details of a sexual relationship with Martin, though he was not charged with rape. South Carolina has resumed executions after a 13-year pause, following a law passed in 2023 that allows secrecy regarding lethal injection drug sources. Bowman would be the third inmate executed under this new law.