Laurens, South Carolina – A Laurens man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after being convicted of leading a brutal assault on another individual suspected of being an informant. Marcus Tyrone Grant, 46, faced trial for assault and battery by a mob as well as kidnapping, with the jury returning a guilty verdict Wednesday evening.
Grant’s sentencing, delivered by Circuit Judge Cordell Maddox, includes 18 years of active prison time followed by five years of probation upon release. Known for a history of violence dating back to 1998, Grant is deemed ineligible for parole due to the serious nature of his crimes.
The case stemmed from an incident in January 2021, where officers responded to reports of a shooting at an apartment complex in Laurens where the victim, Jarius Byrd, had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Byrd had previously been assaulted by Grant and others, who held him captive at gunpoint in his own apartment. Grant inflicted severe injuries on Byrd, motivated by Byrd’s past cooperation with law enforcement in a narcotics case that led to Grant’s conviction and imprisonment.
Shortly after the assault, Byrd was fatally shot at the same location, with Antone “Cheese” Blakely identified as the perpetrator. Blakely was tried separately and convicted for the murder, receiving a 40-year prison sentence. Solicitor David M. Stumbo and his team handled both cases, working closely with law enforcement to secure convictions and lengthy prison terms for the perpetrators.
Solicitor Stumbo emphasized the importance of holding individuals like Grant and Blakely accountable for their violent actions and ensuring that the community supports cooperation with law enforcement. He commended the efforts of his staff, the Laurens Police Department, and other involved parties in bringing these criminals to justice.
Moving forward, Stumbo reaffirmed his commitment to working alongside law enforcement to combat violent crime and hold offenders accountable. Grant’s sentencing serves as a reminder of the consequences of committing violent acts and the importance of upholding the law in the community.