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.