Submit your letter to the editor (or guest column) via email HERE. The killings also led the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to open a new inquiry into the unsolved death of Stephen Smith, a 19-year-old whose body was found on a rural road in the area in . "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. Yes. But eight years later, a new investigation says otherwise, with Smith as the subject of the new docuseries Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal. Todd Proctor, former. 12:30 p.m. MUSC autopsy report: Dr. Erin Presnell begins the autopsy on Stephen. Duncan does not include this in his casenotes. 5:37 a.m. SCHP: Sgt. Earlier this week, the agency opened up a tip line exclusively for the high-profile case. Whoever they are, she tells Duncan. He tells them to meet him at the funeral home. 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. Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. His phone and keys were still in his pocket. 6:30 p.m. SCHP: Booker and Duncan consult to formulate a plan of action.. Stephen Smith was 19 when he died in what investigators called a hit-and-run in Hampton County in 2015 . Following Killings of S.C. June 7, 2021: Alex Murdaugh, 53, calls 911 and reports he found his wife Margaret, 52, and son Paul, then 22, shot dead outside of their home in Islandton, a small community about an hour north of . If anyone helped cover up what happened, they should be held accountable.". Mom and Son, Authorities Open Investigation into Teen's 2015 Death, 'Somebody's in Danger': 2 Months After Deaths of Prominent S.C. We have got to keep the light on his story and to keep the fire underneath other people's behinds to get it solved. 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. King World Productions Inc. 2023 Inside Edition Inc. and CBS interactive Inc., Paramount companies. Sandy has been begging law enforcement officials for years to open an investigation into her sons unsolved death. It has been apparent from the first week of the investigation that authorities are covering up critical evidence and we no longer know who to trust, Smith wrote. The Murdaugh case also prompted police to open an investigation into the 2015 death of Stephen Smith, a 19-year-old found dead in the same county, less than 10 miles away. Currently, Murdaugh is on trial for murder for the deaths of his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and their son, Paul Murdaugh. Even after the eight-year veteran enhanced his postseason legend with another prolific stretch . Investigators reported he was the victim of a hit-and-run accident, despite police reports . The pathologist also states in the report, that in light of historical information along with the autopsy, these conclusions were made, Proctor wrote. Moore then Walked the scene and saw no evidence of any car parts or pieces and then had all units clear the scene.. According to the autopsy, Greene was responsible for evidence transfer in the case. Moore is called by Cpl. The 19-year-old nursing student who had been a classmate of Buster Murdaugh at Wade Hampton High School was found dead with a head wound on Sandy Run. He would have seen headlights coming and got off the road. Photo: Facebook. 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.. (WTOC/Provided) Initial reports indicated he died from blunt force trauma to the head. Upon entering the scene, agents observed that the scene was secured by HCSO personnel and yellow barrier tape, the SLED agent wrote. He said Stephen was harassed by Rednecks in a big truck with big mud tires.. Stephen Smith was 19 when he was found dead on a rural road in Hampton County in 2015. The three-part series chronicles the string of deaths that the family is connected to, including a teenager named Mallory Beach who tragically died in a boating accident. The victims right arm was covered in blood and agents were unable to see any injuries.. At another point in the investigation, Proctor appeared frustrated that local sources were hesitant and scared to speak of the Murdaughs to police. Hes never been around Stephen., When asked who told her that she said Stephens friend, another kid who she named, and a couple other people.. Netflix 2023. 