On April 30, 2023, at approximately 6:45 a.m., Wilmington Police Department officers responded to a reported shooting in the 1200 block of North 26th Street in Wilmington, North Carolina. Upon arrival, they discovered 51-year-old Rufus Junior Singletary suffering from life-threatening injuries; he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation led to the arrest of 55-year-old Wilmington resident Annie Lou Bradford, who was charged with second-degree murder in connection with
Singletary's death. Authorities indicated that the incident was domestic in nature and assured the public that there was no ongoing threat.
A 911 call released by officials revealed that Bradford reported the shooting, stating that she had shot her boyfriend during an argument after he allegedly charged at her. She expressed remorse during the call, repeatedly saying, "I'm so sorry." Bradford was held without bail at the New Hanover County jail and made a court appearance on May 1, 2023, where her bond was set at $500,000. Her next court date was scheduled for May 18, 2023.
Singletary was a lifelong resident of Wilmington, born on February 10, 1972. He was employed with the City of Wilmington for 25 years and owned a lawn care business and Hot Wheel Detailing. Known for his sense of humor and storytelling skills, he had a passion for restoring vintage vehicles and enjoyed listening to Motown hits while riding around Wilmington with his dog, Draco.
The tragic incident highlighted the issue of domestic violence in the community. The North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence included Singletary's death in their 2023 homicide list, underscoring the fatal consequences that can arise from domestic disputes.
