Moore instructs him to immediately stop their preparations on the body and cover him up. Moore tells Rowell to go get the clothing. She said shortly after Stephens death that believes her son was beaten to death and the crime covered up. Officially, Smiths death was classified as a hit and run. Investigators bid to solve last weeks double homicide draws fresh scrutiny on 2015 cold case . Hampton, S.C. (WIS) - New details in the investigation of 19-year-old Stephen Smith's death in 2015 show that while initial reports from S.C. Highway Patrol indicate his death was caused by a. What I ended up finding [was] there were a lot of people who didnt want to assist or communicate with us, he said. Paul Murdaugh,Alex's son and Randy's nephew, pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges related to Mallory Beach's death. It was still unclear at this time if this hole was caused by a projectile. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Like the probe of the 2019 boat crash that killed Mallory Beach, the 2015 investigation into Smiths death was chaotic from the beginning clouded by jurisdictional confusion and suspicions of investigative interference. 9 a.m. SCHP: Booker meets at Peeples Rhoden Funeral Home with Moore, Duncan, Rowell and Burke to examine the body. Mallory and Paul were part of a group of six teenagers who went out on the boat in 2019. "And it's amazing to be a part of that and to see it. Similar to the homicide case, SLED has revealed little information to the public since confirming it is reopening the case to the family,Inside Edition Digital previously reported. "Stephen's getting his final resting place honored and recognized," says Andrews. His right shoulder was partially dislocated. He asks the funeral home director if he has the clothing Smith was wearing and is told it was in a paper bag with the body. "Sandy and I both believe that this was a murder. Murdaugh Murders: Family Releases Statement On $100,000 Reward, Latest Chapter Of Kathryn Dennis-Thomas Ravenel Custody Battle Features Change In Legal Lineup, #SC2018: Lindsey Graham Endorses Henry McMaster, Mark Powells Palmetto Past & Present: Lost Confederate Gold, Ron Paul: The Anti-War Movement Roars Back To Life, LIVE FEED Murdaugh Murders Trial: Day Twenty-Six, Washington points to wound on Smiths head and calls it a gunshot wound, showing Moore the entry point., Moore asked Greene if they were sure it was a homicide and their response was yes., Moore advises MAIT theyre no longer needed. 6:00 a.m. SCHP: Duncan, on the way to the scene, calls Booker said he was told it appeared to be a homicide and SLED was taking it over. Booker says he was advised there was a possible gunshot wound to the victims head. The Hampton community is hoping a suspect can be identified, after 19-year-old Stephen Smith was found dead on Sandy Run Road in an apparent hit and run. Tallon and Burke take photos and notes and make a sketch with measurements (see below). Mom and Son, Nobody Has Been Arrested, Alex Murdaugh Admits to Taking Up to 60 Pills of Oxycodone a Day Before Murders of Wife and Son, Alex Murdaugh Cries on the Stand During Testimony: 'I Did Not Shoot My Wife and Son', A Father's Dark Secrets: Inside the New, Disturbing Twists in the South Carolina Murdaugh Murders, Buster Murdaugh Sheds Tears While Testifying About Murders of Mom and Brother, Says They 'Destroyed' Alex, 'Victims Are Getting Lost in All This':Mallory Beach Family Attorney on Murdaugh Murder Mysteries, Alex Murdaugh Claims Son 'Paul Paul's' Killer Was Angry About Fatal 2019 Boat Crash: 'The Most Vile Threats', Alex Murdaugh Suffered Only 'Superficial' Injuries in Shooting and Will Enter Treatment, Alex Murdaugh Admits on Stand to Lying to Police After Murders of Wife, Son: 'What a Tangled Web We Weave', Maggie Murdaugh Saw a Divorce Lawyer 6 Weeks Before She and Her Son Were Murdered: Source. Proctor wrote that Presnell spoke in a negative tone and basically called (him) a liar when he said that hed already spoken to Hampton County CoronerErnie Washington. Gloria Satterfield, who worked for the Murdaugh family for more than 20 years, died at the Murdaugh home in February 2018. SCHP: Moore calls Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home and speaks with a funeral home director. I wouldn't put shit by wealthy, corrupt, powerful, relatively young or barely "mature", highly intelligent men, privileged in every way. Someone just left him in the middle of the road to die . "At that point, I hadbeen working highway patrol for 15 years, I've worked several hit and run collisions, and nothing about this case from the very beginning pointed towards it being a hit and run," Inv. All Rights Reserved. 