South Carolina executed its third inmate, Marion Bowman Jr., in four months on Friday, as the state tries to solve the problem of prisoners whose appeals have been exhausted, the Associated Press reported, quoted by BTA.
In his statement detailing his last words, Bowman said he did not kill 21-year-old Candy Martin.
"I know Candy's family is hurting, they are rightfully angry," Bowman said. "If my death brings them some relief and an opportunity to focus on the good times and the funny stories, then I guess it has served its purpose. I hope they find peace."
Bowman, 44, was convicted of murder in the shooting death of his girlfriend, whose burned body was found in the trunk of a car.
Since his arrest, Bowman has maintained his innocence. His lawyers said he was convicted on the basis of several friends and relatives who received plea deals or had their charges dropped by prosecutors in exchange for their testimony.
Bowman, who has been on death row for more than half his life, was offered a life sentence, but he went to trial because he has maintained his innocence.