The Sixth Anniversary of the Blue Ridge Savings Bank Triple Murder in Greer

Sometimes I see him in-person.

Other times we communicate via e-mail.

Around this time of year I make it a point, one way or the other, to be in touch with David Holtzclaw.

I talk with him as a journalist but also his friend.

This is the sixth anniversary of the triple-murder and robbery at Blue Ridge Savings Bank in Greer.

May 16th, 2003, an unidentified person killed David’s mother, Sylvia Holtzclaw, the only employee on duty inside the bank, and two customers, Eb and Maggie Barnes of Spartanburg.  They were found shot to death inside a small room.

The Blue Ridge Savings Bank case is one of the worst unsolved crimes in Upstate history.

The green bank branch sits along Interstate 85 in Greer close to GSP International Airport and is still in business.  Its electronic sign with bright red letters is eye-catching, a constant reminder of the tragedy that happened there.

I was in touch with David today.  Here is what he says about this anniversary in his e-mail to me:

“We (David and his brother) met with law enforcement two weeks ago, and they continue to work on the case. They still are receiving new information about the case and looking into that information in hopes that something will break in the case. We need ANY information concerning the triple homicide at the Blue Ridge Savings Bank.  It might only take one small piece of information to solve this tragic case!“
“Our family does not have any special plans for tomorrow (May 16th) except spending time with each other, remembering Mom and how much we miss her. We are still praying for justice for not only our mother but for Eb and Maggie Barnes as well.“

I was also in touch with Lieutenant Matt Hamby of the Greer Police Department.  He is no longer the lead investigator in the case, but he remains connected to it, having been involved with the investigation from the start.

“Our determination to solve this case will never go away,“ says Hamby.  “Sometimes they take years and years (to solve).  We have to stay positive.“

There is still a reward of $100,000 for information that leads to an arrest in the case.

Hopefully, the day will come soon when I can contact David for comment on that arrest.

We remember Sylvia Holtzclaw, Maggie and Eb Barnes, and all other victims of unsolved crimes.

May there be justice in this life, as well as the next.