If you talked to some folks in Mobile, Alabama, back in 90’s, they may have told you that Louis Singleton was one of the best athletes to come through their town. Louis had a bright future in front of him, and lots of promise. He was born in 1976, the son of a brick mason and a high school teacher. His parents were separated, but Louis, the youngest of two children, grew up in a middle class, stable home. He had average grades in school, held a summer job, and participated in varsity football and basketball programs.
Louis was heavy into sports from the beginning. He wasn’t an angel, but he wasn’t trouble either. He was typical. He got a speeding ticket once because he was running late to summer school. He also got in trouble for disorderly conduct when he was sixteen, due to a fight. But, for the most part, things were looking very good for him midway into his junior year of high school. His eye was on being the starting quarterback for his high school football team the following year. Yes, Louis had dreams – big ones.
He never made it to that quarterback position though. The years of dreaming came to an end the night before his eighteenth birthday. It didn’t start that night though – the trouble started almost a year before then. Louis had no idea it was going to end up changing his life in an instant. He never saw it coming.
The train started going off the track for Louis in the spring of 1993. There was a girl. She was known as Meme. Meme had just broken up with her boyfriend, Kendrick Martin. Derrick Conner, Louis’ close friend, began dating Meme. Kendrick Martin didn’t like that. Louis was involved by association.
The first time things turned physical was during an altercation at a gas station. Louis and Derrick were there, and Louis went inside to pay for gas and pick up a couple snacks, leaving Derrick outside. When he came back out, Derrick and Kendrick were going at it. It was over Meme, and Louis remembers telling Kendrick, “Man, you tripping about one female, when it’s plenty of fishes in the sea.” Kendrick didn’t take that well.
It wasn’t long before all their paths crossed again. Derrick Conner and Louis were leaving a local convenience store when Kendrick Martin was pulling into the parking lot. According to Louis, Kendrick got out of his car and began shooting at Derrick and Louis with a gun as the boys were pulling away.
Louis Singleton was shot at more than once by Kendrick Martin. Nelson Tucker, the state’s own witness, testified that he was with Kendrick Martin and had shot at Louis Singleton with a gun that he obtained from Kendrick Martin. Tucker also stated that he was present on two separate occasions when a pistol was fired at Louis.
By Louis’ account of that time, Kendrick Martin pointed a gun in his direction and shot at him on three different occasions, two of these incidents being confirmed by the prosecution’s own witness. He also reported an incident where Kendrick Martin pulled a gun from a book bag and pointed it at his head. There was another day in a fast food parking lot, when Louis was in a vehicle, and Kendrick was striking the car windows with a crow bar.
There is nothing that can be said about the tragic events that took place on January 11, 1994, that will excuse what happened that day. A life was taken, and another altered forever in the parking lot of a McDonald’s restaurant in Mobile, Alabama. Reading the transcripts, I take away that there was confusion in that parking lot. There were a lot of people gathered after a high school game, and Louis perceived he was in danger after seeing Kendrick and his friends and hearing some things that were said. No one can know exactly what was going on in anyone’s minds, and different witnesses said different things, but I think it is fair to say that if there had not been months of bullying leading up to that day, it simply never would have happened. Louis, the seventeen year old boy with so much promise, had a gun. He felt threatened that night, as he had on many occasions over the previous months, and shot at Kendrick, Tucker and another man they were with, Johnathan Martin. A pattern had been set leading up to that day, leaving Louis feeling the need to defend himself around Kendrick and his friends. So when words were said and movements were made, he felt cornered and threatened, whether he was or not. In his mind – he was.
Kendrick Jermaine Martin died from a gunshot wound to the neck. Johnathan Allen Martin was shot once in the neck area and was paralyzed from the waist down as a result. Nelson L. Tucker was shot three times and was hospitalized for four days and released.
It’s twenty three years later. The court transcripts described Louis as a boy who, ‘enjoyed a favorable reputation within his community’. He was evaluated before his trial by the Strickland Youth Center, and they determined that he ‘did not appear to be a behavioral problem’.
Louis Singleton spent his eighteenth birthday in a Mobile Detention Center and has been incarcerated ever since. In the twenty three years since then, he has obtained his GED, studied brick masonry, anger management and self awareness. He has also worked with nurses in the prison healthcare system. And he’s been incarcerated for well over half of his life. Louis was sentenced to two life sentences and twenty years, to be served consecutively.
Louis didn’t want things to end this way. Louis Singleton sought help long before that night, from parents, the police, and the school principal. A seventeen year old boy sought help from the people who were responsible for protecting him. He did the things he was supposed to do, but those in a position to protect him did not do what they were supposed to.
