Greenville Resident Faces Execution After 1997 Halloween Crime
Life in Greenville took a tragic turn on Halloween in 1997 when Irene Grainger Graves, a devoted single mother of three, was senselessly murdered in the early hours of November 1st. Working tirelessly to provide for her family, Irene juggled three jobs at Kmart, Bi-Lo, and Speedway. Her efforts were driven by a simple but profound wish: to ensure her children never felt disadvantaged because she was a single parent.
Irene’s dedication was unwavering, yet it came to a brutal end at the hands of Freddie Owens, then a 19-year-old with a troubled past. Owens, who endured a childhood marked by abuse and moving through foster care, invaded the Speedway in Mauldin with an accomplice, Stephen Golden. Both men were masked and armed.
The fateful night saw the two men pulling their guns on Irene, ordering her to open the store’s register and safe. When she couldn’t open the safe, Owens made a chilling decision, stating, “Oh well,” before shooting her in the head. They escaped with a mere $37.29 while Irene lay lifeless on the floor, discovered by her coworker, Mary Hall, who immediately called 911.
A Mother’s Legacy
Born on April 6, 1956, and a graduate of Mullins High School, Irene’s life was dedicated to her family and community. Before her untimely death, her days were filled with church attendance and ensuring her children, Arte, Jeremy, and Ensley, had every opportunity. Her efforts extended to providing for their interests, from dance lessons to cheerleading.
During the trial, coworker testimonies highlighted that Irene’s children were her world. This sentiment was echoed by victim witness advocate Juliana Christy, who had the heartbreaking task of informing Irene’s children about their mother’s death. Ensley, then in her cheerleading uniform, and Jeremy were left to grapple with the overwhelming grief of losing their mother. These tragic events plagued their young lives with nightmares and silence as they moved to live with their grandmother, Ira Grainger.
The Final Moments
The execution of Freddie Owens, now aged 46 and scheduled for October 4, 2023, marks South Carolina’s first use of lethal injection since 2011. This closure is a stark reminder of Irene’s last moments and the lifelong impact on her family.
Irene’s murder left a permanent scar on her children’s lives. Ensley shared a heartfelt post on Facebook two years ago on what would have been Irene’s birthday, saying, “Happy Heavenly Birthday…. Everyday is still tough without you. You would have had the most amazing time with your grandbabies. I talk to them about you often. Rest on.”
The Speedway location on Laurens Road is now closed, yet the memory of that tragic night remains etched in the minds of those who knew Irene. Her funeral, held six days after her death, drew many to Old Field Baptist in Mullins, her hometown, where she was finally laid to rest in Carmichael Cemetery.
Today, as Greenville continues to evolve, the story of Irene Grainger Graves serves as a poignant reminder of one woman’s resilience and love for her family, and the enduring impact of one senseless act of violence.
