SC man who killed two in Rock Hill and used drugs in mental hospital denied release
A South Carolina judge has ruled a York County man who killed two people in 2019 yet still used illegal drugs while in a mental hospital afterward will not be released.
Jimar Neely, 34, has been confined since 2022 when a judge found him not guilty by reason of insanity.
Neely killed Tim Barber and his brother-in-law, Robbin Thompson as they sat in a truck near Rock Hill. Neely then shot at deputies who responded. He said he heard voices and claimed there were “invisible people” trying to get him.
S.C. Department of Mental Health officials argued in a hearing earlier this month covered only by The Herald that Neely should be released to a residential care center after receiving treatment for schizophrenia. Neely would have been able to leave at times.
Kevin Brackett, York County’s top prosecutor, balked at Neely being released, citing Neely’s illegal drug use while confined in the secure hospital. Neely tested positive for drugs at the time of the killings also, Brackett said.
Tuesday, Visiting Judge Keith Kelly determined that Neely’s illegal drug use shows he is not safe to be released.
“Mr. Neely’s obtaining and use of such a substance in a controlled environment reflects a lack of insight or responsibility to make responsible decisions,” Kelly wrote in the order.
Additionally, Neely would have easier access to illegal drugs if released to an outpatient center, Kelly said.
Brackett told The Herald on Tuesday that Neely “continues to pose a persistent threat and danger to the public,” if released.
“The fact is he continued to use narcotics in a secure mental hospital and that convinced me he could not be trusted in a less restrictive residential facility,” Brackett said.
Family members of the victims urged the judge not to release Neely.
Neely’s lawyer, York County Public defender B.J Barrowclough, said Tuesday Neely is disappointed but is respectful of the court’s decision.
“I am optimistic that Mr. Neely will continue to do everything he can to improve his mental condition and enhance his chances of reintegrating into society one day,” Barrowclough said.
Neely remains confined at a mental hospital. It is unclear when he can again petition for release. Only a judge can order Neely’s release under state law.