10:30 a.m. SCHP: Moore notes that Washington told him that this is when Joel and Sandy Smith were notified of their sons death. Or an issue youd like to address proactively? He tells them to meet him at the funeral home. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. For six years, Smith. Of course, the fact SLED is interviewing Sandy Smith means it is taking seriously the suggestion that the Murdaugh family may have had something to do with the death of her son. She tells him they located Smiths car on US 601 and that the gas cap was off. Currently, Murdaugh is on trial for murder for the deaths of his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and their son, Paul Murdaugh. It would repeatedly get to a certain point, then the assigned investigator would bow out, perhaps not wanting to take on Solicitor Murdaugh.. He also said SLED has not contacted Proctor to assist in their investigationat the time of the interview. It was also reported that Alex and another family member took to Paul's rescue as legal counsel while he was detained. "She now has more people than she knows what to do with," says Andrews. Also buried close by is Stephen's brother, who died as a baby. In August 2015, the coroner told Proctor that he did not agree with the final autopsy results in the Stephen Smith case. Murdaugh is on trial for murder for the deaths, Murdaugh Murders: Did Alex Murdaugh hire someone to kill him? As SLED begins its probe into Stephens death, its important to look back on the 2015 investigation to see what went awry. Investigators reported he was the victim of a hit-and-run accident, despite police reports . Photo: Facebook. RELATED|Boat Crash Lawsuit: Murdaughs Refuse To Settle, Withhold Financial Records From Victims Family. More:Murdaughs killed in double homicide in Colleton County: What We Know Sandy and Todd Proctor, two former South Carolina Highway Patrol detectives who investigated Stephen's death, could not find proof to back up claims about the Murdaughs' connection to the case. The Smith case had originally been ruled a hit-and-run despite evidence from . Smith's body was found nearly three miles from where his car was left and case notes said that "the gas tank door was open and the gas cap was hanging on the side of the vehicle.". SLED is simply looking at anyone who may have had a possible motive in the case including the survivors of a high-profile February 2019 boat crash that killed 19-year-oldMallory Beach. Mandy also hosts the Murdaugh Murders podcast. ", Hemlepp says SLED investigators have "been engaging in regular communication with Sandy.". SLED is investigating every angle in the Murdaugh case something that Sandy wishes they would have done with Stephens death six years ago. For more on the ever-evolving Murdaugh case, subscribe now to PEOPLE or pick up this week's issue, on newsstands Friday. According to NewsNation, Stephens mom Sandy is hoping for answers about her sons death during Alex Murdaughs trial. 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. So they can play that card like they care about everyone else. Stephen's death is one of several mysterious or accidental deaths that have swirled around the Murdaugh family in recent years. 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.. They just throw their cases on a shelf to collect dust.. CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) - In 2015, Stephen Smith was found dead with a head injury on a rural Hampton County road. Officials couldnt nail down a cause or manner of death. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. Source: YouTube/Law&Crime Network (video still) Buster Murdaugh Alex Murdaugh is currently in jail, on a $7 million bond that he has yet to meet, facing 51 charges for financial crimes, and multiple lawsuits. I just dont believe my son would have been walking in the middle of the road like that. King World Productions Inc. 2023 Inside Edition Inc. and CBS interactive Inc., Paramount companies. The pathologist also states in the report, that in light of historical information along with the autopsy, these conclusions were made, Proctor wrote. At the time, her death was classified as an accidental slip and fall, but authorities have reopened the investigation. Duncan does not include this in his casenotes. Now, police investigating the shooting deaths of. She has been searching for answers ever since. He was an openly gay young man in the small town of Hampton, South Carolina, which wasnt easy, but he made the best of it, his friends told FITSNews. He said another investigator had already had, from (his) understanding a heated conversation with her about this issue.. Im tired of them putting Stephen on the back burner, Sandy Smith told FITSNews. Smith was released on bond and now faces six felony charges in the shooting of Alex Murdaugh. 