Ferris G. Singley, who turned 39 on the day of his sentencing, has been convicted of burglary, kidnapping, and robbing his mother at knifepoint.

Singley broke into his mother’s home in October of 2004.  He stole $200 from her pocketbook, tied her up, and threatened to kill her if she screamed.  At some point during the assault, Singley’s mother was injured with a 10-inch boning knife.

Police indicated the crime was motivated by drugs.  Singley had a crack cocaine habit, which, as Senior Assistant Solicitor Bruce DuRant explained, made Singley’s mother an easy target for Singley to rob to fund his addiction.

"Senior Assistant Solicitor Bruce DuRant"

Singley’s defense attorney maintained that Singley had inherited part of the house and was justified in entering it.

Singley, who has a rap sheet dating from 1986, was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole according to South Carolina’s “two strikes and you’re out” violent crimes law.

DuRant did not forget Singley’s birthday.  “Happy birthday to you,” he said after sentencing concluded.