COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A condemned inmate forced to choose how he’ll be put to death ended weeks of suspense by leaving the decision to his lawyer, who reluctantly told South Carolina prison officials on Friday to prepare for a lethal injection, rather than the electric chair or a firing squad.
Freddie Owens said in court papers that deciding the execution method would be taking an active role in his own death, and his Muslim faith teaches him that suicide is a sin.
Attorney Emily Paavola sent in the form to prison officials and released a statement saying she is still unsure prison officials have released enough information about the drug to assure it will kill him without causing unbearable pain or agony that could be cruel and unusual punishment.
“I have known Mr. Owens for 15 years. Under the circumstances, and in light of the information currently available to me, I made the best decision I felt I could make on his behalf. I sincerely hope that the South Carolina Department of Corrections’ assurances will hold true,” she wrote.