Laurens, South Carolina – A Laurens man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for leading a brutal assault on another man suspected of being a “snitch,” according to 8th Circuit Solicitor David M. Stumbo. Marcus Tyrone Grant, 46, was convicted by a Laurens County jury of assault and battery by a mob and kidnapping.
The incident took place in January 2021 when officers were called to Spring Street apartments in Laurens following reports of a shooting. The victim, Jarius Byrd, had been shot multiple times. It was later discovered that Byrd had been assaulted earlier by Grant, Antone “Cheese” Blakely, and others. Grant, along with the suspects, held Byrd captive at gunpoint in his apartment while assaulting him.
Ultimately, the motivation behind the attack was retaliation for Byrd’s past cooperation with law enforcement as a police informant in 2010, which resulted in a narcotics conviction and prison sentence for Grant. Grant has a history of violent offenses dating back to 1998.
After the assault, officers were called back to the same location for a shooting incident, where Blakely was identified as the individual who shot and killed Byrd following the assault. Blakely was later convicted and sentenced to 40 years in prison.
Solicitor Stumbo, along with Deputy Solicitor Thomas, handled Grant’s case for the state. They worked alongside investigators and victim advocates to ensure a successful conviction and a significant prison sentence. Stumbo commended the efforts of his team and the Laurens Police Department in bringing justice to violent offenders like Grant and Blakely.
The case serves as a reminder of the consequences of violent actions and the importance of cooperation with law enforcement. It highlights the dedication of law enforcement and legal professionals to hold perpetrators accountable and maintain public safety in the community. Grant’s sentence sends a strong message about the repercussions of criminal behavior and the commitment to upholding the law.