Laurens, South Carolina – A Laurens man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for orchestrating a brutal assault on another man whom he suspected of being an informant, according to the Eighth Circuit Solicitor’s Office. Marcus Tyrone Grant, 46, was convicted of assault and battery by a mob and kidnapping after a jury trial in Laurens County. The verdict was delivered in the evening, followed by Circuit Judge Cordell Maddox sentencing Grant to 18 years of active prison time and five years of probation.
The incident took place in January 2021 when officers responded to reports of a shooting at an apartment complex in Laurens. The victim, Jarius Byrd, had been shot multiple times. Further investigation revealed that Byrd had been assaulted by Grant, Antone “Cheese” Blakely, and others earlier that evening. The assailants held Byrd captive at gunpoint in his apartment, where Grant viciously assaulted him, resulting in severe injuries.
Grant’s criminal history dates back to 1998, showing a pattern of violent behavior. The motive behind the assault on Byrd stemmed from the victim’s past cooperation with law enforcement, leading to Grant’s prior conviction and imprisonment on narcotics charges. Approximately 45 minutes after the assault, Blakely was identified as the individual who shot and killed Byrd.
Prosecutors, led by Solicitor David M. Stumbo and Deputy Solicitor Joshua Thomas, successfully handled Grant’s case, securing a lengthy prison sentence. Stumbo commended the collaborative effort between his team, the Laurens Police Department, and lead investigator Sgt. Billy Sellers for ensuring justice in this case. The prosecution emphasized the importance of holding individuals like Grant accountable for their violent criminal actions.
In his closing argument to the jury, Solicitor Stumbo highlighted the detrimental impact of individuals like Grant, who seek to intimidate and harm those cooperating with law enforcement. The sentencing of Grant serves as a reminder of the commitment to bringing violent offenders to justice and protecting communities from such individuals. The case underscores the significance of collaboration between law enforcement and legal authorities in ensuring public safety and upholding the rule of law.