“Stephen Smith – A Death in Murdaugh Country”: 48 Hours Reports July 27 2024
On Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 10:00 PM ET/PT, CBS will air an encore presentation of “48 Hours: Stephen Smith – A Death in Murdaugh Country.” This episode revisits the mysterious death of Stephen Smith, a 19-year-old gay man whose body was discovered on a rural road in South Carolina on July 8, 2015. Initially deemed a hit-and-run by the medical examiner, the case has long puzzled those who knew Smith and those who followed broader investigations in the area.
Stephen’s mother, Sandy Smith, has consistently sought a second opinion on her son’s death, believing there may be more to the story. This special broadcast revisits the case with a new investigation that may shed light on the circumstances surrounding Smith’s tragic death. The episode promises to delve deeper into the mystery, exploring the latest developments and insights.
The Mysterious Death of Stephen Smith
Stephen Smith was a 19-year-old nursing student from Hampton, South Carolina. On the early morning of July 8, 2015, his body was found in the middle of Sandy Run Road. His car, which reportedly ran out of gas, was located three miles away from where his body was discovered. Despite initial assumptions by the police that he might have been shot, the death was later ruled a hit-and-run accident. However, Stephen’s mother, Sandy Smith, was unconvinced by this conclusion.
The case quickly went cold in 2016, despite several leads. During the initial investigation by the South Carolina Highway Patrol, the Murdaugh family, a powerful family known for their legal influence in the area, was mentioned several times. However, none of the Murdaughs were ever interrogated in connection with Stephen Smith’s death.
Connections to the Murdaugh Family
In March 2023, Alex Murdaugh of the Murdaugh family was found guilty of murdering his wife, Margaret, and his son, Paul. This high-profile case led the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to reopen Smith’s case. Although authorities did not reveal details of the evidence that prompted the reopening, the connection was significant.
Buster Murdaugh, another son of Alex Murdaugh, was reportedly a classmate of Stephen Smith. Despite rumors linking the Murdaughs to Smith’s death, Buster Murdaugh has publicly denied any involvement, labeling the connections as baseless.
Autopsy Findings and Further Investigations
The initial autopsy conducted after Stephen Smith’s death revealed that he died from blunt force trauma to the head. Contrary to the crime scene assumption that he had been shot, the report indicated that he was likely hit by a vehicle. However, Sandy Smith remained skeptical of these findings and advocated for an exhumation to perform another autopsy.
On March 31, 2023, Stephen Smith’s body was exhumed for an independent autopsy. While the results were not publicly disclosed, the autopsy was deemed a success by those involved. Following this, Sandy Smith offered a $35,000 reward for information leading to an arrest, showing her unwavering commitment to finding the truth.
New Developments and Continuing Search for Justice
The reopening of Stephen Smith’s case brought renewed hope for justice. High-profile attorneys Eric Bland and Ronnie Richter joined Sandy Smith’s fight, helping to bring the case back into the public eye. Their involvement facilitated the exhumation and new autopsy, providing a fresh perspective on the case.
Dr. Michelle DuPre, a former forensic pathologist, and Dr. Kenny Kinsey, a crime scene expert, contributed their expertise. They concluded that Stephen was likely struck in the head by something attached to a moving vehicle. This theory diverged from the initial hit-and-run conclusion, suggesting a more complex scenario.
Conclusion
Stephen Smith’s death remains a haunting mystery, intricately tied to the broader narrative of the Murdaugh family’s legal troubles. The “48 Hours” episode airing on July 27, 2024, aims to shed light on the unresolved questions surrounding his tragic end. With ongoing investigations and the persistent efforts of his mother, Sandy Smith, there remains hope that justice will eventually be served. The broadcast promises to provide viewers with the latest insights and developments, continuing the quest for truth in this perplexing case.
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