ANDERSON, SC – A young man lost his life after being shot multiple times outside an apartment complex in Anderson, leaving family and friends mourning the sudden tragedy.
Oscar David Barrios Mazariegos, 29, was found dead in his vehicle in the early hours of the morning after an apparent confrontation at an apartment on Palmetto Lane. Authorities say the incident unfolded around 4 a.m., when Mazariegos encountered Thomas J. Anderson, the estranged husband of a woman Mazariegos was visiting.
According to investigators, Anderson arrived unexpectedly at his estranged wife’s residence and discovered Mazariegos with her. As the situation escalated, Mazariegos attempted to leave the apartment, trying to diffuse what had become a tense confrontation. However, the attempt to flee proved unsuccessful.
Law enforcement reports indicate Anderson followed Mazariegos outside. Moments later, Mazariegos was found fatally shot inside his car, with multiple gunshot wounds. Deputies responded to the scene after receiving calls about gunfire, arriving just after 4:20 a.m. Despite rapid response, Mazariegos was pronounced dead at the scene.
Friends of Mazariegos describe him as a hard-working and kind individual who was trying to move forward with his life. Those who knew him say he valued loyalty and friendship and often placed others’ needs before his own.
Authorities charged Thomas J. Anderson, 35, with murder and possession of a weapon during a violent crime. He was quickly taken into custody later that morning and transported to the Anderson County Detention Center.
By Friday, Anderson appeared before a local judge and was denied bond. Officials have indicated that the investigation is ongoing, with detectives gathering additional details about the lead-up to the shooting.
The coroner’s office confirmed that Mazariegos died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds. The case is being described as domestic in nature, but authorities are continuing to establish a clear timeline of events.
As news of the violent loss spread, a small but tight-knit community in Anderson is left grappling with the loss of a young man whose life was cut short, while the legal process continues for the accused.