By CAROLINE CARMICHAEL / Staff Writer

Suspect Justin Osmand Bolton, 29, was arrested on Sept. 24 on charges of manslaughter after Clanton resident Brett Allen Singleton, 22, was killed in a vehicular collision on Seventh Street South in Clanton.

After further investigation, Bolton’s charge was amended to murder on Sept. 25.

According to Clanton police, officers responded “within seconds” to the scene near the 1700 block of Seventh Street South at approximately 11:30 p.m.

“While on the scene, law enforcement was advised that the incident could have been an intentional act, and CPD detectives were notified. Detectives Tera Easterling and Whitney Ray responded to the scene,” Captain David Clackley of the Clanton Police Department reported in a press release.

The collision involved a Dodge pickup truck and a Toyota Camry, according to Clackley.

“One of the drivers, Brett Allen Singleton, …had been ejected from the vehicle and sustained severe injuries,” the release read. “Rescue personnel cared for Mr. Singleton, but he passed away before he could be transported.”

According to police, Bolton suffered minor injuries, for which he was treated at St. Vincent’s Chilton. Following treatment, Bolton was questioned at CPD and then transported to Chilton County Jail, where he faced an initial charge of manslaughter.

“On Sept. 25, CPD interviewed witnesses and decided, after conferring with the District Attorney’s Office, to amend the charge to murder before obtaining warrants,” Clackley explained. “As with any case, the court will hear the case and make the final determination on charges.”

While the case is still under way, anyone with information is urged to contact CPD Detectives Easterling and Ray.

CPD thanks the Chilton County Sheriff’s Office, the Clanton Fire Department, the District Attorney’s Office and all responders including ambulance and wrecker company personnel for their assistance in the case.

“We ask for prayers for all involved and patience from the family of the victim, who has suffered such a tragic loss,” Clackley said.