Newberry SC, October 11, 2025
News Summary
Fred Singleton, who spent 42 years on South Carolina’s death row, has died at the age of 81 from natural causes. Convicted in 1983 for the rape and murder of Elizabeth Lominick, Singleton’s mental health struggles prevented his execution. His case raises ongoing questions about capital punishment and mental competency in the U.S.
Columbia, South Carolina – Fred Singleton, the longest-serving inmate on South Carolina’s death row, has died at the age of 81. He passed away from natural causes at the infirmary of Kirkland Correctional Institution, where he spent 42 years of his life following his conviction in 1983 for the rape and murder of 73-year-old Elizabeth Lominick in Newberry County in 1982. Singleton was also found guilty of stealing Lominick’s diamond and gold jewelry along with her car, elements that contributed to his conviction.
Singleton’s arrest took place in Georgetown County, where authorities discovered him in possession of Lominick’s belongings. His case had taken a significant turn in 1993 when the South Carolina Supreme Court ruled him mentally incompetent for execution. The court determined that Singleton did not have the cognitive ability to understand the implications of a death sentence, as he could only adequately respond to “yes” or “no” questions. Although his death sentence remained intact in case his mental health should improve, Singleton could not be forced to take medication to enhance his mental state.
For most of the last three decades, Singleton lived in legal limbo, unable to face execution due to his mental health status. His death was publicly announced four days after it occurred, prompting questions regarding the delay in notification.
With the passing of Singleton, South Carolina now has 24 inmates remaining on death row. The next longest-serving inmate is Jamie Wilson, who has been on death row for 34 years and also shares a similarly precarious situation regarding his mental competence. Since 2024, South Carolina has executed six inmates after a hiatus of 13 years in executions, highlighting the complexities surrounding the death penalty and the conditions of mental health among inmates.
Fred Singleton’s life sentence and eventual death underscore the prolonged legal battles faced by many on death row, reflecting issues surrounding mental health and capital punishment in the United States. Singleton’s case was marked by its long duration, raising essential questions about the intersection of justice and mental competency, as well as the broader implications for the death penalty system.
Background Information
In 1982, the crime that landed Singleton on death row involved the violent murder of Elizabeth Lominick. The details of the case revealed the troubling elements of his actions, including theft and violence against another individual. The decision by the South Carolina Supreme Court regarding Singleton’s mental competency sparked discussions on the ethics of executing individuals who do not fully grasp the nature of their sentences.
Singleton’s long tenure on death row had implications not only for his own life but also for the larger contingent of inmates facing similar circumstances across the state. The new landscape post-Singleton’s death continues to challenge perceptions and laws surrounding the application of capital punishment in South Carolina.
FAQ Section
Who was Fred Singleton?
Fred Singleton, 81, died of natural causes at Kirkland Correctional Institution’s infirmary. He was the longest-serving inmate on South Carolina’s death row, spending 42 years there.
What was Fred Singleton convicted of?
Singleton was convicted in 1983 for the rape and murder of 73-year-old Elizabeth Lominick in Newberry County in 1982. His conviction included elements of his theft of Lominick’s diamond and gold jewelry and her car.
What happened after his conviction?
In 1993, the South Carolina Supreme Court ruled Singleton was mentally incompetent for execution. The court determined he did not understand the implications of a death sentence and could only respond to “yes” or “no” questions.
How many inmates are currently on death row in South Carolina?
Singleton’s passing leaves 24 inmates on death row in South Carolina.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Fred Singleton, South Carolina’s Longest-Serving Death Row Inmate, Dies
Death of South Carolina’s Longest-Serving Death Row Inmate
Additional Resources
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
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