West Memphis youth sentenced to life without parole

Singleton sentenced for 2022 murder of girlfriend

By DON WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

A Crittenden County jury convicted 24-year-old Elijah Singleton of first-degree murder on Thursday, January 9, 2024, for the 2022 killing of 19-year-old Jakeya Hampton. Circuit Judge Randy Philhours sentenced Singleton to life in prison without the possibility of parole, along with an additional 15 years for the use of a firearm during the commission of the crime.

Prosecuting Attorney Sonia F. Hagood praised the jury for their service and the West Memphis Police Department for their dedication to solving the case. She expressed hope that the conviction would bring some solace to Hampton’s grieving family, noting the senselessness of the act and the community’s commitment to justice.

The crime occurred on October 8, 2022, when Singleton and Hampton, who had been in a relationship for nearly a year, were engaged in a heated argument. The dispute began days earlier when Singleton reportedly stole Hampton’s cell phone. According to investigators, Hampton was trying to retrieve her phone and had expressed a desire to end the relationship. The argument escalated over Facebook Messenger, culminating in the fatal encounter.

West Memphis police responded to reports of a shooting around 1:15 a.m. in the 1600 block of Scottwood Street. Officers found

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Hampton in a gray Kia Optima, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Medics were called, but Hampton succumbed to her injuries at the scene.

Surveillance footage revealed Hampton’s vehicle stopping on Scottwood Street before a passenger, later identified as Singleton, fled after firing several shots from inside the car. Authorities pieced together evidence with the help of the community and various investigative tools, leading to Singleton’s identification as the suspect.

Singleton was apprehended days later at the Budget Inn in West Memphis following a two-hour standoff.

Hampton, a recent graduate of Marion High School, had a promising future ahead of her, which was tragically cut short. Prosecutors and law enforcement officials underscored the devastating impact of Singleton’s actions on Hampton’s family and the broader community.

“This was a senseless act of violence,” said Prosecuting Attorney Hagood. “Ms. Hampton’s family will always miss her, but we pray they can rest easier at night knowing a Crittenden County jury took care of their community and sentenced this dangerous individual to life.”