Marion Bowman, 44, is scheduled to be executed on January 31, 2025 in South Carolina for the murder of Kandee Martin.
Marion takes responsibility for making immature choices like selling drugs as a teenager, but he has steadfastly maintained his innocence of murder. His conviction was based on unreliable, incentivized testimony, with no forensic evidence connecting him to the crime scene. Studies show that incentivized testimony, where witnesses are rewarded for providing testimony that supports the prosecutors’ theory of the case, increases the risk of wrongful convictions.
Marion’s trial was marred by the deep-seated racism of his own trial attorney, who was more committed to his prejudice than his ethical duty to represent his client effectively. Despite having access to evidence to challenge the State’s case, his trial attorney failed to use it on behalf of Marion. His inaction stemmed from a disbelief in his Black client, rooted in racist stereotypes rather than an objective assessment of the facts.
Notably, this would be the second time in a matter of months that South Carolina seeks to carry out a sentence of death based on incentivized testimony at trial, raising significant concerns regarding the reliability of such evidence in capital cases and of the South Carolina system in general.
Marion is not just a number or a statistic; he is a father and a grandfather, a man with strong ties to his family, even as he faces the harsh reality of death row. The outcome in his case will reverberate deeply in the lives of those closest to him, especially his daughter and grandchildren, who will grow up without the man who shaped their early years. For those who know him best, the prospect of his loss is more than just a family tragedy; it would mean the loss of a guiding presence, a source of strength, and a constant reminder of the power of love that transcends even the walls that separate them.
Known for his humor and charisma, Marion has become a beacon of support for his fellow inmates, offering kindness and encouragement in an overwhelmingly harsh and isolating environment. His peers seek him out and respect him for his ability to lift the spirits of those around him, tirelessly caring for others and even helping to bridge the gap between inmates and correctional staff.
Arrested and wrongfully convicted and sentenced while barely more than a teenager, Marion’s character and resilience have continued to shine through. Through his actions, he proves that even in the most unforgiving environments, the desire to better oneself and help others can remain strong.
South Carolina should not carry out a sentence of the ultimate finality when such obvious questions of fairness remain. To proceed with the death penalty in this case would be profoundly unjust.
Please sign the petition asking Governor Henry McMaster to stay this execution and grant justice for Marion Bowman. Any alternative is better than the death penalty!
To:
Gov. Henry McMaster
From:
[Your Name]
We are writing to ask that you to stop the execution of Marion Bowman for the murders of Kandee Martin.
We are concerned about this case for a number of reasons, most notably because this could be the second execution of a wrongfully convicted person in less than 6 months. Marion's conviction was based on unreliable, incentivized testimony, with no forensic evidence connecting him to the crime scene. We believe that if the death penalty were abolished, there would be more resources for law enforcement to do their best work.
Marion’s trial was marred by the deep-seated racism of his own trial attorney, who was more committed to his prejudice than his ethical duty to represent his client effectively. He pressured him to plead guilty, convinced that a jury would not listen to a Black defendant with a white victim.
Finally, Marion was convicted to death row when he was barely more than a teenager. As we know, South Carolina has a terrible history of executing Black teenagers. From the turn of the 20th century until the U.S. Supreme Court struck down existing death penalty laws in 1972, South Carolina executed 44 teenagers charged with murder, rape, or attempted rape. All but two of the executed teenagers (95.5%), and all 12 charged with crimes allegedly committed while they were juveniles, were black.
Marion is not just a number or a statistic; he is a father and a grandfather, a man with strong ties to his family, even as he faces the harsh reality of death row. Marion has become a beacon of support for his fellow inmates, offering kindness and encouragement in an overwhelmingly harsh and isolating environment. His peers seek him out and respect him for his ability to lift the spirits of those around him, tirelessly caring for others and even helping to bridge the gap between inmates and correctional staff.
We, the undersigned, ask that you do everything within your power to stop this execution, including issuing a stay and changing his sentence to alternative prison terms.
Thank you for your time and attention to this serious matter.
