Newberry SC, October 11, 2025
News Summary
Fred Singleton, the longest-serving death row inmate in South Carolina, passed away at 81. He spent 42 years on death row following his conviction for the rape and murder of 73-year-old Elizabeth Lominick in 1983. Singleton’s case raised significant questions about mental competency in capital punishment, as he was deemed unfit for execution. His death leaves 24 inmates remaining on death row in the state.
Columbia, South Carolina — Fred Singleton, the longest-serving death row inmate in South Carolina, died of natural causes at the age of 81 in Kirkland Correctional Institution’s infirmary. Singleton spent 42 years on death row following his conviction in 1983 for the rape and murder of 73-year-old Elizabeth Lominick in Newberry County.
His conviction was hinged on evidence showing that he broke into Lominick’s home, where she was discovered strangled with a bedsheet. At the crime scene, Singleton’s fingerprints were found on the screen of a bathroom window. Further investigation led to his arrest in nearby Georgetown County, where he was found with Lominick’s diamond and gold rings in his pockets and her vehicle, which also bore his fingerprints, parked nearby.
Singleton’s fate became intricately intertwined with legal issues surrounding his mental competency nearly three decades ago. The South Carolina Supreme Court ruled that he was mentally incompetent to be executed, finding that he did not understand the implications of his sentence or the method of execution. He could only respond to questions with “yes” or “no.”
In a ruling from 1993, the justices determined that although Singleton would remain on death row, potential advancements in psychological assessments could potentially improve his ability to comprehend his situation. However, they also emphasized that he could not be compelled to take medication aimed at restoring his mental capacity for execution.
With Singleton’s passing, the current death row population in South Carolina stands at 24 inmates. Since the end of 2014, South Carolina has executed six individuals, all occurring between 2024 and 2025. Others on death row have either had their sentences altered or died of natural causes. The longest-serving inmate after Singleton is Jamie Wilson, 56 years old, who has been incarcerated for 34 years for the murder of two 8-year-old girls during a school shooting in 1988. Wilson’s status remains unresolved in terms of competency for execution, as he has not received a ruling following a competency hearing in 2011.
The South Carolina Department of Corrections has come under scrutiny for the four-day delay in publicly announcing Singleton’s death.
Background on Fred Singleton’s Case
Singleton’s legal battles exemplify the complexities of the death penalty system in the United States. Following his conviction in the 1980s, he became a focal point for discussions concerning mental health and the eligibility of individuals to face execution. His case highlights how legal frameworks attempt to balance justice with mental health considerations, especially in cases involving severe crimes.
As Singleton’s case unfolds and the nature of death row in South Carolina continues to change, updates on other inmates like Jamie Wilson follow closely behind, as the state’s criminal justice system continues to grapple with issues surrounding execution and mental health crises.
Current Death Row Statistics
- Total Death Row Inmates: 24
- Longest Serving Inmate: Jamie Wilson (34 years)
- Executions since 2014: 6
Key Events Timeline
- 1983: Fred Singleton convicted of murder and rape
- 1993: SC Supreme Court rules Singleton mentally incompetent for execution
- 2011: Jamie Wilson not ruled on for competency after hearing
- 2024-2025: Six executions conducted in South Carolina
FAQ
What was Fred Singleton convicted of?
Singleton was sentenced to death in 1983 for the rape and murder of 73-year-old Elizabeth Lominick in Newberry County.
How long did Singleton spend on death row?
Singleton spent 42 years in prison, making him the longest-serving inmate on death row in South Carolina.
What evidence was used against Singleton in his conviction?
His conviction was based on evidence that he broke into Lominick’s home, where she was found strangled with a bedsheet. Singleton’s fingerprints were found on the screen of a bathroom window at the crime scene and he was arrested with Lominick’s rings in his possession.
What led to Singleton’s legal limbo?
Singleton spent the last three decades of his life in legal limbo after the state Supreme Court ruled he was mentally incompetent to be executed.
What is the current status of death row inmates in South Carolina?
Singleton’s death leaves 24 inmates on South Carolina’s death row. The current longest-serving inmate is Jamie Wilson, aged 56, who has been on death row for 34 years.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Death of South Carolina’s Longest-Serving Death Row Inmate
Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