What stands out from my conversations with Louis is what happened after he drove home that night. This is what he told me, “My mind was racing with thoughts that I couldn’t even grasp mentally. I just went home and sat in the house with all the lights out, scared to move, don’t know what to do nor to say. My mom was gone to a choir convention in Mississippi during the time of the incident. While I sat in our house quietly and somberly in the front room, my mother pulled up with no clue of what just happened. When she came in the door, turned to lock the door, I was sitting there in the dark room. I scared her out of her wits. As a mother who knew her child, she instantly asked me, ‘Boy, what’s wrong with you sitting in here with all the lights out?’ I was so discombobulated I honestly couldn’t speak, it seemed like somebody had my soul…”
Louis’ mother never had a chance to have her son home again, and has since passed. They were close, and Louis Singleton will live with the memory of sitting in that dark room and having to tell his mom what happened etched in his memory forever. He has spent twenty three years in an Alabama prison reliving that day and the months that led up to it, hoping to wake up every morning and have it all be a dream. He will spend the rest of his life knowing the impact he has had on people, their families and his own. Nothing will bring back the man who died that night or heal the man who was paralyzed, but the burden of what took place that night should not have been placed solely on the shoulders of a seventeen year old kid who had never been in any trouble. A seventeen year old kid went into prison after shooting at the man who terrorized him for nearly a year, sentenced to spend every breath for the rest of his life in an Alabama prison, until the day he dies, never knowing what it means to live free again. How is that tragedy going to make what happened on that night in 1994 any less tragic?
This young man needs to be able to start his life. More time in prison is not going to make anything change for the victims. He was young at the time of this life changing event and is a at an age now that he can control his emotions and thoughts. He needs a chance at life now.
He was not bullied. He was trying to show off to a friend. Tell the parents who lost their child Tht he should be out. Tell my husband who’s had nightmares for 20 yrs because his first cousin. His best friend was cut down at such an early age. This should be a lesson to children. Stop being followers and let ur so called friends fight their on battle. This was over a girl. Who’s not with any of the guys Tht were involved. She’s moved on. The guy who was arguing with kendrick moved on. He probably has never written his so called friend who took a gun not to defend his self but to show out for his boy
Well,from Nelson Tucker testimony Kendrick was the aggressor not Louis Singleton. If there was a lie told Nelson Tucker told it.. They shot at him several of times… So what was Kendrick and his friends doing to Mr.Singleton. point blank from the looks of it if they don’t shoot at him he never had a reason to shoot at them..
People who lose someone like they never accept if there people were doing some wrong. Did they ever shoot at Singleton!??? That’s only question.
They keep attacking my homeboy they better be glad all 3 ain’t dead they were bullies from the beginning
He absolutely was bullied. Ken brought this on himself. Everybody knows what happened.
This is a friend of my mine….and truly a enough time has passed…give him a chance at life…he wants nothing more than a chance at life
Louis is my cousin, I remember all our summers being spent together. Might I add, he was always cosidered a good kid. Not only because he’s a relative that I speak “he deserves a second chance”. Does his background of being a descent kid not count for anything????? I’m sure if he’s given the chance he’ll be a descent man.
No time in prison will replace what has going on in his mind. Please give this man a second chance. He is a real person with a heart just like you and I. He is a better man now. Christ changes us to be better men once we find His love.
He lost Tht when he pulled out the gun. If ur child was killed would u say the same thing
Kendrick Martin shouldn’t have never pulled the gun out on him first…… Stop acting like Louis went out looking for him … It was vice versa… Kendrick went out looking for trouble… Then when trouble found him now people want to weep and cry like Louis was all at fault… But in actuality the whole time it was they fault… And I’m only going off the testimony that Nelson Tucker gave in court under oath…. His friend and should I mention his best friend testified that they stalked ,ran, shot at these people for almost 9 months straight before this boy fought back
Thanks for the truth. I understand people are hurt etc. their are consequences to our actions. Enough time as passed. Let him try to have a decent life now.
As Louis’ older sister, I can truly tell you that this has affected both families. I’ve gone to three parole hearings only for the Martin family to proclaim themselves as Christians but never believing in forgiveness. Our community lost four African American young men in one swoop and they have paid the price with their lives. I’m not going to say that my brother didn’t deserve punishment for his wrong doings but I want to say that everyone deserves a chance to redeem themselves. My brother has done what the system has asked of him for rehabilitation (i.e. GED, mastering a trade, behavioral classes and more). When is the system going to do their part and present the possibly of parole to what his sentence carries? Show me a person that is free of mistakes and I’ll show you a black unicorn.
