South Carolina law enforcement division (SLED) has reopened the cold case of Stephen Smith’s death as a homicide after new interest in the case emerged during Alex Murdaugh’s double murder trial.
Smith was found lifeless in the middle of a rural road in Hampton County in July 2015, with the initial classification of the case as vehicular manslaughter being doubted due to the nature of the injuries.
Investigators challenged the medical examiner’s report, stating that Smith had possibly been hit by a motor vehicle.
During the investigation, Buster Murdock, the son of Alex Murdaugh, was referenced several times, but he denied any involvement in Smith’s death.
Attorney Eric Land, who represents Smith’s mother, believes that Stephen was murdered and wants to prove it.
SLED has confirmed that progress has been made in the investigation, which is active and ongoing.
