35 Facts About Lawrence Singleton

Early Life and Career

Lawrence Singleton's early life and career set the stage for his later notoriety. Here are some key facts about his beginnings:

1. Lawrence Bernard Singleton was born on July 28, 1927, in Tampa, Florida.
2. He dropped out of school at 16 to work on the railroad and later at a shipyard.
3. Singleton became a merchant mariner at 17 in 1945.
4. He served in the Army during the Korean War and was honorably discharged in 1952.
5. After his military service, he returned to the Merchant Marine, attended officers training school, and became a captain.

Personal Life

Singleton's personal life was marked by relationships and family ties that would later be overshadowed by his crimes.

6. He married Shirley Ann Powels in 1958.
7. They remained married for 14 years until her death in 1977.
8. Singleton had a daughter, Debra Ann, who became a psychiatric nurse in Seattle, Washington.

The Infamous Crime

The crime that made Singleton infamous involved a brutal attack on a young hitchhiker.

9. On September 29, 1978, Singleton picked up 15-year-old Mary Vincent.
10. Instead of driving her to her destination, he raped and mutilated her.
11. He cut off her forearms with a hatchet and left her to die in Del Puerto Canyon, California.
12. Despite severe injuries, Mary Vincent managed to stumble three miles to the nearest road.
13. Her bravery and determination were crucial in identifying Singleton and bringing him to justice.

Trial and Conviction

Mary Vincent's testimony played a pivotal role in Singleton's trial and conviction.

14. Vincent bravely confronted Singleton in court, pointing out his shiny prosthetic arm.
15. Her powerful statement about her ordeal helped secure Singleton's conviction.
16. Singleton was sentenced to 14 years and four months in prison.
17. He was released on parole after serving only eight years due to good behavior.

Public Outrage and Legislative Impact

Singleton's early release sparked widespread outrage and led to significant changes in the legal system.

18. The leniency of Singleton's sentence led to public outcry.
19. The "Singleton bill" was passed in 1987, making it more difficult for violent offenders to be released early.
20. This legislation carried a 25-years-to-life sentence for crimes involving torture.

Life After Prison

After his release, Singleton's life continued to be marked by criminal behavior and public rejection.

21. Singleton returned to Florida and struggled with alcoholism.
22. In 1990, he was twice convicted of theft, serving a 60-day sentence for stealing a $10 disposable camera and a two-year term for stealing a $3 hat.

Second Conviction and Death

Singleton's violent tendencies resurfaced, leading to another tragic crime.

23. In the spring of 1997, Singleton was involved in another violent crime.
24. Police found the body of Roxanne Hayes, a mother of three, who had been stabbed multiple times.
25. Singleton was arrested and charged with her murder.
26. Mary Vincent traveled from California to Tampa to testify at his sentencing.
27. On February 20, 1998, a jury found Singleton guilty of Roxanne Hayes' murder.
28. On April 14, 1998, he was sentenced to death.
29. Singleton died of cancer on December 28, 2001, at the North Florida Reception Center in Starke.

Legacy and Impact

The legacy of Lawrence Singleton's crimes continues to influence discussions about justice and parole laws.

30. In May 1987, Clark County District Judge Tom Foley awarded Mary Vincent $2.4 million from Singleton.
31. Vincent was awarded $13,000 by California under the Victims of Violent Crimes Act in 1983.
32. Despite the traumatic experience, Mary Vincent showed remarkable resilience, attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and later moving to an undisclosed location in the Pacific Northwest.
33. Singleton long denied raping and mutilating Mary Vincent, claiming he drank heavily and passed out.
34. He admitted to stabbing Roxanne Hayes and expressed remorse for her death.
35. Singleton's crimes led to significant changes in parole laws and sentencing guidelines, ensuring that those who commit heinous crimes face appropriate consequences.

The Legacy of Lawrence Singleton

Lawrence Singleton's life is a chilling reminder of the depths of human depravity. His brutal crimes, especially the attack on Mary Vincent, left scars that went beyond physical wounds. The public outrage over his early release led to significant changes in parole laws, ensuring violent offenders face stiffer penalties. Singleton's story also highlights the resilience of survivors like Mary Vincent, who turned her trauma into a powerful force for change. On the flip side, there's another Lawrence Singleton, an academic who made positive contributions to business education. These two lives, so starkly different, show the vast spectrum of human experience. Singleton's crimes will forever be a dark chapter in history, but they also serve as a catalyst for legal reforms and a testament to the strength of those who survive such horrors.