The family taunted by a sadistic killer (Part 1/2)

Case 261: Shari Smith & Debra May Helmick (Part 1)

*** Content warning: Sexual assault ***
[Part 1 of 2]
When 17-year-old Shari Smith disappeared from the end of her family's driveway in Lexington, South Carolina, there were immediate concerns for her wellbeing. Shari had a rare medical condition that could turn fatal without her medication.

But any concerns that Shari’s illness could have caused her disappearance were quickly quashed after the Smith family received an odd phone call, prompting the largest manhunt in South Carolina’s history. As the taunting calls continued, the question remained - where was Shari? And was she still alive?

CREDITS

Narration – Anonymous Host
Research & writing – Elsha McGill
Creative direction – Milly Raso
Production and music – Mike Migas
Music – Andrew D.B. Joslyn

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[PrincessHoneyBadger]

Adding "Part 1" and "Part 2" to these titles would be helpful. I was listening to part 2 and was extremely confused.

[Cornwalls.best.doorway]

For Shari’s mum to hold out hope enough to prepare an overnight hospital bag is heartbreaking. The cruel, psychopathic manipulation Bell poured upon this family is gut wrenching.

[danrobinson]

Caught me off guard with an episode on a Friday afternoon. I was expecting for a video on Saturday morning. But not complaining hahaha

[grumpyrhonda]

I'm sort of sad that the narrator is anonymous because there is a lot of praise coming from me for him. He reads so well, very clearly and it's paced just right. Kudos to you, anonymous narrator!

[calgal]

Despite the subject matter, I find the narrative so peaceful sounding. Am I the only one mesmerised by the coffee steam swirling?

[MissVanHelsing]

I'm recovering from surgery and woke up to a new episode on Saturday morning instead of Saturday night here in Aus. Great timing! Hope you're all doing well out there everyone! ❤

[YouvebenHAD]

I love this channel as well. I literally go to sleep listening to his cases he covers. His accent is really cool and makes the case more serious.

[huntlife]

What a despicable, ruthless psychopath.

[imemovengeance]

I needed new gym content and here you are on my YouTube feed

[castortroy]

Best channel to listen to whilst in a piping hot bubble bath with candles lit .

[christopherholly]

Outrageous! Just when my interest was piquing, you make it a 2 parter?!?! Luckily, I'm a fan of daytime drama & enjoy a good cliffhanger- I must know what happens! 🙂
Thanks for all your work.

[COEXIST-nydb]

Thank you!! GREAT CASE. So HORRIFIC! I can't even imagine being her family. So very sad. They're def in my thoughts and prayers. FOR SURE!!!

[jermainerobertson]

YESSS!! NEW EPISODE A DAY EARLY! AND A 2 PARTER!!

[nicola]

Nice surprise with the early upload. Thanks u Casefile

[emma]

I remember a lifetime movie about this case or whatever channel that made such movies, it disturbed me to no end, I was like 11 or 12 at the time...

[donitakissick]

Best channel to relax to after a long week of hard work.

[GTGDPUBLICAGENT]

Can you please do a podcast about the 3 missing persons from Sunshine Coast kenilworth Australia. Its rumoured that Derek Sam is the killer and knows of their bodies whereabouts. However, to this day, it still remains a mystery

[Sunflowers__]

Oh my goodness!! So hard to wait to hear more until next week!!

[joemc]

I remember this story from Forensics Files. Not sure I can get through it. It’s way too sad. And the killer is pure evil.

[coreylevi]

I love casefile so much I'm familiar with this case and am still riveted and relieved you're going to expand my knowledge with next week's episode. Can't wait 😶‍🌫️