Fred Singleton, South Carolina’s Longest-Serving Death Row Inmate, Passes Away

Newberry SC, October 12, 2025

News Summary

Fred Singleton, aged 81, passed away from natural causes at the Kirkland Correctional Institution’s infirmary. He was South Carolina’s longest-serving death row inmate, having spent 42 years in prison for the rape and murder of Elizabeth Lominick. Despite his conviction, Singleton’s mental competency issues kept him in legal limbo for decades. With his passing, 24 inmates remain on death row in South Carolina, and concerns over mental competency in capital cases continue.

Columbia, South Carolina – Fred Singleton, aged 81, passed away from natural causes on Monday at the Kirkland Correctional Institution’s infirmary. Singleton, who was South Carolina’s longest-serving death row inmate, had been on death row for 42 years.

Singleton was convicted in 1983 for the rape and strangulation of 73-year-old Elizabeth Lominick in Newberry County. He was sentenced to death in 1985 but spent his last three decades in legal limbo due to mental competency issues. The South Carolina Supreme Court ruled that Singleton was not competent to be executed because he could not understand he was subject to execution. Singleton could only respond to questions from his attorneys with “yes” or “no.”

In a 1993 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that Singleton’s death sentence should remain in place, contingent upon any improvements in his mental state, but stipulated that he could not be forced to take medication for execution purposes. Prosecutors stated that Singleton broke into Lominick’s home, where she was found dead by her family members. Moreover, her jewelry was found on Singleton when he was arrested, and his fingerprints were discovered on a bathroom window screen and inside Lominick’s car, which was located near the crime scene.

Following Singleton’s death, there are now 24 inmates remaining on South Carolina’s death row. In a notable recent development, South Carolina executed six inmates between 2024-2025, including the first firing squad execution in 15 years in March 2025. The current longest-serving inmate is Jamie Wilson, who has been on death row for 34 years after being convicted of killing two 8-year-old girls in a shooting at a Greenwood County elementary school in 1988. Similar to Singleton’s situation, Wilson is currently in legal limbo regarding his competency for execution.

Key Facts about Fred Singleton and South Carolina’s Death Row

• Death: Fred Singleton died at age 81 from natural causes.
• Duration on Death Row: 42 years.
• Conviction: Convicted in 1983 for the rape and strangulation of Elizabeth Lominick.
• Status: Not competent to be executed after Supreme Court ruling.
• Current Death Row Inmates: 24 remaining after Singleton’s death.
• Recent Executions: Six inmates executed from 2024-2025, including first firing squad execution in 15 years.
• Next Longest-Serving Inmate: Jamie Wilson, 34 years on death row.

Conclusion

Fred Singleton’s death marks the end of a long chapter in South Carolina’s death penalty history. Singleton’s case reflects ongoing concerns about mental competency and the legal complexities surrounding capital punishment in the state.

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Additional Resources

• South Carolina Daily Gazette
• Fox News
• The State
• AP News
• CNN
• Wikipedia: Death Penalty in the United States
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Death Penalty
• Google Search: Fred Singleton death row
• Google Scholar: Fred Singleton case
• 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.