In the spring of 2020, the community of Barnwell, South Carolina, was struck by tragedy with the death of 20-year-old Isiah L. Thomas. A young Black man, Thomas was discovered deceased on April 13, 2020, in a power line area situated between Corley Heights Richardson Road and the Barnwell Plaza. The grim discovery was made by a Barnwell Police Officer who was conducting a follow-up investigation on a missing person report.
An autopsy later confirmed the cause of Thomas's death to be
gunshot wounds, turning a missing person case into a homicide investigation. Known affectionately by nicknames such as 'Hit 'em up' or 'Zaya,' Thomas had moved to Barnwell with his family from Atlanta, Georgia, in 2004. He was remembered for his vibrant personality and had been a part of the local community from a young age.
The investigation into the death of Isiah Thomas is a collaborative effort involving the Barnwell Coroner's Office, the Barnwell Police Department, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Despite the ongoing investigation, there has been no public identification of any suspects, and no arrests have been made in connection with his murder. The case remains open as authorities continue to seek information from the public that may lead to a resolution.
