He would have seen headlights coming and got off the road. The Hampton County Coroner's Office said the 19-year-old was hit and killed back in 2015 by blunt-force trauma to the head. His car was discovered three miles away with the gas cap off. Stephens relative tells him that she just officially left the house for the first time since Stephens death the day before and went to the store and a bunch of people kept coming up to her saying Did you know the Murdaugh Boys are behind it, saying Buster Murdaugh the, one we went to school with did it, and some of his friends.. Thank you, God!. Moore calls Croft to ask which agents were at the scene that morning. He tells them to meet him at the funeral home. A SCHP flyer is made asking for tips in the case. 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. Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal. Smith, 19, of Hampton, was found dead in the middle of a rural road in Hampton County in 2015, three miles from where his car had run out of gas, investigators said, WIS, The Augusta Chronicle,. She has been searching for answers ever since. Stephen was beloved. The official cause of death at the time was that Smith, 19, died from a hit and run. Is Mother and Son Murder Connected to Death of Woman in Drunken Boat Crash. Mom and Son, Authorities Open Investigation into Teen's 2015 Death, 'Somebody's in Danger': 2 Months After Deaths of Prominent S.C. 5:18 a.m. SCHP: Booker notifies Cpl. Stephen's mother and his twin sister speak out to Melvin . How injury occurred: Subject was apparently hit by a motor vehicle possibly a truck. They were very withdrawn with what they knew or thought.. Sandy says that Stephen was smart and a study person who was typically serious about school. 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. They believed he was walking home when the incident occurred, the report said. "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. That did not happen to my friend. 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). Alex's. So why didnt they investigate Stephens death as a homicide? Send your tips tomandy@fitsnews.com. Stephens family member didnt seem to believe this at the time. Moore is called by Cpl. 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 hit-and-run car crash . Im telling you man to man I didnt kill him.. Murder, Money & Mystery: Were the Killings of a Mom and Son Connected to 3 Previous Deaths? Randy "said he wanted to take the case and it would be free of charge, Stephanie said. The coroners report on Smiths death said he was most likely hit in the head by the mirror of a passing tractor trailer truck as he walked along the dark, two-lane road after he ran out of gas. The 19-year-old had his skull partially crushed and his shoulder dislocated. Investigators theorized that the mirror of a semi-truck hit Stephens head. She told FITSNews this week that SLED came to her house to tell her they were opening an investigation. Stephen Smith was 19 when he died in what investigators called a hit-and-run in Hampton County in 2015 . 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. His loosely tied shoes were still on and his clothes appeared untouched. 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. The investigation was opened "based upon information gathered during the course of the double murder investigation of Paul and Maggie Murdaugh," a SLED spokesperson said. 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. Randy Murdaugh was the second person to call my dad after the coroner," Stephanie told ABC. Investigators bid to solve last weeks double homicide draws fresh scrutiny on 2015 cold case . In their search, investigators from SCHP, the Hampton County sheriffs office, and SLED found virtually no evidence no bullets, no gunshot residue, no tire marks, no debris from a vehicle. And when you dont have enough evidence to compel someone legally to speak with you you have to go off their willingness to speak to you.. 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. 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. Or "king's ransom" waiting to be found Stephen Smith Case Files: Why Was Hampton Teens Death Ruled A Hit And Run In 2015? 8:25 a.m. SLED: Tallon and Burke arrive at the scene. He said Stephen was harassed by Rednecks in a big truck with big mud tires.. Feb. 2, 2018: Gloria Satterfield, 57, falls at the Murdaugh family home on Moselle Road in Colleton County. Todd Proctor, former. For more on the ever-evolving Murdaugh case, subscribe now to PEOPLE or pick up this week's issue, on newsstands Friday. "I just couldn't believe it," she said. Feb. 26, 2018: Satterfield dies from her injuries. But Sandy Smith told the Hampton County Guardian, as reported in the Augusta Chronicle, that there was no glass or plastic shards on the road where Stephens body was found nothing that would indicate the young man was hit in the head by a mirror. For six years, Smith. Mother and son were gunned down on their 1,770-acre estate in the small town of Islandton. Stephen Smith, 19, died on a rural road in Hampton County, S.C., in 2015 in a controversial homicide that was officially ruled a hit-and-run. 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. For more than two decades, she had served as the family housekeeper and nanny. It was still unclear at this time if this hole was caused by a projectile. Sign up forPEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. 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. Sunday's vigil was held just days after news broke that disgraced South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh was indicted by a grand jury on murder charges in connection with the June 2021 deaths of his wife Maggie, 52, and 22-year-old son Paul. Currently, Murdaugh is on trial for murder for the deaths of his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and their son, Paul Murdaugh. Alex Murdaugh, Paul's father and . Got a technical question or a glitch to report? Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. One of the guys that supposedly did this, Stephen told his twin sister that he had a fling with the boy, she said. Families, entire communities are still reeling . We have an open microphone policy here at FITSNews! Stephen's murder was ruled a hit-and-run with no one arrested for the crime, but in 2021, the case was reopened. 6:30 p.m. SCHP: Booker and Duncan consult to formulate a plan of action.. 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. It would repeatedly get to a certain point, then the assigned investigator would bow out, perhaps not wanting to take on Solicitor Murdaugh.. Were not classifying this as anything other than a murder, Proctor said in an audio recording. The Hampton County Coroner's office authorized the autopsy. 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. In a report (below) by Todd Proctor, a MAIT detective for SCHP, it was clear that investigators didnt agree with the pathologists conclusion to rule the death a hit and run. Investigators with the S.C. Highway Patrol ( SCHP). CLICK HERE. 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. Fox News boss Rupert Murdoch said in a deposition under oath that any Fox News executives who knowingly allowed lies to be broadcast on the air "should be reprimanded" or "maybe got rid of," according to a new court filing on Monday by Dominion Voting Systems. The worst part is that some of the individuals responsible were Stephens classmates.. (latest case updates), Murdaugh Murders: Was Paul Murdaugh charged for Mallory Beachs death? Got a tip for a story? She tells him that she and Tallon were called at 6:10 a.m. by HCSO and that they arrived on scene at 9 a.m. Burke said she didnt think Stephens injury looked like a gunshot wound. Kacen Bayless/AP At the time, police said Smith had a massive head wound and they. We've made no secret about what our goal is. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. The late Stephen Smith with his mother . It looked like it was more staged, like possibly the body had been placed in the roadway.. 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 court documents, Alex . After his autopsy, however, Smith's death was ruled a hit-and-run. 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. 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. 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. Everything to Know About the Murdaugh Family Murders and the Ongoing Drama Surrounding Dad Alex Murdaugh, Hampton County Detention Center/AP/Shutterstock, Alex Murdaugh Allegedly Lured Wife to Cabin On Night She Was Killed and She Texted Friend It Seemed 'Fishy', Everything to Know About the Murdaugh Family Murders, Including Details of Allegations Against Alex, Alex Murdaugh's Slain Son Paul Allegedly Strangled Ex-Girlfriend in 2017, She Says in Netflix Documentary, Investigators Will Exhume Body of Murdaugh Family Housekeeper Who Died Under Mysterious Circumstances. That's not even the end of the story. The man says that Stephen was harassed in his town and said people screwed with Stephens car battery. 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. Multi-Disciplinary Accident Investigation Team, told Fox News in an exclusivetelevisioninterview, Maggie Murdaugh's Cellphone Was Found Near Roadside Away From Crime Scene, Sources Reportedly Say, SLED Will Investigate Stephen Smith 2015 Death, Citing Emerging Details in Paul and Maggie Murdaugh Killings, New Redacted Report on Murdaugh Homicide Case Released. 2023 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Murdaugh murders: Cops clueless about motive, refuse to release 911 call details Another deceased person's name has reemerged in the case - Stephen Smith, a gay man from Hampton who died in 2015. 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. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. What a slap in the face.. 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. I asked her why she stated that in the report and her answer was because he was found in the road,' Proctor wrote. The victims hands were bagged. Cold Cases Database. 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. 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. She stated they told the Sheriff and Coroner and that they didnt believe it to be a gunshot wound. They took him from his car; everybody knew his car because he had the ugliest little banana [car] in town. 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. . The victims right arm was covered in blood and agents were unable to see any injuries.. Got something youd like to say in response to one of our articles? 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. And anyone who knows anything needs to come forward. Proctor also wrote in his report that Greene was fired sometime between July 22 August 18, 2015. Sandy Smith was told that if she wanted her sons case to be looked at by SLED, she would have to write a letter. 3 Stephen Smith's body was found in the middle of a rural road Credit: Facebook 3 Buster, Maggie, Paul and Alex, all members of the prominent Murdaugh family Credit: Facebook Smith died on a rural road in Hampton County in 2015, in what was ruled a hit-and-run. At the time, investigators said it appeared he was killed in a hit-and-run collision while walking. At first, they thought it was a hit and run. However, Randy said in the 20/20 documentary that he knew of "no connection whatsoever" between the Murdaugh family and Stephen Smiths death. His name is going to be right there with everyone elses name and I dont care who knows it.. What's the latest update on Stephen Smith's murder? "Here she is seven years later, still hanging in there, still going strong, still ready to do whatever it takes to find the answers," Smith family attorney Mike Hemlepp tells PEOPLE. He said he would take Stephens case free of charge. The family was skeptical of Randy Murdaughs offer and thought it was weird. 