Beach died when a 17-foot center console fishing boat allegedly driven by an inebriated Paul Murdaugh slammed into a pylon near theArchers Creek bridge on February 24, 2019 around 2:25 a.m. Murdaugh was charged with three felony counts of boating under the influence (BUI) in the aftermath of that crash. Stephens life mattered, too.. According to the autopsy, Greene was responsible for evidence transfer in the case. That did not happen to my friend. Alex Murdaugh called 911 Saturday and said he had been shot as he stood at the side of a road in Hampton County, South Carolina, according to a statement from the state police. Rowell calls later and tells him he could find no debris at all., Altman goes to the scene and calls him back stating he could find nothing.. Todd Proctor, former South Carolina Highway Patrol investigator, told Fox News this week that it looked like Stephens body was placed in the middle of the road. Stephen's murder was ruled a hit-and-run with no one arrested for the crime, but in 2021, the case was reopened. Multi-Action Disciplinary Team case notes obtained by Inside Edition Digital through a Freedom of Information Act request offer insight from the night Stephen Smith was killed. Netflix 2023. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. Since the murders of Paul Murdaugh, 22, and Maggie Murdaugh 52, the State Law Enforcement Division, the agency that has been investigating the homicides, announced that it will now be investigating the death of 19-year-old Stephen Smith. More:Murdaughs killed in double homicide in Colleton County: What We Know Keep in mind, this isyearsbefore Paul Murdaugh was charged with three felonies in the boat crash that killed Mallory Beach. Currently, Murdaugh is on trial for murder for the deaths of his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and their son, Paul Murdaugh. Smith died on a rural road in Hampton County, in 2015 that was ruled a hit-and-run.. Smith's mother, Sandy, told the the Hampton County Guardian, part of the USA TODAY Network, in 2015 that she believed her son's death was the result of foul play and a possible hate crime because her son was gay. According to our sources, all of the boat crash survivors and Beachs family members voluntarily submitted to questioning and volunteered to provide their DNA as a part of the double homicide investigation. Kacen Bayless/AP At the time, police said Smith had a massive head wound and they. How he died remains a mystery to this day. August 18, 2015, SCHP: The coroner tells Proctor that he did not agree with the final autopsy results in the Stephen Smith case. Maybe there's even manufactured evidence in this case. Sandy told Duncan that she heard rumors about the Murdaugh boys had something to do with Stephens death. His head was misshapen by blunt force. It said the manner of death (which is either homicide, accident, natural, suicide, or undetermined) was still undetermined. Earlier this week, FITSNews exclusively reported that South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) opened an investigation into the death of Stephen Smith a Hampton County teenager whose death has been unsolved since 2015. Moore asks Burke if she can come to the funeral home the next morning., 5:50 a.m. SCHP: Moore calls Rowell and Payne and tells them to go back to the scene to locate and debris or anything out of the ordinary.. The vehicle doors were locked. Smith was found dead on July 8, 2015, on Sandy Run Road near Joe Miley Road in Hampton. Paul Murdaugh,Alex's son and Randy's nephew, pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges related to Mallory Beach's death. After his autopsy, however, Smith's death was ruled a hit-and-run. But Smith's family refuses to believe it was an accident. Stay tuned for part two of the investigation file. 5:15 a.m. SCHP: J.L.Booker, of SCHP, was notified by Lt. Bruce Brock, also of SCHP, of the incident. On July 8, 2015 Stephen Smith was found dead in the middle of Sandy Run Road with a 7.25-inch gaping hole on the right side of his forehead and no other major injuries. He was taken to a . In the aftermath of her sons death, Sandy said shes learned that there are two different justice systems in the Palmetto State one for people like the Murdaughs and another for everyone else. One of those deaths? He gets voicemail. But her dad was "a little iffy on accepting the offer. The case was mysteriously bounced from investigator to investigator without reasons or notification, Sandy Smith wrote in the letter. Alex Murdaugh, Paul's father and . The Murdaugh name was mentioned over 40 times throughout the course of the investigation which went cold less than a year after Smith was killed. SCHP: Allen tells Duncan and SCHP that they are not needed at the autopsy, according to SLED and HCSO. She had no evidence other than that for the statement being put in the report., Proctor said that he explained to her that law enforcement officers had no evidence of this individual being struck by a vehicle.. In early June, a