Murdaugh Murders and Mysterious Death of Stephen Smith — What’s the Connection?

Leading up to the murders of Alex Murdaugh’s wife and son in June 2021, another person with connections to the disgraced lawyer’s family died. Stephen Smith, a 19-year-old nursing student from South Carolina, was found dead on the side of a road in Hampton County in 2015. Although originally ruled a hit-and-run, SLED investigators reopened the cold-case investigation into Stephen’s death shortly after Maggie and Paul Murdaugh were killed. Investigators have not revealed whether Stephen’s death is connected to the Murdaugh murders but are aware that Smith and the Murdaugh brothers knew each other. Supporters have continued to seek justice for Stephen to this day. The Law&Crime Network’s Jesse Weber is joined by Susanne Andrews, the Founder of Standing for Stephen.

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[regandmikemoran]

This young man and his family deserve JUSTICE. I hope SLED keeps this investigation open.

[heraldoriviera]

It's pretty creepy that Randy Murdaugh would reach out to the family like that and offer 'free' legal 'investigative' services. I specifically hope that the family DID NOT give him permission or access to any of Stephen's devices! I am intrigued that the case was reopened after the Maggie and Paul murders; I truly hope everyone gets the justice that is so owed to them.

[pAusten]

Instead of Steven's father dying from a broken heart, why isn't it probable that he was killed because he is the only person who has said Buster and Steven we're seeing eachother? To me that's motive. Forensic Files has had programs were a heart attack was actually a drug given to the victim. I'm glad Steven Smith's case has been reopened.

[jaclynmccann]

the way the police pushed this hit and run theory JUST BECAUSE he was on the road and consistently told his mother and sister that they were wrong...is truly terrifying! and thank this woman for giving us a place and a way to help this family!

[ciciortiz]

I’m so happy you are covering this case. His family needs answers

[MamaPinks]

Ugh, that bugs me every time, "He was in a boat accident and he was arrested for being the driver" He NEVER says there was a DEATH involved! 🤬 The poor Beach family. The Murdoughs never take responsibility for their actions! Affluence, privilege, and entitlement!

[Patriotgirl]

Omg that’s INSANE information 😮 Alec and his brother found at the crime scene an hour after he’s killed
- that’s beyond CREEPY

[lynntucker]

I know how it feels to have a loved one murdered. My husband was murdered . May Steven rest in Peace and may God hand down his Justice. May his father rest in Peace also.

[lisaswanson]

This family is so shady and toxic! I pray all are held accountable.

[janefromthecountry]

Thanks Jesse Weber for sharing this story. The female Suzanne here is a hero to bring attention to Stephen’s Case. Pray case gets solved. The family deserves answers!!

[danitagoins]

What about the Pickney boy? He died mysteriously because his ventilator was unplugged, while Alex was trying to get a settlement for this young man’s mom.

[MummaMia]

Susanne Andrews bless you. I have no doubt that Stephen’s family and friends are so deeply grateful for all your help and support. 😇

[casey]

I am SO glad they reopened his case. Justice for Steven!

[mickymitts]

Randy is shady too! Why are they able to get away with meddling in deaths? I hope Randy is investigated.

[jaywan]

I unfortunately saw a teenage boy get hit by a car about 20 yrs ago. The thing that always stuck with me was was that he was knocked right out of shoes. They were lying where he got hit, one still upright, and he was 15 meters up the road. Thankfully he survived.

[kitkat]

My husband witnessed a violent injury to our son. It involved lifeflight and several life saving professionals. He could not get control of himself for hours, he vomited several times. The pain went through his soul. Watching thos man speak so calmly immediately after finding his child with his brain next to him, and his wife, both face down. The first thing my husband did was roll his child over and comfort him. Covering himself in blood. When I arrived I wrapped my arms around him. It's an automatic response. One doesn't leave a loved one in the mud. At least for us.

[angelp.]

Sorry, but as a Psychiatric RN 4 39yrs now, ain't nobody gonna sit there and give ALL the details in such a time of complete trauma . Just one of many mistakes imho

[gloomgirl]

Even if it was a hit and run..(which I think we know it wasn’t) isn’t THAT a crime, even in SC??? Killing someone by hit and run didn’t warrant taking any fingerprints or setting up ANY crime scene???
I hope Stephen can rest in peace. My prayers to his family and friends. We, as humans, NEED justice in these cases! My God-these Murdaugh men should burn for this. Awful. 💔

[NaomiLyons]

Also Hakeem Pinckney came up dead as well and the connection was Alex Murdaugh. This whole situation is devastating.

[jlkitz]

Mrs. Beech talking about Maggie getting into her car asking about charges! Alex & Paul going room to room at the hospital to silence the boat wreck victims! They're disgusting people 😡