Crime and Cask Investigates: The Mysterious Death of Stephen Smith

In the heart of the Low Country in South Carolina, the mysterious death of a young man named Stephen Smith has captured the attention of state investigators and the public alike. Nearly a decade later, developments have emerged, prompting an even deeper look into the events surrounding his tragic end.

Background

Stephen Smith, a 19-year-old nursing student, was found dead on a rural road in Hampton County, South Carolina called Sandy Run Rd, in July 2015. Initially, his death was ruled a hit-and-run, but inconsistencies in the investigation have led many to question this conclusion.

                        Photo Credit: Crime and Cask News

Developments

Back in June 2021, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) reopened the investigation into Stephen Smith’s death. This decision came shortly after the high-profile murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh, which led to a closer examination of various cold cases in the area.

Investigative Focus

Timeline of Events:

• July 2015: Stephen Smith is found dead on Sandy Run Road.
• Initial Investigation: The death is ruled a hit-and-run despite the lack of vehicular evidence.
• 2016-2020: The case remains cold with few developments.
• June 2021: SLED reopens the investigation, citing new evidence discovered during the Murdaugh murder inquiries.

               Roadside Marker for Stephen Smith. Photo: Crime and Cask News

Key Questions:

• Was Stephen Smith’s death truly an accident?
• What new evidence prompted the reopening of the case?
• Is there any connection between the Smith case and the Murdaugh family?

Crime and Cask’s Investigation

At Crime and Cask, we are committed to uncovering the truth behind Stephen Smith’s death. Our investigation will delve into the following areas:

1. Autopsy Reports: Examining the medical findings and any discrepancies that may suggest foul play. Why aren’t they public?
2. Witness Testimonies: Gathering statements from individuals who may have information about the night of Smith’s death.
3. Connection to Murdaughs: Investigating any links between the Murdaugh family and Stephen Smith, particularly focusing on rumors, speculation, and misinformation regarding Buster Murdaugh.
4. New Evidence: Analyzing the evidence that led SLED to reopen the case, including forensic findings and any new witness accounts..SLED’s investigation into the Smith family does not imply that its agents believe they were involved in the deaths of Paul and Maggie Murdaugh. Instead, SLED is examining all individuals who might have had a potential motive in the case.

Timeline of Events 

• July 8, 2015: Stephen Smith’s body is found on a rural road in Hampton County. His injuries are not consistent with a typical hit-and-run accident, leading to questions and doubts about the official cause of death.
• Initial Investigation: Authorities quickly rule the death a hit-and-run, but the investigation is fraught with inconsistencies and leads that point away from this conclusion.
• Community and Family Doubts: Stephen’s family and community members express their doubts about the hit-and-run theory, pushing for a more thorough investigation.
• 2015-2020: Despite these doubts, the case remains unsolved, with little progress made.
• June 2021: Following the high-profile murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh, SLED announces they are reopening the investigation into Stephen Smith’s death, citing new evidence that came to light during the Murdaugh case inquiries.
• June 2023: A state grand jury met in Columbia, South Carolina and was actively investigating the 2015 homicide of Stephen Smith, according to a FITSNews article from June 2023. The grand jury was supposed to convene in late June 2023 to review the evidence and hear testimony related to the murder of the 19-year-old from Hampton, S.C.

Connection to Murdaugh Family

The reopening of the case has intensified scrutiny on the Murdaugh family, especially given the geographical and social proximity. Buster Murdaugh, the surviving son of Alex Murdaugh, was a classmate of Stephen Smith, and rumors have circulated about their possible involvement. However, Buster Murdaugh has publicly denied any involvement of his family in Smith’s death in an interview on Fox Nation in August of 2023.

Buster Murdaugh’s name appears numerous times in the investigative report on Stephen Smith’s death by the S.C. Highway Patrol (SCHP). The origins, persistence, and implications of this connection, however, remain murky.

Photo: Buster Murdaugh on Fox Nation

Interestingly, there was yet another Murdaugh involved with key figures on both sides of the investigation, possibly adding to the cloud of suspicion surrounding the case.

Randolph (Randy) Murdaugh IV was representing Stephen’s father, Joel Smith, in a worker’s compensation case when Stephen was killed. Just a month later, Randolph also represented Shawn Connelly, one of the main persons of interest in Smith’s death, who was involved in a civil lawsuit over a motor vehicle accident. That lawsuit was dismissed by a judge. At the same time, attorney Cory Fleming, former college roommate and coconspirator with Alex Murdaugh in various financial fraud, represented Patrick Wilson, another person of interest who was facing attempted murder charges in 2015. The 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office eventually filed this case as Nolle Prosequi Indicted on February 28, 2018. The nolle prosequi declaration does not clear Wilson of suspicion but indicates that, at this point, the prosecution does not have sufficient evidence to move forward. Should new evidence emerge, the case could potentially be reopened, and charges could be refiled.

Randolph Murdaugh IV’s dual roles could also be pivotal, contributing to the ongoing intrigue and suspicions in this case. His involvement, coupled with the Murdaugh family’s significant influence in the region, raises questions about potential conflicts of interest.

Forensic Findings

The initial autopsy report and subsequent independent reviews have raised significant questions. The nature of Smith’s injuries, including a head wound inconsistent with a car accident, suggests the possibility of foul play. Independent forensic experts have pointed out these discrepancies, urging a reclassification of the case from a hit-and-run to a homicide investigation. SLED is now investigating the death as a homicide. A second autopsy was performed after a GoFundMe page was set up for Sandy Smith, and raised over $35,000. Those results, performed by people hired by the Smith family have not been made public.

               The grave site of Stephen Smith. Photo: Crime and Cask News

Finally

The death of Stephen Smith remains shrouded in mystery, with so many unanswered questions. It will take someone getting the weight of this matter off their chest to bring it to a close. SLED has not stopped pursuing this, and the media and public hasn’t either. This past weekend, CBS 48 Hours show aired a one-hour show dedicated solely to Stephen Smith. There’s also a Facebook page called Standing for Stephen that is 100% dedicated to this case.

As we continue our investigation, we aim to bring clarity and justice to this case. Stay tuned to Crime and Cask for the latest updates and in-depth analysis as we pursue the truth wherever it leads.

Join us, on what may be a wild ride as we uncover the hidden truths and seek justice for Stephen Smith. Follow us on TikTok for all your Stephen Smith updates.