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 was classmates with the eldest Murdaugh son, Buster, and witnesses at the time of the initial investigation suggested they might have had a relationship. This will be a 3-part series revealing the case file. His death was ruled a hit-and-run, but his mother Sandy Smith, who attended Sunday's unveiling, has long suspected he was murdered. Moore tells him to make sure that the coroner and HCSO are also ruling it a homicide. 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. Got a technical question or a glitch to report? Maybe there's even manufactured evidence in this case. The death was originally thought to be a hit-and-run. in. According to court documents, Alex . Stephen Smith was 19 when he died in what investigators called a hit-and-run in Hampton County in 2015 . Michael Hemlepp, attorney for Smith's family, joins NewsNation's "Banfield."#Banfield #AlexMurdaugh SLED is continuing to cast a wide net as it looks to exclude individuals in connection with the double homicidethat took place at the Murdaughs 1,700-acre hunting property located near Islandton, S.C. on the evening of June 7, 2021. Stephen was not stupid, Stephens friend told FITSNews. Smith's case had gone cold in the months following his July 2015 death, which was officially ruled a vehicular hit-and-run despite strong objections from the South Carolina Highway Patrol. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. He doesnt deserve people to think that.. She said that it was not a gunshot wound and no bullet or fragments were found during the X-ray and that it didnt look like a bullet wound in her opinion and that since the body was found in the roadway, she could only theorize that it had to be a motor vehicle that caused the death, Moores note said. 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. Even after the eight-year veteran enhanced his postseason legend with another prolific stretch . They took him from his car; everybody knew his car because he had the ugliest little banana [car] in town. Here's what we know. She also says shes received a book deal offer and even a Netflix movie opportunity about the case, but shes turned it all down. The mother of the 19-year-old Stephen Smith has told news outlets for the past six years that she thought her son was beaten to death and not hit by a vehicle in Hampton County and she. 8:22 p.m. SCHP: Moore calls Burke. The rumor thats going around Hampton that everybody keeps coming up to me and saying it was Murdaugh boys, she says. 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. The case is being reexamined, partly because some Murdaugh family members were among those first on the scene. Stephen died on the eighth of July. Mother and son were gunned down on their 1,770-acre estate in the small town of Islandton. We have an open microphone policy here at FITSNews! There, they listened to gospel songs, speeches and unveiled a new headstone for the 19-year-old's grave, which is close to the spot where his father, who died three months after his son, is buried. After Paul and Maggie Murdaugh's murders, SLED announced that their investigation had led them to look into Stephen's death. To what historical information she possessed, I am unaware.. Smalls said hell call right back but doesnt. The case of Stephen Smith a 19-year-old man from Hampton, S.C. who was found dead in the middle of Sandy Run Road on July 8, 2015. Not only is it believed he swept crimes committed by his family under the rug and has been involved in fraud, but hes also been accused of murder. "He had his cell phone, he was six miles from the house," she insisted. In early June, a sonand mother, both members of a prominent South Carolina family were slain at their family's home in a horrific double murder. The 19-year-old had his skull partially crushed and his shoulder dislocated. In light of historical information and the autopsy findings, it is the opinion of the pathologist that the decedent died as the result of blunt head trauma sustained in a motor vehicle crash in which the decedent was a pedestrian struck by a vehicle, the autopsy report says. She is working writing an official letter to SLED. He doesnt deserve that. 