Greenwood, S.C.; September 15, 2025 – A Greenwood man will spend the next 35 years behind bars after pleading guilty last week to charges stemming from a shooting and string of armed robberies in 2023, 8th Circuit Solicitor David M. Stumbo announced Monday.
Tyrez Aunteavious Thomas, 19, pleaded guilty last week to charges of attempted murder, armed robbery, carjacking, and attempted armed robbery. Circuit Judge Eugene C. Griffith then sentenced Thomas to 30 years in prison on the attempted murder, armed robbery, and attempted armed robbery charges and an additional five years in prison on the carjacking charge, with the sentence to run consecutively to the others, for a total of 35 years in prison. The offenses are considered violent under state law, meaning Thomas must serve a minimum of 85 percent of the sentence before being considered for parole.
In January 2023, investigators with Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office and Greenwood Police Department began looking into three separate armed robbery incidents—one of which resulted in the victim being shot multiple times—with similar sets of facts. All three were initiated through Facebook marketplace via a fake profile set up by Thomas. Thomas advertised an iPhone for sale and would lure victims to the area near his Bintage Road residence with the intent to rob them.
During one incident, a Hispanic family from out of town with small children met Thomas at an empty house near Thomas’s residence. When they arrived, Thomas put a gun up to the man’s head and ordered them out of the car. Thomas got into the car and sped off. The vehicle was later recovered at Phoenix Place Apartments. In another incident, Thomas lured a potential buyer to his neighborhood and told the buyer he needed to go to a different residence to pick up the phone. During the drive, Thomas pulled a gun on the buyer and a struggle ensued. The fight spilled out of the vehicle and onto the sidewalk before Thomas shot the man multiple times and fled in the man’s truck.
While working an unrelated case, investigators developed Thomas as a suspect. Investigators went to Thomas’ residence to speak with him, where he confessed to the crimes. Thomas was placed under arrest and transported to the Greenwood County Detention Center where he again detailed his role in all three incidents.
Deputy Solicitor Yates Brown handled the case for the state, with assistance from 8th Circuit Victim Advocates Sarah Parris and Rhetta Smith. Thomas was represented by Aaron Taylor of the Greenwood County Bar.
Solicitor Stumbo praised the work of his staff, along with GCSO and GPD investigators, in securing the conviction and lengthy prison sentence.
“This case exposes the dangers of individuals who weaponize social media to lure unsuspecting victims into their webs,” Solicitor Stumbo said. “Ty’Rez Thomas’ actions left lasting scars on his victims and their families. I am pleased that he will be behind bars where he belongs for many years to come.”