The death of Stephen Smith, a young man found dead on a Hampton County, South Carolina road in 2015, has officially been ruled a homicide. This comes after years of speculation and uncertainty surrounding the case, which was initially dismissed as a hit-and-run.
New Developments in a Cold Case
For eight long years, Sandy Smith, Stephen’s mother, held onto the belief that her son’s death was no accident. Her persistence, along with the tireless efforts of her legal team, has finally yielded a breakthrough. South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Chief Mark Keel personally contacted Smith’s lawyers to confirm their shared belief that Stephen was murdered.
“It was an amazing phone call,” recounts attorney Ronnie Richter, part of the legal team representing Sandy Smith. “When the state’s top cop calls you and says they’re putting resources towards the investigation, it’s incredibly uplifting.”
Stephen Smith's mother, Sandy Smith, speaks at a press conference.
The case had seemingly stalled due to a conflict between agencies and a lack of resources. SLED, responsible for homicide investigations, always suspected foul play. However, the initial autopsy, conducted by Dr. Erin Presnell, pointed to a hit-and-run, creating a jurisdictional impasse with the Highway Patrol.
Adding to the intrigue, the investigation into the high-profile murders of Paul and Maggie Murdaugh unearthed information that prompted SLED to reopen Stephen’s case. While the exact nature of this evidence remains undisclosed, it was compelling enough to shift the focus towards homicide.
Unanswered Questions and Speculation
Despite this significant development, many questions remain unanswered.
“We’re going to stick with the ‘whats’ for right now,” states Richter, emphasizing the importance of determining the cause of death through a thorough exhumation and autopsy.
Stephen Smith pictured in his high school graduation photo.
Speculation surrounding the motive and potential suspects continues to swirl. Some, including attorney Eric Bland, believe Stephen’s death could be a hate crime, citing his openness about being gay in a less-than-accepting region. Others suggest a possible connection to a relationship Stephen alluded to, one involving a “very important man,” which he intended to leave town for shortly before his death.
Seeking Justice for Stephen
With renewed determination and the weight of SLED’s commitment, there is hope for justice in Stephen Smith’s case. The exhumation, funded by generous donations through GoFundMe, marks a crucial step toward uncovering the truth. As the investigation progresses, the Smith family, their legal team, and the community at large await answers, hoping to finally bring closure to this tragic and long-neglected case.