Newberry SC, October 13, 2025

News Summary

Fred Singleton, who was the longest-serving death row inmate in South Carolina, passed away at the age of 81 after 42 years in legal limbo. Singleton was convicted in 1983 for the brutal murder of a 73-year-old woman and underwent a lengthy legal battle regarding his mental competency. His case brought forth significant discussions about capital punishment and mental health rights. Despite his tragic history, Singleton’s death raises questions about the future of death row inmates in South Carolina.

Columbia, South Carolina

Fred Singleton, South Carolina’s longest-serving death row inmate, has died at the age of 81 after spending 42 years in legal limbo. Singleton was pronounced dead from natural causes at the infirmary of the Kirkland Correctional Institution on Monday.

Singleton was convicted in 1983 of raping and strangling Elizabeth Lominick, a 73-year-old woman in Newberry County. The crime shocked the local community as Lominick was found dead, having been strangled with a bedsheet. Upon his arrest, Singleton’s fingerprints were found at the crime scene, and he was discovered in possession of Lominick’s jewelry.

Following his 1985 death sentence, Singleton embarked on a lengthy legal battle, filing numerous petitions for post-conviction relief. His claims of incompetence for execution were initially denied by the courts from 1986 until 1990. However, a significant turning point occurred in 1990 when a judge ruled that Singleton was mentally incapacitated due to brain damage. This ruling led to the vacating of his death sentence and the imposition of a life sentence instead.

The South Carolina Supreme Court became involved in Singleton’s case and made a pivotal ruling in 1993, stating that Singleton could not be forced to receive medication to restore his competency for execution. This decision set an important precedent regarding inmates’ rights to privacy and medical ethics in capital punishment cases within the state.

Despite the ruling, Singleton spent much of the last 30 years in prison with an uncertain legal status stemming from questions surrounding his mental competency. As of his death, 24 men remained on South Carolina’s death row, with the oldest being Jamie Wilson, a 56-year-old convicted in 1988 for killing two elementary school students.

Before his passing, Singleton had been moved to the infirmary at the Kirkland Correctional Institution. No additional immediate details about the circumstances of his death have been made available.

Background on Fred Singleton’s Case

Fred Singleton’s journey through the legal system is marked by a complex interaction of crime, mental health, and the death penalty. Convicted of a heinous crime, his original sentence was met with several legal challenges that spanned across decades, forcing the state judicial system to confront significant ethical and legal questions about mental competency in capital punishment cases.

Singleton’s case highlights the ongoing discussions surrounding the death penalty in South Carolina and the measures of justice and rehabilitation connected to mental health considerations. As Singleton is laid to rest, questions remain regarding the future of capital punishment in the state and the fog surrounding the remaining death row inmates.

Conclusion

Fred Singleton’s passing marks the end of a complex and protracted chapter in South Carolina’s legal history. His case serves as a reminder of the ongoing dialogue about the death penalty, mental health, and the justice system in the United States.

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Additional Resources

• WIS TV
• Fox News
• WACH
• WYFF 4
• Newser
• Wikipedia: Death Penalty in the United States
• Google Search: Fred Singleton death row
• Google Scholar: Fred Singleton case
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Death Penalty
• Google News: South Carolina death row

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.