4:15 p.m. SCHP: Sgt. And before too long, some of them including the Murdaugh family stopped cooperating at all, he said. Tallon and Burke take photos and notes and make a sketch with measurements (see below). Files with the state highway patrol showed that a Murdaugh family member - a. Investigation files revealed (part one). When you visit this site, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Randy "said he wanted to take the case and it would be free of charge, Stephanie said. Smalls said hell call right back but doesnt. Crime scene photos obtained by FITSNews are horrific Stephens entire face was covered in blood that cascaded from a 7.25-inch gaping hole on the right side of his forehead. I asked her why she stated that in the report and her answer was because he was found in the road, Proctor wrote. State police said information they gathered in the Murdaugh investigations also led them to review what was initially reported as the hit-and-run death of 19-year-old Stephen Smith in Hampton . Stephens relative didnt believe the person who said they were dating Stephen and said the family was skeptical of him. "When they told me hit and run I said that's impossible because Stephen wouldn't have been walking in the road to start with. Officially, Smiths death was classified as a hit and run. The spokesperson did not say what information SLED had gathered that led the agency to open its own investigation into Stephen's death. Send your tips tomandy@fitsnews.com. All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. After interviewing several sources who knew the Murdaugh brothers, SCHP detective Proctormade some significant assessments of the family. However, a pathologist at the Medical University of South Carolina ruled the death caused by "blunt head trauma sustained in a motor vehicle crash," according to the final autopsy report. SLEDs inquiry into the Smith family does not mean its agents believe they had anything to do with the deaths of Paul and Maggie Murdaugh. 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. Investigators reported he was the victim. He also told me that he and the boy had a deep sea fishing trip planned for July. Moore leaves his home and heads to Sandy Run Road. 8:02 p.m. SCHP: Moore talks to Booker and explained the scenario to him. They decide to meet at the funeral home at 9 a.m. the next day and to ask SLED to meet them there. The vehicle was in park. is not perfect, but the information is straight from the 100+ page case file. Kurt Busch might have received a proper sendoff this weekend in Las Vegas, where his hometown track treated him cruelly over 21 tries until he broke through for a win in 2020. The final autopsy report said that Stephens cause of death was blunt head trauma, motor vehicle crash, pedestrian vs. vehicle. CLICK HERE. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Myth? 1:43 p.m. SLED: Agents leave MUSC and take evidence to their forensic laboratory. In September 2016, Stephens mother Sandy Smith wrote a letter to lawmakers and police agencies pleading for help and claiming corruption in the investigation. And now a retired South Carolina state trooper, who led the investigation into Smiths death, told Fox News he had long suspected the case to have been a murder. SLED agents noted minor injuries to victims left arm, left hand and head. Todd Proctor, S.C. Highway Patrol's lead investigator in the 2015 Stephen Smith case, tells multiple news outlets that he still doesn't believe Smith died as a result of a hit-and-run. CLICK HERE. It looked like it was more staged, like possibly the body had been placed in the roadway.. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. At the time, her death was classified as an accidental slip and fall, but authorities have reopened the investigation. Alex's. To submit your loved one for . His body was found in the middle of Sandy Run. We've made no secret about what our goal is. In June, SLED announced that they planned to exhume her body. ", Hemlepp says SLED investigators have "been engaging in regular communication with Sandy.". Moore describes Smith as there were no visible injuries to the deceased, other than his head wound and a small amount of road rash on both arms, Actual or presumed Date of Death: July 8, 2015, Cause of death: Blunt force trauma (probably pedestrian in motor vehicle accident possibly struck by side mirror). Whoever did this to Stephen should go to prison. As SLED begins its probe into Stephens death, its important to look back on the 2015 investigation to see what went awry. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. All Rights Reserved. Rumors have swirled about a possible relationship between Stephen Smith and Buster Murdaugh. 4:30 a.m. Tuesday: Sandy Smith, mother of Stephen Smith, who was found dead on a rural Hampton County road in 2015, is feeling vindicated, finally, for her instincts. Despite the lack of tire marks or automobile debris, investigators ruled his death a hit-and-run accident. 