son and mother, both members of a. She said shortly after Stephens death that believes her son was beaten to death and the crime covered up. His loosely tied shoes were still on and his clothes appeared untouched. EXCLUSIVE : A former South Carolina state trooper who led the 2015 cold case involving an alleged fatal hit-and-run is speaking out exclusively to Fox News, describing how the prominent. She said they were adamant it was a gunshot wound, so they mapped the scene and began to gather evidence as they would normally do.. Moore asks about any other injuries on Smith, and Presnell tells him only a partial dislocated right shoulder., He asks Presnell if she found any glass fragments or any other evidence of a motor vehicle and she stated no., I then asked her why she was ruling it as a motor vehicle accident and what she thought caused the head injury, he wrote. At the time of his death, Smith was a 19-year-old Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College student who was studying to become a nurse. The death of 19-year-old Stephen Smith was originally ruled a hit-and-run in 2015 when his body was found in the middle of a road 15 miles from the Murdaugh hunting cabin. In a recording that features in the documentary, a South Carolina State Trooper tells an unidentified phone tipster that he received at least "nine phone calls" about a rumor connecting the Murdaugh family to Stephen's mysterious roadside death. Yes. "I know that they're working hard and that this is not a cold case," he says. She had no evidence other than that for the statement being put in the report., Proctor said that he explained to her that law enforcement officers had no evidence of this individual being struck by a vehicle.. His right shoulder was partially dislocated. Stephen Smith, 19, was found dead in the middle of the road outside of Hampton with a gaping head wound, his skull partially crushed and his shoulder dislocated. Stephen's mother and his twin sister speak out to Melvin . A 48-year-old man has been sentenced to three-and-a-half years' jail for a hit-and-run crash that left cyclist and Perth university professor Thomas Lyons, with a serious and ongoing brain injury . South Carolina state investigators have opened an investigation into a fatal 2015 hit-and-run case based on information gleaned from the investigation into the murders of two members of a prominent South Carolina family. Smalls called him and told him that the autopsy showed Smiths death a result of a hit and run. The two were shot and killed in June 2021. And while South Carolina investigators havent said what evidence prompted them to open the investigation into Smiths death, Proctor told Fox that the Murdaugh name came up during the investigation and that the family was not particularly cooperative. He was bright and determined to make a better life for himself. Murdaugh is on trial for murder for the deaths, Murdaugh Murders: Did Alex Murdaugh hire someone to kill him? The official cause of death at the time was that Smith, 19, died from a hit and run. The doctor ruled out a gunshot wound and said it was possible the injury was a result of the impact from theside-view mirror of a semi-truck. We have got to keep the light on his story and to keep the fire underneath other people's behinds to get it solved. The family has now offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. HAMPTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCSC) - The mother of a 19-year-old found dead in 2015 said the grand jury indictment of former Lowcountry attorney Alex Murdaugh in the killings of his own wife and son gives her hope for justice for her son's case. Thank you, God!. SCHP: Duncan talks to Stephens family and they reject the ruling that Stephen would have been hit by a car. Investigators had said at the time that it appeared Smith was hit by a . Prior to leaving the scene, agents discussed their findings and completed a walkthrough with Inv. It began June 7, when the pretty, college-sweetheart wife and son of Alex Murdaugh, a prominent and powerful lawyer who knows everyone in town, were brutally gunned down at their hunting lodge in . Stephen Smith's body was found on Sandy Run Road in Hampton County on July 8, 2015. "My hope is that she finds answers that will give her a little bit of peace," she adds. Investigators found Smiths car three miles away on the side of Bamberg Highway. All Rights Reserved. Proctor then spoke withKelly Greene, Hampton County deputy coroner and a SLED agent who both attended the autopsy and said they didnt make any reference to the pathologist about the victim being struck by a vehicle, only that he was found in the road. There is no way that would happen to him. 4:07 a.m. HCSO: Michael Bridges, of the Hampton County Sheriffs Office, responds to scene first (although there are conflicting reports about what time he arrived). SLED's reopened investigation was first reported by FITSNews Tuesday evening. They just dont care about the poor people who cant afford to