Jania Ashlynn
On July 8, 2015, nineteen-year-old Smith was discovered in the middle of a dark country road, with deep gashes on his forehead. Initially, his death was thought to be the result of a hit-and-run.
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Investigations
On June 22, 2021, the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division reopened an investigation into Smith’s death. This decision was based on information that was obtained during the investigation of the double murder of Paul and Maggie Murdaugh. However, the spokesperson did not give any details on what information led to this decision.
Stephen attended the same school as Alex Murdaugh’s eldest son, Buster Murdaugh. Alex is currently serving two life sentences for the deaths of his youngest son, Paul and his wife Maggie. Rumors have swirled around the causes of Smith’s death. Some believe that Buster was involved.
Authorities have not made any accusations against Buster, and he has adamantly denied any involvement in the death. Stephen’s mother, Sandy Smith, believes that her son was not a victim of a hit-and-run. She has maintained the belief that foul play was involved in her son’s death.
Statements
Sandy’s attorney, Eric Bland, released a statement regarding the exhumation of the body. “I now believe that Stephen can really rest at ease because SLED and our team are going to do everything possible to find out just how he died.”
“I cannot thank SLED enough for making Sandy’s dream of exhuming Stephen and having a second autopsy be done become a reality and her pleas regarding Stephen for the last eight years to finally be heard. The state of South Carolina spent a significant amount of money this past weekend, ensuring a smooth and orderly exhumation.”
Another Smith family attorney, Mike Hemlepp, shared his thoughts on the case with PEOPLE last year, “Sandy and I both believe that this was a murder. Whoever did this to Stephen should go to prison.”