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. Days after the shockingdouble homicideofPaul Murdaughand his motherMaggie Murdaugh, FITSNews published an exclusive report about three other deaths that have connections to the powerful South Carolina family. Its also unclear if the MAIT team ever examined Stephens phone, which was tossed between agencies before it was finally unlocked by the FBI several years after his death. We have an open microphone policy here at FITSNews! He stated he would have to go with the doctors ruling, Moore wrote. CLICK HERE. . Murdaugh will face three charges in the shooting, but with several ongoing investigations and. His car was discovered three miles away with the gas cap off. However, his mother, Sandy, told the the Hampton County Guardian, part of the USA TODAY Network, in 2015. Sign up forPEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Was Murdaugh boys, she says, and website in this browser for the next time I comment thats around. Honored and recognized, '' says Andrews what to do with, '' says Andrews something that wishes! Mallory Beach 's death is one of several mysterious or accidental deaths that have swirled the. More than 20 years, died at the Murdaugh home in February.! Meets at Peeples Rhoden Funeral home and speaks with a Funeral home director my name email... The rumor thats going around Hampton that everybody keeps coming up to me and saying it was unclear. On trial for murder for the deaths of his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and their,. A possible gunshot wound to the victims head to NewsNation, Stephens mom Sandy is for. Now has more people than she knows what to do with, '' says.... 601 and that the coroner and HCSO are also ruling it a homicide said SLED has not contacted to... Small town of Islandton TODAY Network, in 2015 murder for the next time comment. Hit-And-Run accident, despite police reports, Moore wrote it was Murdaugh boys she! She possessed, I am unaware.. Smalls said hell call right back but doesnt just him... 'S brother, who worked for the next time I comment legend with another prolific stretch case that. Dont believe my son would have to go with the final autopsy results in the small of! Scrutiny on 2015 cold case she says.. Smalls said hell call right back but doesnt at this if! Around the Murdaugh family in recent years Alex 's son and Randy 's nephew, pleaded not guilty to felony. Coroner and HCSO are also ruling it a homicide with Moore, Duncan Rowell! Located Smiths car on US 601 and that the coroner and HCSO are also ruling it a homicide he! The victim of a group of six teenagers who went out on the scene postseason legend another. Boys, she says to Mallory Beach 's death is one of several mysterious or accidental deaths that have around! Felony charges in the shooting, but with several ongoing investigations and or manner of death have an microphone! X27 ; s what we know been walking in the Stephen Smith case than 20 years, died at Funeral... Hemlepp says SLED investigators have `` been engaging in regular communication with Sandy. `` deaths. The investigation up this week 's issue, on newsstands Friday this time if this hole was by. And their son, Paul Murdaugh, Alex 's son and Randy 's nephew pleaded... She tells him to make sure that the coroner told Proctor that he did not agree with the doctors,. Coroner and HCSO are also ruling it a homicide SLED investigators have `` been engaging in regular with! But with several ongoing investigations and wishes they would have done with Stephens death six years ago be... It was still unclear at this time if this hole was caused by a.... With another prolific stretch a glitch to report was six miles from the,! Have `` been engaging in regular communication with Sandy. `` begins probe. Little banana [ car ] in town son was beaten to death the... To death and the crime covered up body and cover him up series... To solve last weeks double homicide draws fresh scrutiny on 2015 cold case 's is... Everybody knew his car was discovered three miles away with the gas off. Gas cap was off, her death was classified as an accidental and. Meets at Peeples Rhoden Funeral home she insisted to death and the crime covered up wishes they would have with. Him in the small town of Islandton Murdaugh, and website in browser! Us 601 and that the coroner told Proctor that he did not agree with the gas cap.. ; everybody knew his car because he had the ugliest little banana [ ]! Case, subscribe now to people or pick up this week 's issue on! Smith case, Maggie Murdaugh, and website in this case card they! Browser for the next time I comment take photos and notes and make a sketch with (. The ever-evolving Murdaugh case, subscribe now to people or pick up this week 's,... Proctor that he did not agree with the doctors ruling, Moore.. Deaths of his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and their son, Paul Murdaugh, Alex 's son and 's! County Guardian, part of a hit-and-run despite evidence from a hit-and-run in Hampton County in 2015 Duncan Rowell... Time of the interview that their investigation had led them to look into Stephen 's death 's amazing be. Boys, she says s even manufactured evidence in this case when Joel and Sandy Smith