I grew up down the street from Jr ( Louis) he was never a troubled kid didn’t bother people and overall good person yes I know justice had to be serverd but this sentence was way to harsh he didn’t deserve this he still doesn’t they took a very promising young man from society I cry every time I think of how he was done I pray that soon somebody will have mercy and let him start over he deserves a second Chance to be the man we all knew he would be @ Tameka Richardson keep your head up and hang in there love u both God is still in control
I’m praying with you as well. He should be released and live as a free man. Its a shame that the Martin family forgets that their love one shot at Louis on several occasions. I truly believe that God will intervene and he will be released.
Lies. Smh.
Kada Martin you need to go back and look at the facts… Sorry for your lost but you sounding out of anger
well stated my sister.
Indeed they can’t truly be Christians if they don’t believe in forgiveness and accepting the truth because if the shoe was on the other foot and Kendrick would have killed Louis you would want forgiveness
I met Louis while visiting my husband at the prison a very smart an humble young man he is as we spoke in a short version he replayed a few of the accountants that changed and altered his life forever he also spoke on how he wanted a family a wife an kids passing out life sentences is not rehabilitation give this man a chance at life to be back in society everyone deserves a chance
I have known Louis for a number of years. He was well known well liked and had a promising future. Louis has served his time. There have been many times I wished I could do more to help him. He deserve a second chance. He deserve to be able to live among society. He missed out on the things that would have shaped his life. Allow him a second chance to regain those life experiences. He has spent half his life incarcerated. That’s punishment enough.
All I can say is my brother from another mother needs a second chance never knew him to be a bad kid growing up I can speak on this because I was in the streets during these day. Lord please answer his prayers
Lies. Smh. . him carrying a gun and using it on another child sounds pretty bad to me. Lol. U people are crazy.
This disgust me. If ur child was gunned down and killed would u be speaking this same nonsense. Just thank God he still has his life. And a new home where he belongs. He killed someone. And y’all talking about the victims family needs to get over it.
They do need to get over it. Who’s to Judge the next man of the wrong doings???? Nobody but God
As a childhood friend and neighbor of Louis, I never knew him as a person to start trouble. I knew him as a fun and outgoing kid with a promising future. The incidents that occurred on that night will never change. Both families were affected by what happened. Several young men lives changed instantly. It is now 23 years later. I am a firm believer in second chances and I believe that Louis deserve a second chance at life. I will continue to lift Louis up in my Prayers.
My god he was a teenage he have done his time at least let him be a part of the work release program to see how it feels to breathe fresh air go and work he deserves a second chance!!!!!
Louis, my brother, and I grew up in the same neighborhood. He was a typical teenager with a promising football career ahead of him. He comes from a good hardworking family. Bullying wasn’t a thing back then as it is now. He has served his time for his wrong doing as a teenager. Our community was hit hard from losing our youth to another youth going to jail for life. If parents really look at their child, they would see that they were up to no good. Should their life been taken…absolutely not. She the one who took their life remain in prison forever…absolutely not. Christianity makes us look at the ugly truth whether we want to face it or not. It could have been your child in prison for life it one of those many bullets shot at him would have hit Louis. How would you feel about your child getting life in prison as a teenager.
He has served his time. Now it’s time to set him free.
Louis is an awesome guy. I was there that night. He had just walked away from holding my son who was only a couple of months old. He is a kind, sweet, and gentle man. I knew of the bullying, the fights, and drama. He was only being a friend and ended up facing life in prison. Those guys were the ones that needed to be incarcerated for their previous actions. How much is a man suppose to take before breaking? Laws are supposed to protect us. Free Louis Singleton. He’s served his time!
Lies. Smh. . him carrying a gun and using it on another child sounds pretty bad to me. Lol. U people are crazy.
This disgust me. If ur child was gunned down and killed would u be speaking this same nonsense. Just thank God he still has his life. And a new home where he belongs. He killed someone. And y’all talking about the victims family needs to get over it.
Death has came knocking at our door all too often and all for the innocent .One of our loved ones was just sitting in a vehicle with one of his friends at a local gas station ,not knowing that his friend had been in a argument with someone earlier that day .The guy his friend had been arguing with spotted the car and walked up and started shooting striking his intended target 8-10 times went around and shot the passenger once in the head the target survived shaun died at the hospital when in court they asked him why did u shoot the passenger, You didn’t even know him he is from out of town he stated he didn’t wanna leave any witnesses .He didn’t even receive a harsh sentence like Louis did Louis should’ve got youthful offenders but I say that to say this after all of this we forgave the guy and after 20 yrs in prison the victims Mom stop going to court she said she felt that was long enough ,and since then she has lost 2 other grandsons to that same gun violence both at gas stations so this takes a lot from us and I do believe in second chances I just wonder how the martins would’ve felt if it was the other way around and their son was in your shoes Louis they would probably be begging for their son to get out I just pray for u cause 23 yrs that’s a long time and not a day goes by I don’t think about this tragic incident . You were always and good kid never been in trouble before keep the faith my friend God is not DEAD !
