Have you ever been afraid to go to your local bank? On May 16, 2003, James and Margaret Barnes ended up going into the Blue Ridge Savings Bank between one and 1:30 PM in Greer, South Carolina off Highway 85 at State 14. They were waited on by Sylvia Holtzclaw who was the only teller on at that time. She had been the only one on because she stayed extra to fill in for a sick teller.
Unfortunately, this would be their last day seen alive.
Their bodies were found in the back of the bank in the utility room. They had been shot by a 40-caliber Glock. they were all shot execution style. This was very unusual for victims to be shot at a bank; normally during a robbery, the suspects only want money. In this case, money was taken, but in addition, the three people were shot. Again, it was very unusual for this to occur.
There had been no evidence of a struggle.
The local police knew something was wrong because Sylvia had pressed the panic button. Unfortunately, when the police arrived, it was already too late. It had taken the police about 13 minutes to get to the bank.
The Blue Ridge Savings Bank was actually a modified utility trailer.
Allegedly, there was a red Alero Oldsmobile on the scene and the suspect was there between 1:24 PM to 1:33 PM. The suspect's description was: a short man, with a blonde short, clean haircut, and was between 50 and 53 years of age.
With this investigation, the police were able to obtain a surveillance video that was found from the gas station before the suspect pulled up to the bank. There have been tons of leads, but yet again, the investigation team is asking local people for help.
This homicide was the ninth one in the town of Greer.
"I've said this every day for the last 16 years, hope is what gets us through every day," said David Holtzclaw.
David was Slyvia's son.
This crime drew national attention because it was one of the most notorious killings that had ever happened during broad daylight. One hundred thousand dollars was offered by the FBI. Again, tons of leads were being pursued yet nothing that was set in stone to be able to bring someone in as a person of interest.
The Blue Ridge Savings Bank building is abandoned. It's rusting everywhere and knowing what had happened there years ago, people have no interest in it.
It has almost been 21 years since these horrible murders occurred. If anyone has any information on this case, you can call the FBI office in Columbia South Carolina at 1803–5 51–4200.
Written By: Heidi