Temporary Sanity May Allow Killer’s Execution

A death row inmate who is delusional when not forced to take anti-psychotic medication pleaded for his life Monday at a hearing on whether the state can execute him during his moments of sanity.

Charles Singleton, who was convicted of killing Mary Lou York at her grocery store in 1979, told the judge that he was mentally ill at the time of the slaying and that a state prosecutor was out to get him.

“She is trying to kill me,” Singleton said, gesturing toward Assistant Atty. Gen. Kelly Hill. “I’m poor. Ms. Hill has all the resources. I have nothing.”

Jefferson County Circuit Judge Fred Davis told Singleton that the hearing wouldn’t address whether he is guilty, innocent or insane.

The court is to determine whether it’s proper for the state to kill Singleton while he’s on medication that keeps him sane. In general, courts do not allow insane people to be put to death and have prevented states from medicating prisoners so they’ll be sane enough to execute.

Last month, two days before Singleton was to be executed by injection, the state’s highest court stopped it. The judges then ordered the case to go before the circuit court.

His hearing has been held in three stages since March 18. The circuit court’s decision is expected by May 22.

Singleton, 39, has been diagnosed as a paranoid schizophrenic who has had delusions that his death sentence was set aside and that he was being held in prison illegally, doctors said.

He had been voluntarily taking the anti-psychotic drugs Prolixin and Cogentin, but when he stopped last summer, a prison medical panel directed that he be forcibly medicated to protect himself and others.

Under questioning Monday by Hill, Singleton said he wants to be off the drugs.

Dr. Walter Oglesby, a prison psychiatrist, said Singleton’s mood changed dramatically when he stopped taking the drugs.

“He over the years had been very friendly,” Oglesby said. But at a meeting last July, Singleton was “very hostile and belligerent.”