Laurens, South Carolina – A Laurens man, Marcus Tyrone Grant, 46, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for orchestrating a brutal attack on a man he suspected of being a police informant. Grant’s conviction came after a Laurens County jury found him guilty of assault and battery by a mob, as well as kidnapping. The jury delivered their verdict Wednesday evening, prompting Circuit Judge Cordell Maddox to hand down the 30-year prison sentence, with 18 years to be served actively followed by five years of probation upon release.
The violent assault took place in January 2021 at apartments on Spring Street in Laurens. The victim, Jarius Byrd, was shot multiple times following an earlier assault by Grant and several other men, including Antone “Cheese” Blakely. Byrd was held captive at gunpoint in his own apartment while Grant brutalized him. The assault was fueled by Byrd’s past cooperation with law enforcement as an informant in 2010, which had led to Grant’s previous narcotics conviction and prison sentence.
Shortly after the assault, Byrd was fatally shot at the same location. Blakely was identified as the shooter and subsequently convicted, receiving a 40-year prison sentence in April 2023. Prosecutors, including 8th Circuit Solicitor David M. Stumbo and Deputy Solicitor Joshua Thomas, commended the work of law enforcement and their team in securing a conviction and ensuring a lengthy prison term for Grant. Grant was represented by Hunter Blouin of the Greenville County Bar.
Stumbo highlighted the importance of holding individuals like Grant accountable for impeding law enforcement efforts through violent acts. He expressed his commitment to working alongside law enforcement to ensure that perpetrators of violent crimes are brought to justice. Grant’s case serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by those who choose to cooperate with authorities in maintaining community safety.
The prosecution team, along with investigators and victim advocates, played a crucial role in presenting a strong case against Grant. The sentencing underscores the severity of Grant’s actions and sends a clear message that violent behavior will not be tolerated in the community. The judicial system’s swift and decisive response to such crimes serves as a deterrent to others with similar criminal intentions. Grant’s 30-year sentence stands as a testament to the justice system’s commitment to upholding public safety and holding offenders accountable for their actions.