Body of teenager found dead near Murdaugh home to be exhumed

The body of 19-year-old Stephen Smith, who was found dead in the middle of a South Carolina road in 2015, will be exhumed, his family announced last week. The news comes almost two years after state authorities reopened a probe into his death based on information learned while investigating the murders of Margaret “Maggie” Murdaugh and Paul Murdaugh. CNN’s Isabel Rosales has more. #CNN #News

[critterscute]

That poor mom. The pain she has had to endure from not knowing the truth I’m sure is immense. I pray she gets justice for her son 🙏

[phototristan]

I feel so sorry for his mother. She deserves some answers and justice.

[territerrell]

It's about time!! Justice for Steven!! 😢

[KellyMacgillberg]

To clarify some details that were presented on Dateline a year ago, but omitted here: the state investigators (SLED) went to the scene, and reported cause as gunshot, or projectile. Then the local pathologist for the Murdaughs' county took custody of the body, and changed it to hit and run, w/o any evidence.

[Kayo]

The pathologist that claimed it was a hit and run incident must be thoroughly investigated. Something was fishy. I commend Steve’s mum for her bold step.

[SKJ]

I hope the Smith family gets justice and finds peace. Prayers.

[StLProgressive]

I feel so horrible for his mother, but I’m glad they’re doing this. There is no way he was killed by a hit and run. I hope she gets justice.

[KpepperL]

This is what happens when local authorities refuse to do anything for this poor mother. 8 years! Sounds like a coverup to me. I hope they will solve who killed Stephen.

[PellyjellyMom]

Bless his soul. I know this will be heartbreaking for his Mother but if they can find who did this to him then he can rest in peace knowing he possibly saved someone else from his fate.

[GB-TX]

My biggest problem is that this poor mother had to raise money to get an independent third-party exclamation down of her sons body… When there is clear evidence, as well as well known stories in the town that her son was likely killed by the Murdoch family. South Carolina needs to admit to their faults. And take this in stride, and make sure they go over every case with a fine tooth comb so that they can deliver justice and make sure that they are dealing with factual outcomes/justice for all of the people for South Carolina going forward.

[Crazylab]

I'm hoping Stevens mom gets her answers and who ever hurt her son is brought to justice.

[Dark_Child]

She must have just recently read a Steven King novel....Lol

[truthhurts]

Only reason it was labeled a hit and run was because he was found in the road. Ridiculous. Hope they get to the truth.

[llluke]

I hope they can find some answers. Parents deserve closure and truth needs to come out into the light.

[mariac]

First thing that came to my mind is his mom ❤ I know this is good news for her

[SophisticatedBob]

Between her saying "uh" and "Stephen King", this lady needs to take a class or two.

[TrixiLovesYou]

Very revealing, again, that the death of a gay teenager was by itself never enough to prompt a thorough investigation.

[RikodiusRex]

Good. I hope they get the answers they need.

[Lemieux_]

I can’t imagine what that must be like for Steven’s family. 💔Prayers🙏

[potatopirate]

There should be charges against the original pathologist who, according to local reporting, refused to listen to the wealth of evidence provided by experienced investigators which suggested that he was not merely struck by a vehicle. She was combative, unprofessional, stated that the reason for her finding was simply that he had been found in the road and when pressed by investigators and the coroner, (who also disagreed with her findings) she finally removed all doubt that she held any respect for the responsibility of her position by stating she would change it to whatever they wanted her to put.

The officer who last signed for his missing rape kit should be investigated and face consequences as well.

Some things are sacred and people who can't respect that have little to offer society and apparently require incentive to do the bare minimum to uphold decency and duty.