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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.
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- August 2, 2026
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- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Rock Hill Police Department has lost 4 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
William is one of 272 officers killed feloniously in SC, 61.5% of the 442 remembered there.
William is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
William is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1968, 3 officers in SC were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 119 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 7.
In 1968, 91 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 62nd heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1968, 91 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 73rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
William was 44. Of the 243 killed feloniously in SC whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 5.3 years.
William was 44. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. William had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
William was 44. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. William had served 12 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 7% of these deaths in SC; July holds the most, 10.7%. Saturdays: 17.3%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 16.3%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Saturdays: 16.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 50% of all 4 deaths at Rock Hill Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 100% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 61.5% of all 442 deaths in SC, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 17.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 22.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was gun, in 20.4% of these deaths.
His people
Rock Hill Police Department has 4 officers remembered here, William among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 31-E
Others Who Wore This Badge
3 officers from Rock Hill Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