Stop saying he was a good kid. He took another child’s life. U people are just dumb!!. Ill tell by the if it were the other way around Kendrick would have been a man and did his time. Where his mom. Could at least talk to him. See him. Maybe embraces him. But no. She still crys after 20 yrs. The family is steal dealing with sorrow and pain. What if ur son had gotten killed by a so called good kid. Lol. U would be going to every parole hearing. U would not be saying he served his time. Smh
First of all, why do you call us dumb? Are we stupid for having an opinion? Everyone has a right to his or her own opinion without being called “dumb”. Some of us believe in forgiveness and reconciliation which I am of the understanding permeates most of the religions of the world and which bring about peace and closure for all involved. Bullying is a serious offense also which has not been fully addressed as an offense. I am a high school teacher who has witnessed the death of a young boy who took his own life because of bullying. Should we punish and imprison the boys and girls who were responsible as we have punished the person in question here? We need to stop trying to find someone to punish all the time, but rather create a society that guides, helps and treats the issue. I know that Christians who believe in Jesus Christ believe he came to the world to forgive man’s sins. Is forgiveness such a difficult task for us to carry out? It seems that hate and vengeance are easier to deal with as they are ways of dealing with pain but pain is released through compassion and love. I suggest you read Travis Runnels’ book, Guidance on Navigating the Path to Love. The manager of this page can help you find out more about this book if you are interested. Let’s not allow ignorance to cast its shadow over us. No one is “dumb”.
If it was my son that was killed an I found out about what he had done to Louis An his friend I would be hurt by his actions but I will also ask God for understanding of what my son had been doing to this kid an I would accept my son actions for what has happened to him an accept he brought it on himself an forgive Louis An let the system an God deal with Louis.I wouldn’t keep trying to keep Louis locked up for life when I know my child was out there violating himself.If the events are to be true,I would’ve thought the same way Louis did an reacted quick.
Well,from Nelson Tucker testimony Kendrick was the aggressor not Louis Singleton. If there was a lie told Nelson Tucker told it.. They shot at him several of times… So what was Kendrick and his friends doing to Mr.Singleton. point blank from the looks of it if they don’t shoot at him he never had a reason to shoot at them..
Kendrick Martin was a bully… He was older than Louis he taunted them guys… And from the looks of it Nelson Tucker told the whole story and Nelson Tucker was shot and he was friends with Kendrick Martin… Best friends at that!!!!!! So to J marine and Kada Martin if it’s a lie he told the story in court… So why are you mad with Mr. Singleton
I am “the girl” who everybody claim this was over. Louis has always been a stand up guy and respectable. I have spoken with him on how I feel about what happened that night. Nobody but our inner circle knows what events lead up to this. Myself as well as my mom attempted to communicate with Kendrick and his mom before this happened. We made the attempt to speak with them because we knew what the outcome would be if the harrassment did not stop. Me and my mom were disrespected when we made an attempt to save a life! Please do not speak about me as if you know me. I have not moved on. I loved Kendrick and miss him dearly. We all, Louis and his mom, the other gentlemen and their parents and myself and my parents made attempts to stop the harassment and were called weak. So as I told Louis, he did take a life that night, just so happened that he did so protecting himself and others and the life he took was a special one to me and still is. I feel that only if he is remorseful, which I believe he is, he should be released and given a second chance at life. We were all kids when this happened. The one thing I can say is when Louis and his friends were first hot with problems from Kendrick they did what every child should do and that’s notify their parents. The parents notified schools administrators and nothing was done. Peace and blessings to you all. The Sun Does Shine Junior. I will continue to send prayers of comfort to the Martin family and thankful I had a chance to speak with Kendrick’s mom face to face to clear a lot of things up.
I’m glad you cleared this up…
Key Rankings so why are they having him locked up so long..26 years ago
Louis was 1 of my bestfriends I talk to him till this day…I know exactly what use to go on…an my brother only did what he had to do….cause it could have been one of us laying on that slab….an I’ll support him in any way I can to see him home….like it or not WE WERE BULLED BY SOME GROWN ASS MEN…an I stand on that 1,000% I hate it ended like that but….
Michael Fleming you was in the car the night that this happened and you can honestly say that they was shooting at you all and y’all did report these incidents to the local authorities and to the family of the deceased.. but yet nothing was done about the situation.. the police told you all on one incident if they was called again to the scene everybody was going to jail true or false