Phyllis Yvonne Banks Singletary, aged 31, was tragically found dead on August 14, 1989, in her apartment in Carson, California. Singletary, who was a juror in the high-profile Richard Ramirez "Night Stalker" trial, was discovered shot to death. Her death was initially surrounded by speculation due to her involvement in the trial, but it was later determined to be unrelated to the case.
Authorities identified the incident as a result of a domestic dispute.
The primary suspect in Singletary's murder was her live-in boyfriend, James Cecil Melton, aged 51. According to reports, Melton and Singletary had been involved in a heated argument that escalated into violence. Melton allegedly beat and shot Singletary before fleeing the scene in a Cadillac. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department launched an investigation and sought Melton for questioning. The case took a tragic turn when Melton was found dead by suicide shortly after the incident. He left behind a note admitting to the murder of Singletary, which provided closure to the investigation.
Despite the clear evidence pointing to Melton as the perpetrator, the case had significant implications for the ongoing Richard Ramirez trial. Singletary's death led to calls for a mistrial from Ramirez's defense team, arguing that the juror's murder could bias the remaining jurors. However, the judge presiding over the case denied the request, stating that Singletary's death was unrelated to the trial and replaced her with an alternate juror. This decision allowed the trial to proceed without further delays.
The murder of Phyllis Yvonne Banks Singletary remains a poignant reminder of the potential dangers of domestic violence. Her untimely death, while not connected to the infamous "Night Stalker" case, highlighted the personal risks faced by individuals involved in high-profile legal proceedings. The swift resolution of the investigation, with Melton's confession and subsequent suicide, brought a somber end to the tragic event.
