In the early afternoon of May 3, 2021, Gregory Leon Belton, a 57-year-old Black/African American male, returned to his home on Diamond Street in Anderson, South Carolina. Shortly after 2:00 p.m., an unidentified individual, who may have been known to him, entered the residence. Inside the home, multiple shots were fired, striking Belton. The Anderson County Coroner's Office was called to the scene of the shooting around 2:15 p.m. and pronounced him dead.
An autopsy later confirmed that Gregory Leon Belton died from a gunshot wound to the head, and his death was officially ruled a homicide.
The Anderson County Sheriff's Office immediately launched an investigation into the shooting. Detectives and forensic teams arrived at the Diamond Street home to collect evidence and speak with potential witnesses. Although a large crowd had gathered at the scene, no one came forward with information about what had transpired. Investigators learned from neighbors that a suspicious vehicle, described as a white, newer-model Nissan Sentra, was seen in the area around the time of the fatal shooting. However, this lead did not immediately result in the identification of any suspects.
As the investigation continued, no arrests were made in connection with the murder of Gregory Belton. The case grew cold due to a lack of concrete leads and witness cooperation. In an effort to generate new information, the Anderson Area Crime Stoppers announced a $3,000 reward for any information that would lead to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for his death. Despite this incentive, the case remains unsolved, and authorities have not publicly identified any suspects. The investigation into the homicide is still considered ongoing as law enforcement and the community continue to seek justice for Belton.
