Here Is The Most Insane Unforgettable South Carolina Bank Robbery
Nearly 13 years ago the most insane and unforgettable South Carolina bank robbery occurred in the Upstate. Three people were murdered, some money was stolen, and the “perp” is still free.
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On May 16, 2003, 53-year-old Sylvia Holtzclaw was working alone at the Blue Ridge Savings Bank in Greer, South Carolina.
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At 1:30 p.m. someone inside the bank triggered the silent alarm, alerting authorities to the need for assistance.
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But by the time the police arrived they were too late. Sylvia Holtzclaw and two bank customers, James (Eb) and Margaret Barnes will all killed in cold blood.
Surprisingly, the perpetrator got away with very little money. Certain reports speculate that perhaps the Barnes' arrival caught the thief by surprise, and perhaps things went sideways and the killer panicked before he got all the money he came for.
Surprisingly, the perpetrator got away with very little money. Certain reports speculate that perhaps the Barnes' arrival caught the thief by surprise, and perhaps things went sideways and the killer panicked before he got all the money he came for.
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These sketches were released by the FBI. They depict the suspect in these crimes. The sketch on the left is from 2003 when the crimes were committed. And the sketch on the right is from 2013. It was released on the 10th anniversary and shows what the suspect might have looked like in 2013 with aging progression. He's estimated to stand about 5'6" - 5'8" and would be in his mid-60's now.
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Footage from a nearby video camera showed what authorities believed was a red Oldsmobile Alero leaving the scene shortly after the alarm was triggered at 1:30.
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The Blue Ridge Savings Bank was located on the frontage road near I-85 in Greer. Whether the murderer was driving the red Alero or not, the I-85 on-ramp would have been one of the easiest escape routes in close proximity to the crime scene.
The FBI and families of the victims remain very involved in catching the bank robber who is also likely the person responsible for the murders.
This case has attracted much national attention and has been featured on various television broadcasts. Unsolved Mysteries published this video on YouTube in 2014, more than 11 years after this brutal crime took place in South Carolina's Upstate. In this footage Sylvia Holtzclaw's son, Richard, describes the reward being offered for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect for these crimes.
The FBI and families of the victims remain very involved in catching the bank robber who is also likely the person responsible for the murders.
This case has attracted much national attention and has been featured on various television broadcasts. Unsolved Mysteries published this video on YouTube in 2014, more than 11 years after this brutal crime took place in South Carolina's Upstate. In this footage Sylvia Holtzclaw's son, Richard, describes the reward being offered for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect for these crimes.
Each year that passes with this South Carolina bank robbery unsolved is yet another reminder to the Greer community of the losses suffered there on May 16, 2003. Once this crime is solved, the city can possibly have a chance to heal these old wounds.
If you have any information that can help solve these crimes, you can call any of the following.
- Greer, SC Police Department (864)848-2151
- FBI – Columbia, SC Office (803)551-4200
- South Carolina Crime Stoppers (888)274-6372
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