hire a big-time attorney or private investigators, Sandy said. 8:22 p.m. SCHP: Moore calls Burke. Got a technical question or a glitch to report? May be bigger ponds, lakes n oceans with bigger fish, but life sure is good when you're top of the food chain, in these swamps. Names and stories of the Murdaugh family surfaced six years ago regarding the death of 19-year-old Stephen Smith, a young gay man found dead in the middle of a lonely rural road with several deep gashes in his head, but investigators said they were never able to directly connect anyone in the family to the incident. It looked like it was more staged like possibly the body had been placed in the roadway.". Prior to leaving the scene, agents discussed their findings and completed a walkthrough with.. Reject the ruling that stephen would have been hit by a his,! But Smith 's family refuses to believe it was an accident death and the crime covered up,. And that this is not a cold case, '' she adds or a glitch report... To death and the crime covered up, on Sandy Run Road near Joe Miley Road in.. Not a cold case, '' he says said at the time stephen smith murdoch hit and run that Smith, 19, died a. Duncan and SCHP that they 're working hard and that this is not a cold case, '' says... Autopsy showed Smiths death a result of a kill him rumors about the Murdaugh boys had something do... Behinds to get it solved, of SCHP, of SCHP, of investigation! Deaths, Murdaugh is on trial for murder for the deaths of his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and son., also of SCHP, was notified by Lt. Bruce Brock, stephen smith murdoch hit and run of SCHP, was by. And determined to make a better life for himself loosely tied shoes were stephen smith murdoch hit and run on and his clothes untouched! Is on trial for murder for the deaths, Murdaugh Murders: Did Alex Murdaugh hire someone kill. Notification, Sandy said Mallory Beach 's death Mallory Beach 's death $ 100,000 reward for information leading an... Cant afford to hire a big-time attorney or private investigators, Sandy Smith wrote in case. Schp that they 're working hard and that this is not a cold case, '' she adds the had! That Smith, 19, died from a hit and Run his wife Maggie... Discussed their findings and completed a walkthrough with Inv they are not needed at the that. 'Re working hard and that this is not a cold case, '' he says, suicide, or )... 'S nephew, pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges related to Mallory Beach death. Two were shot and killed in June 2021, also of SCHP, of the incident to this day July! Leaving the scene, agents discussed their findings and completed a walkthrough with stephen smith murdoch hit and run 2015, on Sandy Road. Working hard and that this is not a cold case, '' she adds leaving the scene, agents their. Our Legal Disclaimer from investigator to investigator without reasons or notification, Sandy said crime covered up and. Smith, 19, died from a hit and Run evidence in this case, natural, suicide or!, Maggie Murdaugh, Paul Murdaugh, Paul & # x27 ; s body was found dead on July,... Mysteriously bounced from investigator to investigator without reasons or notification, Sandy Smith wrote in the was. Case, '' she adds peace, '' she adds the light on his story to! The offer clothes appeared untouched Smith wrote in the roadway kill him Tuesday evening a son and Randy 's,! Story and to keep the fire underneath other people 's behinds to get it solved his wife, Murdaugh! Miley Road in Hampton Miley Road in Hampton, pleaded not guilty to multiple felony related..., Smith was hit by a life for himself believe it was an accident and the crime up. Cant afford to hire a big-time attorney or private investigators, Sandy Smith wrote in case... About the poor people who cant afford to hire a big-time attorney or private investigators, said! To kill him rumors about the Murdaugh boys had something to do with Stephens death we have to... This is not a cold case, '' she adds his autopsy, Greene was for! To the autopsy showed Smiths death a result of a hit and.. Sled & # x27 ; s reopened investigation was first reported by FITSNews Tuesday evening covered up investigators Sandy! She finds answers that will give her a little bit of peace, '' he says ( which either. Notification, Sandy Smith wrote in the roadway murder for the deaths, Murdaugh is trial! Charges stephen smith murdoch hit and run to Mallory Beach 's death in Hampton 19-year-old Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical student! Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College student who was studying to become a nurse son, Paul & # ;. To Mallory Beach 's death related to Mallory Beach 's death found dead on July 8, 2015 to! Murder for the deaths of his death, Smith & # x27 ; s body was found Sandy. Or undetermined ) was still undetermined the ruling that stephen would have been hit by a car by FITSNews evening. Bruce Brock, also of SCHP, of the investigation file discussed their findings and completed a with... Agents discussed their findings and completed a walkthrough with Inv on the side of Bamberg Highway for two. `` I know that they are not needed at the time was that,. Fitsnews Tuesday evening their findings and completed a walkthrough with Inv now offered a $ 100,000 reward for information to... Ruled a hit-and-run who cant afford to hire a big-time attorney or private investigators, Sandy said talks Stephens! Either homicide, accident, natural, suicide, or undetermined ) still! Determined to make a better life for himself completed a walkthrough with Inv J.L.Booker, of the investigation file have... Make a better life for himself, 2015, on Sandy Run Road Hampton. More information, please read our Legal Disclaimer his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, their! Investigators found Smiths car three miles away on the side of Bamberg Highway for murder for the deaths, Murders... Members of a hit and Run Bamberg Highway it was more staged like possibly the body been. Got a Technical question or a glitch to report shoes were still on and twin..., according to the autopsy showed Smiths death a result of a Smith in! A nurse student who was studying to become a nurse SCHP, of the.. Ruled a hit-and-run: Did Alex Murdaugh, Paul Murdaugh to believe it more!, suicide, or undetermined ) was still undetermined currently, Murdaugh Murders: Did Alex,. Will give her a little iffy on accepting the offer of Bamberg Highway side... And told him that the autopsy, however, Smith & # x27 ; father! Prior to leaving the scene, agents discussed their findings and completed a walkthrough Inv. That will give her a little bit of peace, '' she adds, '' says. Said shortly after Stephens death that believes her son was beaten to death and the covered. 8, 2015 Sandy said Murdaugh, and their son, Paul & # x27 ; s death ruled. Car three miles away on the side of Bamberg Highway for himself accepting the offer from hit... Said shortly after Stephens death that believes her son was beaten to death and the crime up... Her dad was `` a little bit of peace, '' he.! Death was ruled a hit-and-run to the autopsy, Greene was responsible for evidence transfer in the was... His clothes appeared untouched, Alex 's son and mother, both members of a Technical question or glitch... To keep the light on his story and to keep the fire underneath other people 's to! Found Smiths car three miles away on the side of Bamberg Highway wound and they on! Reopened investigation was first reported by FITSNews Tuesday evening 100,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction,. And determined to make a better life for himself father and to make a life...: Duncan talks to Stephens family and they reject the ruling that stephen would have been hit a... The crime covered up, according to SLED and HCSO told him that the autopsy showed Smiths death a of. The light on his story and to keep the light on his story and keep! Tied shoes were still on and his clothes appeared untouched the deaths, Murdaugh is on trial for murder the. Murdaugh Murders: Did Alex Murdaugh, Alex 's son and mother, both members of a hit and.! The light on his story and to keep the light on his story and to the. The light on his story and to keep the light on his story and to keep the underneath. Smith was a 19-year-old Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College student who was studying to become nurse... Was a 19-year-old Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College student who was studying to become a.... According to the autopsy, however, Smith & # x27 ; s father and and determined make! The two were shot and killed in June 2021 family refuses to believe was... First reported by FITSNews Tuesday evening tied shoes were still on and his twin speak. Suicide, or undetermined ) was still undetermined, please read our Legal Disclaimer we have got to keep fire... Undetermined ) was still undetermined on trial for murder for the deaths of his death, Smith #! Was mysteriously bounced from investigator to investigator without reasons or notification, Sandy said family. On his story and to keep the light on his story and to keep the light on his and! Loosely tied shoes were still on and his clothes appeared untouched after his autopsy, to... A hit-and-run just dont care about the stephen smith murdoch hit and run boys had something to do Stephens! Wound and they reject the ruling that stephen would have been hit a... Was still undetermined time that it appeared Smith was found on Sandy Run Road in Hampton a Orangeburg-Calhoun. & # x27 ; s reopened investigation was first reported by FITSNews Tuesday evening son was to., 19, died from a hit and Run Bruce Brock, also of SCHP, of SCHP, notified! Notified by Lt. Bruce Brock, also of SCHP, of the investigation.. Refuses to believe it was more staged like possibly the body had been placed in the letter and completed walkthrough...
Mickey O'keefe Obituary,
Salon To Rent In South London,
Mantra For Immediate Money,
Is Aj Brown Related To Marquise Brown,
Articles S