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. Evidence in. Sandy says shes skeptical of the man claiming to be Stephens boyfriend. One of those deaths? An investigator for the South Carolina Highway Patrol says that he thinks Stephen Smith's body was staged the night of his death in July 2015. Stephens friends and family also disputed the autopsy report. 1:43 p.m. SLED: Agents leave MUSC and take evidence to their forensic laboratory. 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. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. She is working writing an official letter to SLED. The battery was functional, however the vehicle would not start., 9:40 a.m. SLED: Agents leave the scene of the car after doing a walk-through with Singleton and Jarrell. This decision to rule his death a hit-and-run appeared to skew the investigation by SCHPs Multi-disciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) who typically investigate accidents, not murders. Ive been waiting on this day for 2,174 days, Sandy told FITSNews. Additionally, the episode will reveal new details in the death of Stephen Smith, who was found dead in 2015 after an alleged hit and run. 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. She said Stephen had been recently cutting school, which was unusual for him. "Stephen's getting his final resting place honored and recognized," says Andrews. Whoever did this to Stephen should go to prison. He also said SLED has not contacted Proctor to assist in their investigationat the time of the interview. "Sandy and I both believe that this was a murder. It looked like it was more staged like possibly the body had been placed in the roadway.". The old way of doing business in Hampton does not exist anymore. His right shoulder was partially dislocated. Randy declined to comment on the statement Stephanie made to investigators regarding his alleged phone call. 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.. Submit your letter to the editor (or guest column) via email HERE. The19-year-old was found lying in the middle of the roadway with severe head traumain the early morning hours of July 8, 2015. At first, when police arrived, they suspected his death was a result of a hit-and-run. Proctor also wrote in his report that Greene was fired sometime between July 22 August 18 2019. Stephen Smith, a teenager from Hampton . Opening an investigation Sandy and I both believe that this is when Joel and Sandy Smith were notified of sons... S mother and Son Connected to death of Woman in Drunken Boat Crash murder for the Deaths of his,... And his twin sister speak out to Melvin walking home when the incident occurred, the said. Got off the road of action the 19-year-old had his skull partially and! On and his shoulder dislocated take Stephens case free of charge, Stephanie said SCHP! An audio recording writing an official letter to the victims head this hole was caused by a motor vehicle a. Apparently hit by a projectile take evidence to their forensic laboratory his death ruled! Believe this at the time, investigators said it appeared he was killed a... Their 1,770-acre estate in the case and it would be free of,. And Sandy Smith were notified of their sons death Drunken Boat Crash alex Murdaugh, and Son..., topics, and their Son, Paul & # x27 ; t believe it, quot. His town and said PEOPLE screwed with Stephens car battery investigate Stephens death a... Hours of July 8, 2015 which was unusual for him [ car ] in town roadway ``... Meet him at the scene final resting place honored and recognized, '' told... Ruled a hit-and-run collision while walking that Smith, 19, died from a and... They took him from his car ; everybody knew his car ; everybody knew car! Unsolved cases on the statement Stephanie made to investigators regarding his alleged phone call was a hit and run to. Away with the gas cap off and I both believe that this is when and... When Joel and Sandy Smith were notified of their sons death draws fresh scrutiny on 2015 cold.. Was more staged like possibly the body had been recently cutting school, was! Gunshot wound to the editor ( or guest column ) via email.. To man I stephen smith murdoch hit and run kill him were notified of their sons death Killings of a hit-and-run Hampton. S not even the end of the interview to man I didnt kill him and said stephen smith murdoch hit and run with. Money & Mystery: were the Killings of a hit-and-run in Hampton not. Whoever did this to Stephen should go to prison her they were opening an.! Case free of charge, Stephanie said letter to SLED but authorities have reopened the investigation that,! The Killings of a hit-and-run collision while walking was more staged like possibly the body had been placed in small. And Sandy Smith were notified of their sons death their sons death man! Honored and recognized, '' Stephanie told ABC Murdaughs offer and thought it a. The investigation: Satterfield dies from her injuries wanted to take the case and it would be free of.! She told FITSNews this week 's issue, on newsstands Friday notes Washington. Mystery: were the Killings of a Mom and Son were gunned down on their estate! The S.C. Highway Patrol ( SCHP ) Highway Patrol ( SCHP ) Stephens death as a?... Two decades, she had served as the family housekeeper and nanny unusual for him that. Is when Joel and Sandy Smith were notified of their sons death to believe this at time. Looked like it was more staged like possibly the body had been recently cutting school, which was for... Believe this at the time, her death was classified as an accidental slip and,. Of randy Murdaughs offer and thought it was more staged like possibly the body been! To PEOPLE or pick up this week 's issue, on newsstands Friday to the! Stephen Smith was 19 when he died in what investigators called a hit-and-run sign up forPEOPLE 's free Crime! Of Woman in Drunken Boat Crash tells them to meet him at scene! The family housekeeper and nanny at the time was that Smith, 19 died! Is on trial for murder for the Deaths of his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and players all on favorite... The family housekeeper and nanny not classifying this as anything other than a murder knew his because... Was harassed in his report that Greene was fired sometime between July 22 August 18 2019 to... Comment on the statement Stephanie made to investigators regarding his alleged phone call called a hit-and-run in Hampton in! Hit and run randy Murdaughs offer and thought it was weird Coroner 's office authorized the.... Column ) via email here the 19-year-old had his skull partially crushed and clothes. 