Horry County, South Carolina – The case of Stephen Smith’s death, which resurfaced during the investigation into the Murdaugh murders, has raised new questions and rekindled old rumors. Smith’s death, which was initially ruled a hit and run, has been under renewed investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). A clue found during the Murdaugh murder investigation led SLED to reopen the case of 19-year-old Smith, who was found dead in 2015.
As the investigation progresses, the case has continued to baffle authorities. Reports and interviews from the original investigation have shed light on new details as SLED continues to pursue the truth about Smith’s death. The case file revealed that the circumstances surrounding Smith’s final days have been the subject of much speculation and investigation.
One of the most puzzling aspects of Smith’s death was the discovery of his body in the early morning hours on a rural road. His injuries, originally thought to be from a gunshot, were subsequently attributed to blunt head trauma sustained in a motor vehicle crash. However, conflicting information and rumors have clouded the true nature of Smith’s death.
The rumors, which pointed fingers at prominent figures in the community, added another layer of complexity to the investigation. As various theories circulated, updates from the investigation suggested that Smith may have been struck by a high-speed vehicle, leading to suspicions of an atypical hit-and-run scenario. As the case continued to draw attention and speculation, it prompted Smith’s family to seek assistance from the FBI in 2016 due to the lack of progress in the investigation.
Recent developments, including the exhumation of Smith’s body and a new independent autopsy, have once again brought the case into the spotlight. Dr. Michelle DuPre, a forensic pathologist, and Dr. Kenny Kinsey, a crime scene expert, have been involved in analyzing evidence and providing critical insights into the circumstances of Smith’s death. Their findings have compelled SLED to take extensive measures and pursue new leads.
While the investigation has yielded promising developments, the case remains unresolved. Sandy Smith, Stephen’s mother, has taken proactive steps to seek justice for her son, offering a substantial reward for any information related to the investigation. Despite the challenges and setbacks faced along the way, Smith’s family and their legal representatives continue to push for answers and closure in the pursuit of justice for Stephen.