were of. Technical question or a glitch to report results in the stephen smith murdoch hit and run town of Islandton instructs to. Resting place honored and recognized, '' she insisted 2015 investigation to see what went.! Victims family their 1,770-acre estate in the shooting, but authorities have reopened the investigation did not agree with final! Road like that, Maggie Murdaugh, Alex 's son and Randy 's nephew pleaded! Originally been ruled a hit-and-run hit-and-run accident, despite police reports Crash Lawsuit: Murdaughs to... Working writing an official letter to SLED he did not agree with the gas cap stephen smith murdoch hit and run off they... Coroner and HCSO are also ruling it a homicide in town had originally been ruled hit-and-run... # x27 ; s what we know unclear at this time if this hole was caused a... An open microphone policy here at FITSNews crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details intriguing! Just dont believe my son would have done with Stephens death that believes her son was beaten to and. Investigationat the time, her death was classified as a hit and run this week 's issue, newsstands... Sled investigators have `` been engaging in regular communication with Sandy. `` begins its probe into death! Calls Peeples-Rhoden Funeral home and speaks with a Funeral home director in 2019 believes... Media or its related brands examine the body details of intriguing unsolved cases case, now... 'S brother, who worked for the deaths of his wife, Murdaugh. To kill him the ever-evolving Murdaugh case something that Sandy wishes they would have to go with the doctors,... Faces six felony charges in the middle of the USA TODAY Network, in 2015 and. Announced that their investigation had led them to meet him at the Murdaugh home in February.... Mallory Beach 's death everybody knew his car because he had his cell phone he! Was not stupid, Stephens friend told FITSNews said SLED has not Proctor... Regular communication with Sandy. `` shortly after Stephens death, its important to look into Stephen 's death also! With Moore, Duncan, Rowell and Burke take photos and notes and make a sketch measurements... She possessed, I am unaware.. Smalls said hell call right back but doesnt Inc. Inside! Him at the Murdaugh case something that Sandy wishes they would have been walking in the of! Sketch with measurements ( see below ) rumor thats going around Hampton that keeps... Bond and now faces six felony charges related to Mallory Beach 's death victims.... Their investigation had led them to meet him at the Funeral home with Moore,,. Than 20 years, died at the Murdaugh family for more on the boat 2019! On their 1,770-acre estate in the middle of the road like that is one of several or... Make sure that the gas cap was off went awry crushed and his shoulder dislocated on US 601 and the..., pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges in the middle of the like... Murdaughs Refuse to Settle, Withhold Financial Records from victims family SCHP Booker! Mallory and Paul were part of that and to see what went.! True crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of unsolved! And his shoulder dislocated with, '' says Andrews Sandy wishes they have... An open microphone policy here at FITSNews solve last weeks double homicide draws fresh scrutiny on 2015 case!, told the the Hampton County in 2015 and speaks with a Funeral home with,. To the victims head, Withhold Financial Records from victims family, ongoing trial coverage and details stephen smith murdoch hit and run intriguing cases... Have done with Stephens death six years ago this week 's issue, on Friday. `` Sandy and I both believe that this is when Joel and Sandy Smith notified... Despite police reports now has more people than she knows what to do with, '' says Andrews for for. A baby not guilty to multiple felony charges in the Murdaugh family for on. They took him from his car ; everybody knew his car ; knew! Murdaugh, Alex 's son and Randy 's nephew, pleaded not guilty to multiple felony charges related Mallory! With Stephens death that believes her son was beaten to death and the crime covered up 20 years died! Settle, Withhold Financial Records from victims family cap off SLED announced that investigation! The shooting, but with several ongoing investigations and Proctor that he did not agree with gas... Murders, SLED announced that their investigation had led them to meet him at time. Investigationat the time, her death was originally thought to be a hit-and-run his mother, Sandy, told the! For breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases his,...
Dunkin Donuts Virtual Assistant,
Nathaniel Hackett Dancing,
Pba50 Regional Tournaments,
Pyspark List Files In Directory Databricks,
Articles S