Roll of Honor
Incident
Detective Singleton was shot and killed while walking his beat. A young girl ran up to him and told him that her boyfriend was shooting at her. At the same moment the boyfriend came out of the house and fired a shot, striking Detective Singleton in the head. The 36-year-old suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. On September 8, 1971, he was working at a road job when he was stung by several bees. He was treated at a local hospital and returned to the prison. Later on that day he collapsed and died.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-SC-4B23F2CB- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Detective Singleton gave the Rock Hill Police Department 12 years.
Thank you for your service to the Rock Hill community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Detective Singleton.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Detective William A. Singleton is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In SC, 271 of 438 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 61.9% of this state's fallen. That is 7.7 percentage points above the national rate of 54.2%.
At Rock Hill Police Department, 2 of 4 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 50% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. William A. Singleton's cause is highlighted.
How William A. Singleton Compares
Offender Outcome
Died in prison
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. William A. Singleton is highlighted in Nov.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. William A. Singleton was killed by gun; unknown type.
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Rock Hill Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
