South Carolina Man Sentenced to 33 Years After Killing Victim and Dumping His Body Near Golf Course

A South Carolina man will spend decades behind bars after admitting to a brutal killing that ended with a victim’s body being wrapped in a rug, placed in a shopping cart, and abandoned near a golf course. The disturbing case came to a sentencing hearing this week, leaving the victim’s family struggling to accept a punishment they believe falls short of justice.

Jared Tierce, 25, was sentenced to 33 years in prison on Monday after pleading guilty to the murder of 35-year-old Phillip Hughey, according to Law&Crime. With credit for approximately three years already served, Tierce could be eligible for release in about 30 years.

The case began on August 20, 2023, when Hughey disappeared from the Williamston area of Anderson County. Investigators later spoke with witnesses who suspected there was more to his disappearance than initially appeared. Two days later, authorities discovered Hughey’s body along Cox Lake Road in Belton, South Carolina. Officials reported several visible traumatic injuries, and investigators began working to determine what had happened.

According to courtroom testimony reported by local Fox affiliate WHNS, prosecutors said Tierce and another man, Jacob Barber, held Hughey against his will and restrained him with zip ties. Hughey reportedly managed to break free temporarily, leading to a confrontation. During the hearing, Tierce described using a ratchet strap to pull Hughey away from Barber before hearing a “pop” and throwing him to the ground. The strap was later found still wrapped around Hughey’s neck.

After the killing, the two men allegedly wrapped Hughey’s body in a rug, placed it inside a shopping cart, and abandoned it near a golf course. The circumstances surrounding the disposal of the body added another disturbing chapter to a case that has devastated Hughey’s loved ones.

Following Tierce’s sentencing, Hughey’s mother, Millie Counts, spoke publicly about the pain of losing her son and her disappointment with the punishment. Although Tierce received a lengthy prison term, she believes the sentence does not adequately reflect the loss her family has endured. “My son is gone forever,” she said, expressing the heartbreak that remains even after the court’s decision. Family members attended the hearing wearing light blue shirts in Hughey’s memory, standing together as they sought to honor his life.

Barber, who was also arrested in connection with the case, still faces ongoing legal proceedings. His next court hearing is scheduled for November 20. While Tierce’s sentencing marks a significant development, the case remains unresolved for the victim’s family as they continue to seek accountability for what happened to Hughey.

Source: Law&Crime