The unsolved case involving Bruce Gaines Marett was one of the most brutal cases that the Sheriff’s Office has profiled so far.
Mr. Marett was 50 years old when he was brutally beaten and bludgeoned to death and cut during a homicide back on June 28th, 2002 at his mobile home at 271 N. Retreat Road, near the corner of the intersection of Highway 11 in Westminster. That was over 11 years ago. Investigators believe that Marett knew his assailants, probably more than one person, and feel that robbery was the motive. In fact, investigators believe that Marett probably let those who eventually attacked him inside his residence. There was also an unsuccessful attempt to set the mobile home on fire, as investigators found some material just inside the front door that never did ignite. The mobile home is no longer there, according to investigators, and the land is now just a vacant lot.
The Sheriff’s Office did have some persons of interest in the homicide and robbery attempt, but did not have enough evidence to charge anyone. In fact, there has been very few leads in the case over the past several years, according to Captain Greg Reed of the Criminal Investigations Division of the Sheriff’s Office. The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office is therefore seeking the public’s help to find the individuals responsible for this crime.
“Bruce Marett knew his assailant and we believe that there is someone who knows the identity of the person responsible for this crime,” says Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw. “Now is the time for them to come forward and clear their conscience.”
If you have information on the homicide of Bruce Gaines Marett, you can call Crimestoppers at 864-638-STOP, 1-888-CRIME-SC, or text in your tip to 274637. You don’t have to give your name and if your tip leads to an arrest, you could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.