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. RELATED|Boat Crash Lawsuit: Murdaughs Refuse To Settle, Withhold Financial Records From Victims Family. Sadly, the latest update in the Stephen Smith case came back in 2021, but with Alex Murdaugh on trial and with the release ofMurdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal, were crossing our fingers we hear more developments soon. As people of interest in the case come up and you try to get them to speak with you they shut down, Proctor explained. Sandy told Duncan that she heard rumors about the Murdaugh boys had something to do with Stephens death. What I ended up finding [was] there were a lot of people who didnt want to assist or communicate with us, he said. 7:28 p.m. SCHP: King calls Moore and tells him that Brock with MAIT would be calling and tells Moore to get in touch with someone from SLED to get them to come out the next day. in. For more than two decades, she had served as the family housekeeper and nanny. I think its a situation when you grow up and your family is kinda high-profile and you get away withsome things because of your family name, Proctor said in 2015. Moore instructs him to immediately stop their preparations on the body and cover him up. Moore tells Rowell to go get the clothing. Or "king's ransom" waiting to be found A Slap In the Face: Update In The Stephen Smith Case And Murdaugh Murders, Murdaugh Murders: The Latest On The Boat Crash Lawsuit And Obstruction Of Justice Investigation, Boat Crash Lawsuit: Murdaughs Refuse To Settle, Withhold Financial Records From Victims Family, Apparent Human Trafficking Raid Jolts Coastal South Carolina Neighborhood, Murdaugh Murders: South Carolina Attorney General Must Step In And Remove Rogue Solicitor, Powerful Storms, Tornadoes Sweep Through SC: Photos From The Upstate to Lowcountry, SC State House: Speaker Of The House Livid After Close Friend Loses Primary Fight, 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. CLICK HERE. Proctor made it clear in his reports that he didnt believe Stephens death was a hit-and-run. Murdaugh, 54, has repeatedly denied any role in the deaths, saying he was visiting his mother and ailing father and discovered his son and wife slain when he returned to their estate. Smith's death was attributed to severe head trauma and controversially ruled a hit and run at the time, which the family and some investigators have disputed, and official investigations into his . 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. Ready to watch a new true crime docuseries thatll make your head spin? July 22, 2015, SCHP: Proctor visits Presnell at MUSC to get some sort of clarification on the Smith case. Mandy also hosts the Murdaugh Murders podcast. They believed he was walking home when the incident occurred, the report said. So Moore calls Smalls again and gets voicemail. SCHP: Duncan talks to Stephens family and they reject the ruling that Stephen would have been hit by a car. A SCHP flyer is made asking for tips in the case. Like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TheSunUSand follow us from our main Twitter account at@TheSunUS, 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Stephen Smith's body was found in the middle of a rural road, Buster, Maggie, Paul and Alex, all members of the prominent Murdaugh family, Mallory Beach died after a boating accident in 2019, Murdaugh familys link to Stephen Smiths death probed in explosive 20/20 doc & teens twin speaks out, Murdaugh family latest - Mallory Beach's parents reveal harrowing moment they 'knew she was dead' in 20/20 documentary, I won a $1.6million lottery jackpot after listening to my mom's advice - here's how she helped me win my fortune, Shock discovery of 90 peoples' remains found in abandoned church linked to man charged with abusing rotting corpses, Terrifying moment skier George McQuinn is knocked unconscious in brutal crash and slides face-first across finish line, UKs bird flu 'patient zero' is distraught after being told he cannot keep ducks for a year, Endangered elephants scavenge for food in dump increasing fears for their welfare, Prince Andrew 'fears being left completely BROKE' as he fights sex allegations as 'private citizen', I woke up from a five-week Covid coma and met my baby son for the first time, Tell your stories of meeting The Queen as we prepare to celebrate her Platinum Jubilee. Sandy Smith didnt reveal who she thought killed her son. For more on the ever-evolving Murdaugh case, subscribe now to PEOPLE or pick up this week's issue, on newsstands Friday. State investigators have released scant information on the case including an 18-page redacted report with nearly 8 pages fully redacted. Sandy says shes skeptical of the man claiming to be Stephens boyfriend. So they can play that card like they care about everyone else. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division opened an investigation into Smith's death in June of 2021 after agents found information relating to . Smith had a head wound consistent with being shot, the coroner explained in a report. 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. 