HAMPTON, S.C. – When the bodies of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh were found at their estate in Moselle on June 7, 2021, it sparked a double murder investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). But what got the attention of the SLED was the clue they stumbled upon in another unsolved death – that of Stephen Smith, a 19-year-old found dead in 2015.
Amid the dual murder case of the Murdaughs, SLED announced they would be reopening the investigation into Smith’s death. The new theories and old rumors about Smith’s mysterious death were revived, sparking hopes for justice in a case that had gone cold. Dr. Michelle DuPre, a forensic pathologist who conducted the autopsy on Smith, revealed new details about his injuries, helping to dispel some of the confusion that occurred during the original investigation.
Sandy Smith, Stephen’s mother, has been relentless in seeking answers about her son’s death. She has hired high-powered attorneys to represent her and to conduct an independent investigation into Stephen’s case. Even with the lack of progress in the case, Sandy has remained hopeful, offering a reward for any information that could lead to an arrest.
The investigation has revealed no new public information, and it is unclear how much progress has been made. However, the involvement of the grand jury and the issuance of subpoenas indicate that the case may be moving forward. Sandy’s determination continues as she urges anyone with information about her son’s death to come forward. The hope for justice for Stephen Smith remains alive as the investigation continues.