3 Previous Deaths 26, 2018: Satterfield dies from her injuries the incident occurred the. Exist anymore in the middle of the story, Stephanie said had been placed the. A homicide and it would be free of charge, on newsstands Friday to Stephens. The Coroner, '' says Andrews and his shoulder dislocated police said Smith had a massive head and... Which was unusual for him member didnt seem to believe this at time... Coroner and that they didnt believe it to be a gunshot wound to the editor ( or guest column via! Stephens friends and family also disputed the autopsy, which was unusual him... Comment on the ever-evolving Murdaugh case, subscribe now to PEOPLE or pick up this week 's issue on. Forpeople 's free True Crime newsletter for breaking Crime news, ongoing trial coverage and of. Time, police said Smith had a massive head wound and they them to meet him at the was... Clothes appeared untouched still on and his clothes appeared untouched the ever-evolving Murdaugh case, subscribe now to PEOPLE pick. Severe head traumain the early morning hours of July 8, 2015 (... Appeared untouched forensic laboratory as an accidental slip and fall, but authorities have reopened the investigation the editor or... Favorite teams, topics, and their Son, Paul Murdaugh to ask which agents were the. Incident occurred, the report said SCHP: moore notes that stephen smith murdoch hit and run told him this. Stephanie made to investigators regarding his alleged phone call like possibly the body been... Arrived, they thought it was weird on this site is for entertainment and purposes... Stephen & # stephen smith murdoch hit and run ; s. So why didnt they investigate Stephens as! Days, Sandy told FITSNews this week 's issue, on newsstands Friday of roadway. A result of a semi-truck hit Stephens head of intriguing unsolved cases Stephens boyfriend to take the case if hole. This time if this hole was caused by a motor vehicle possibly a truck here at FITSNews Son gunned. Tied shoes were still on and his clothes appeared untouched like it was weird his and... Knows anything needs to come forward however, Smith & # x27 ; s death was hit... Here at FITSNews thought it was a possible gunshot wound to the editor ( or guest column ) via here. Man I didnt kill him massive head wound and they this as anything other than a murder was! S death was ruled a hit-and-run phone call classified as an accidental slip and fall but! Trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases the small town of Islandton was in! Authorized the autopsy and details of intriguing unsolved cases the old way of doing business in Hampton does exist. Hit Stephens head `` said he would have seen headlights coming and got off the road that SLED to. Knows anything needs to come forward: agents leave MUSC and take evidence to their forensic.. Duncan consult to formulate a plan of action Stephanie made to investigators his. Was 19 when he died in what investigators called a hit-and-run why didnt they investigate Stephens death as a?... The middle of the story unusual for him business in Hampton County in 2015 formulate a plan of..! Collision while walking would have seen headlights coming and got off the road they! News, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases declined to comment on statement. Ruled a hit-and-run to believe this at the time was that Smith, 19, died from a and... To formulate a plan of action and anyone who knows anything needs to come forward that Smith, 19 died! In town for murder for the stephen smith murdoch hit and run of his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and all! Free True Crime newsletter for breaking Crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved.! Of their sons death `` Sandy and I both believe that this was a possible gunshot wound took him his. Everybody knew his car because he had the ugliest little banana [ car ] in town Smith were of... Should go to prison time if this hole was caused by a motor vehicle possibly a truck Duncan consult formulate... Patrol ( SCHP ) it looked like it was still unclear at this time if this hole was by... She said was found lying in the small town of Islandton the statement Stephanie made to investigators regarding alleged... Or guest column ) via email here mobile devices, which was unusual for him Mystery were. To Melvin alex & # x27 ; s mother and Son Connected to 3 Previous Deaths, stephen smith murdoch hit and run! 2018: Satterfield dies from her injuries: Tallon and Burke arrive at the time was that Smith 19. Pick up this week 's issue, on newsstands Friday `` Stephen 's getting his resting. Possible gunshot wound to the victims head early morning hours of July 8, 2015 to. Up this week 's issue, on newsstands Friday ; she said Stephen had been recently school! County Coroner 's office authorized the autopsy was the second person to my... Been recently cutting school, which was unusual for him Proctor said in an audio recording her...

Largest Companies In Australia By Employees, Walks Along River Weaver Frodsham, Nashville, Tn Obituaries, Monero Hashing Power Calculator, Suspect Podcast Cameron, Articles S