Charleston County Sheriff’s Office detectives are renewing their call for information in the unsolved murder of 26-year-old Antwan Green, who was shot and killed at a West Ashley barbershop 10 years ago this month.

Green was sitting on a couch inside Marvin’s Barbershop on Ashley River Road on the morning of January 15, 2016, when an unknown gunman entered and opened fire. The shooter fled immediately after the attack, leaving Green mortally wounded.

Despite a decade of investigation, detectives have not identified the shooter or determined a motive for the killing. The case remains one of Charleston County’s unsolved homicides from 2016.

“We continue to actively investigate this case and encourage anyone with information to come forward,” Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Andrew Knapp said Thursday. “Even the smallest detail could be significant in solving this case.”

The shooting occurred during regular business hours at the barbershop, located in a commercial strip along the busy Ashley River Road corridor. The area has seen significant development over the past decade as West Ashley’s population has grown.

Green’s murder was part of a violent year in Charleston County. The county recorded 47 homicides in 2016, according to sheriff’s office statistics. That number has fluctuated in subsequent years, with the COVID-19 pandemic contributing to increased violence nationwide in 2020 and 2021.

The barbershop shooting highlighted ongoing concerns about public safety in commercial areas of West Ashley. County Council members have since increased funding for sheriff’s patrols in the area, though local government officials acknowledge that preventing random acts of violence remains challenging.

Detectives have interviewed dozens of witnesses and potential suspects over the years. They have also reviewed surveillance footage from nearby businesses and followed up on numerous tips from the public.

The investigation has faced the typical challenges of cold cases. Witnesses move away, memories fade, and physical evidence becomes less reliable over time. However, advances in forensic technology have allowed investigators to re-examine evidence using newer techniques.

Sheriff’s office records show the department cleared 68 percent of homicide cases in 2016, below the national average of 79 percent. The clearance rate has improved in recent years through the department’s expanded investigative unit and partnerships with federal agencies.

Green lived in North Charleston at the time of his death and worked in construction. Family members described him as a regular customer at Marvin’s Barbershop who had no known enemies.

The shooting occurred during a period of increased scrutiny on public safety in Charleston County. County officials had recently approved funding for additional sheriff’s deputies and upgraded equipment following several high-profile crimes.

County records show the sheriff’s office budget has increased by 34 percent since 2016, from $78.2 million to $104.6 million in the current fiscal year. Much of that increase has gone toward personnel and technology improvements.

The department’s cold case unit reviews unsolved homicides regularly, prioritizing cases based on new evidence or witness availability. Green’s case gets periodic review, with investigators re-interviewing witnesses and checking for new leads.

Advances in DNA analysis and ballistics testing have helped solve several Charleston County cold cases in recent years. In 2023, investigators used genetic genealogy to identify a suspect in a 1992 homicide that had been unsolved for three decades.

The sheriff’s office maintains a tip line for unsolved cases and offers rewards for information leading to arrests. The department has not announced a specific reward in Green’s case but regularly promotes unsolved homicides through social media and community meetings.

Family members have kept Green’s memory alive through social media posts and annual remembrances. They continue to cooperate with investigators and appeal for public help in solving the case.

Anyone with information about Green’s murder is asked to contact the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office at 843-743-7200 or Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry at 843-554-1111. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for rewards.

The department emphasizes that no piece of information is too small. Details that seemed insignificant at the time of the shooting may now provide crucial leads for investigators.

Detectives plan to conduct additional interviews this month as they mark the 10th anniversary of Green’s death. They will also review the case file for any overlooked evidence or connections to other crimes.

The West Ashley community has changed significantly since 2016, with new businesses and residential developments transforming the area. However, longtime residents still remember the barbershop shooting and its impact on the neighborhood’s sense of safety.

County officials say solving cold cases remains a priority despite budget constraints and competing demands for investigative resources. The sheriff’s office allocated $1.2 million for cold case investigations in the current budget year.