BREAKING: Beloved Lancaster Man Killed in Shocking Apartment Shooting
LANCASTER, S.C. — Less than 24 hours after the fatal shooting of 57-year-old Edward Townsend at Palmetto Place Apartments, the suspect is behind bars. Townsend, a respected Lancaster resident and local business owner, was found Tuesday night with a gunshot wound. Despite emergency efforts, he tragically passed away at the hospital.
Police wasted no time in their hunt for the suspect. Working with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and the Department of Pardon, Probation, and Parole, local officers quickly identified 56-year-old James Singleton as the alleged gunman. Officials warned the public that Singleton was armed and dangerous, releasing his photo and urging residents to remain vigilant.
“We’ve Lost a Good Man” — Grief Grips the Community
Edward Townsend wasn’t just another name in a police report. To those who knew him, he was a pillar of the community — a man who ran his business with integrity, treated people with kindness, and made time for friends and neighbors alike. His sudden and violent death has left Lancaster in shock.
Family members described him as loving, dependable, and deeply committed to his community. One friend, barely able to hold back tears, said, “We’ve lost a good man — someone who made this town better just by being here.” The tragedy is compounded by the swiftness of the attack, which has left friends and loved ones struggling to comprehend how an ordinary evening could turn into a nightmare in seconds.
Swift Justice Brings Arrest, But Not Healing
Thanks to multiple tips from the public, authorities located and arrested James Singleton in Rock Hill on Wednesday morning — less than a day after the shooting. Law enforcement agencies credited the community for coming forward with critical information that led to a safe capture.
While the arrest has brought a sense of relief, it cannot erase the loss. Outside Townsend’s business, flowers and handwritten notes now cover the doorway. At Palmetto Place Apartments, candles flicker near the spot where the fatal shots were fired. Community leaders have called for peace, unity, and remembrance, urging residents to honor Townsend’s life by coming together to prevent future tragedies.
As Lancaster mourns, one thing is certain: Edward Townsend’s name will not fade into silence. His legacy will live on through the lives he touched, the friendships he built, and the example he set for all who knew him.