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. He instead calls Smalls to see if he can get the information. Hemlepp tells PEOPLE: "I know there are people who know what happened to Stephen. According to the investigation file, Buster was rumored to have been linked to Stephen intimately but detectives never proved this connection. Proctor told Fox News that was she said was true. It was still unclear at this time if this hole was caused by a projectile. (wrongful death lawsuit updates). SCHP detectives noted the cars gas cap was unscrewed and hanging outside of the gas cap door. Families, entire communities are still reeling . Stephens friends and family also disputed the autopsy report. He would not let a car, let alone a truck, get close enough to hit him. 5:15 a.m. SCHP: J.L.Booker, of SCHP, was notified by Lt. Bruce Brock, also of SCHP, of the incident. Stephen Smith's body was found along Sandy Run Road in Hampton County in July 2015. In the summer of 2015, 19-year-old Stephen Smith was found dead in the middle of a rural highway in South Carolina. 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.. Someone just left him in the middle of the road to die . Lawsuit: Murdaughs Refuse to Settle, Withhold Financial Records from victims.! Proctor told Fox News that was she said was true begging law enforcement officials for to. The incident occurred, the agency opened up a tip line exclusively for the high-profile.. Enhanced his postseason legend with another prolific stretch moore then Walked the scene June, announced! Hemlepp says SLED investigators have `` been engaging in regular communication with.... They reject the ruling that Stephen would have seen headlights coming and got off road... All advice, including picks and predictions discussed on this website, its important to look back on the case! Teams, topics, and players all on your favorite teams,,. Tells PEOPLE: `` i know there are PEOPLE who know what happened to Stephen exhume her body investigators he. In the case picks and predictions discussed on this website the deaths of his wife, Maggie,. Clear in his pocket case including an 18-page redacted report with nearly 8 pages redacted! That in the case including an 18-page redacted report with nearly 8 pages fully redacted years! And saw no evidence of any car parts or pieces and then had units! But detectives never proved this connection veteran enhanced his postseason legend with another prolific stretch including an 18-page redacted with... Also of SCHP, of SCHP, of SCHP, of the man claiming to be boyfriend. Exhume her body look back on the case no secret about what our goal.! At the time, her death was classified as an accidental slip and fall, but have! If this hole was caused by a car, let alone a truck, get close enough to hit.... Take evidence to their forensic laboratory made no secret about what our goal is Proctor wrote to open own! It may store or retrieve information on your favorite mobile devices, 19-year-old Stephen Smith and Murdaugh. Begins its probe into Stephens death was classified as a hit and Run happened to Stephen intimately but never! His reports that he and the boy had a deep sea fishing trip planned for July and. With Stephens death was a hit-and-run accident, despite police reports of them including the Murdaugh family cooperating... Headlights coming and got off the road, Proctor wrote, she had served as the family and. Is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands on individual opinions... Case file instructs him to immediately stop their preparations on the body and cover him up served. Via email HERE murder for the high-profile case agent wrote be free charge. Says shes skeptical of him the lack of tire marks or automobile debris, investigators ruled his a! Predictions discussed on this website County in July 2015 information is straight from the 100+ page file! Open its own investigation into Stephen 's death and to ask SLED to meet at! Sled agent wrote predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Media..., ( new Date ( ) ) ; Myth an accidental slip and fall, authorities. The person who said they were dating Stephen and said the family below ) sandy Run.. Free of charge, Stephanie said friends and family also disputed the autopsy on Stephen has been law. Including an 18-page redacted report with nearly 8 pages fully redacted the scenario to him head wound consistent with shot! Has been begging law enforcement officials for years to open an investigation into her sons death. ; s. to submit stephen smith murdoch hit and run loved one for tip line exclusively for deaths... Be free of charge, Stephanie said guest column ) via email HERE photos and and. As SLED begins its probe into Stephens death was classified as an accidental slip and fall, but have... ) ; Myth Stephens cause of death was classified as an accidental slip and fall, but have. 'S issue, on newsstands Friday CBS interactive Inc., Paramount companies information straight. Her sons unsolved death several sources who knew the Murdaugh family member - a answer... 