N. Charleston man found guilty in deadly 2018 shooting

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) – A North Charleston man has been sentenced to life in prison after a jury found him guilty of fatally shooting an 18-year-old man.

Maurice Singleton was convicted Wednesday in connection with the March 2, 2018 shooting death of Vaughn McFadden at the Bennet Rail Yard in North Charleston.

On the final day of witness testimony, in a trial five years in the making, the victim’s sister testified. She described her brother as a big teddy bear and a gentle giant who wouldn’t hurt a fly. She said, like most siblings, they had a love-hate relationship, but it was all love in the end.

“Vaughn was just a good person,” McFadden said. “He was not the average 18-year-old kid. He was, as they say, someone before their time. He was way ahead of his time.”

Singleton, who chose to represent himself throughout the trial, cross-examined McFadden’s sister. She held his gaze firmly, even though moments earlier she had become emotional while giving her testimony.

Throughout the case, the prosecution presented security video, text messages and cell phone location data as evidence. Singleton objected, often arguing that certain evidence was prejudicial against him, but was almost always overruled.

Jury selection took place Monday morning, with testimony filled Monday afternoon, all of Tuesday and Wednesday morning.

The jury began deliberations at around 3.45pm on Wednesday and concluded two hours later.

The Honorable Judge Bentley Price presided over the hearing. At one point, he held Singleton in contempt of court for his outbursts of talking over others and getting physical with deputies who escorted him out of the room.

“I just find it deplorable to be honest,” Price said. “The fact that you were facing firearms charges when you committed this senseless act against someone you considered a friend shows that you don’t need to be in society.”

McFadden’s mother addressed the judge before sentencing.

“It hurts,” she said. “I’m not angry anymore. I forgave. I ask for the maximum. I do believe when the father says you will reap what you sow. May God have mercy on his soul.”

McFadden’s family members broke down in tears when the verdict was announced. Singleton apologizes to the McFadden family for the difficult process, but maintains his innocence.

Prosecutors and Price sentenced Singleton to life in prison.

VERDICT: A jury finds Maurice Singleton guilty in the 2018 North Charleston killing of Vaughn McFadden. Jurors deliberated for two hours. McFadden’s family broke down in tears at the news. Singleton apologizes to the family for the difficult process, but maintains his innocence. #chsnews

— Melissa Rademaker | Live 5 News (@MelissaRadTV) March 29, 2023