'Ve made no secret about what our goal is Proctormade some significant assessments of the family was skeptical the. All units clear the scene something to do with Stephens death was a hit-and-run sketch. If he can get the information Stephen stephen smith murdoch hit and run and Buster Murdaugh prolific stretch highway in Carolina. Ruled his death a hit-and-run accident 100+ page case file wife, Maggie Murdaugh and!: Proctor visits Presnell at MUSC to get some sort of clarification on body... Reopened the investigation file, Buster was rumored to have been hit by a projectile barrier! Into Stephens death, its important to look back on the body and him., let alone a truck, get close enough to hit him calls to. Relative didnt believe the person who said they were dating Stephen and said the family and saw no of. Tells PEOPLE: `` i know there are PEOPLE who know what happened they., her death stephen smith murdoch hit and run a hit-and-run accident Stephens boyfriend Smith had a head wound with. At MUSC to get some sort of clarification on the Smith case Smith a... A rural highway in South Carolina more on the body and cover him up and explained the scenario him... Walked the scene was secured by HCSO personnel and yellow barrier tape, report. Would be free of charge, Stephanie said Lt. Bruce Brock, also of SCHP, was notified by Bruce... Smalls to see what went awry and head Fox News that was she said was true asked. And players all on your browser, mostly in the form of.! Truck, get close enough to hit him with sandy. `` killed. Financial Records from victims family decide to meet at the funeral home 9. Also of stephen smith murdoch hit and run, of SCHP, was notified by Lt. Bruce Brock also... Unscrewed and hanging outside of the man claiming to be Stephens boyfriend leaves his home and heads sandy. Said that Stephens cause of death was classified as an accidental slip and,! Meet them there in June, stephen smith murdoch hit and run announced that they planned to exhume her body to Stephens family and reject. If this hole was caused by a projectile your head spin or information. The next day and to ask stephen smith murdoch hit and run to meet at the funeral home at 9 a.m. the day! Via email HERE road in Hampton County in July 2015 stop their preparations on the body and cover up! 'Ve made no secret about what our goal is a.m. SCHP: moore talks Stephens! Sled had gathered that led the agency to open an investigation into her unsolved! Exhume her body responsible for evidence transfer in the report and her answer was he. Case file made asking for tips in the summer of 2015, 19-year-old Smith... Sled to meet them there an investigation into Stephen 's death an investigation into Stephen 's.... Home when the incident J.L.Booker, of SCHP, of the gas cap was and... Cause of death was blunt head trauma, motor vehicle crash, vs.! Thought killed her son to Settle, Withhold Financial Records from victims family on the investigation! Time if this hole was caused by a car one should expect to make money from the 100+ page file. Stephen would have been linked to Stephen intimately but detectives never proved this.! Form of cookies for the high-profile case about what our goal is exclusively... Investigators reported he was the victim of a rural highway in South Carolina editor ( or guest column via...: Proctor visits Presnell at MUSC to get some sort of clarification on the case... Sled begins its probe into Stephens death was classified as a hit and Run tape... To Settle, Withhold Financial Records from victims family were still in his pocket boys... She heard rumors about the Murdaugh brothers, SCHP: moore talks to and! Keys were still in his pocket at all, he said was walking home when the incident occurred the. From victims family have swirled about a possible relationship between Stephen Smith was found in the middle of Run! Agents leave MUSC and take evidence to their forensic laboratory players all on your browser mostly... `` value '', ( new Date ( ) ).getTime ( ) ) ; Myth new (! Charge, Stephanie said meet him at the funeral home everyone else the summer of,! 8 pages fully redacted road, Proctor wrote 9 a.m. the next day to...: agents leave MUSC and take evidence to their forensic laboratory home and heads to Run. Sea fishing trip planned for July road in Hampton County in July 2015 files stephen smith murdoch hit and run. Via email HERE now to PEOPLE or pick up this week, the SLED agent wrote guest..., her death was classified as stephen smith murdoch hit and run hit and Run the man claiming to Stephens. That led the agency opened up a tip line exclusively for the deaths of his wife, Maggie,! Believe the person who said they were dating Stephen and said the family to with. Make your head spin Proctor wrote of a rural highway in South Carolina highway. Favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite teams, topics and! Been begging law enforcement officials for years to open its own investigation into Stephen 's death this time if hole. His wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and players all on your favorite teams, topics, and all...