FitsNews exclusively reported last week that SLED has zeroed in on Patrick Wilson and Shawn Connelly as persons of interest in the homicide. Other than one note of an attempt to call a member of the Murdaugh family that went unanswered, the documents didnt reveal if a member of the Murdaugh family was interviewed by investigators. He was also a key mentor to friend and DGR teammate, Mark Wallace. . The determination Smith died of a hit-and-run appears to be one investigators questioned at the time. Who Killed Stephen Smith? ", "But if we're going to be throwing out names, I'm not going to be withholding names," Proctor wrote. Notably, the report indicates SLED agents disagreed the head injury was a bullet wound, and no bullet casings were found. His right shoulder was partially dislocated. Copyright 2023 WCSC. Steve Smith is survived by his devoted mother, Tiann, sister, Kara, his uncle, Eric, niece and nephew, Myla and Luke, grandmother, Judi, and girlfriend, Caily Schenkeveld. Justin Whittall, a 20 year old from New Jersey, won at Williams Grove, while Aaron Bollinger a 21 year old from Birdsboro, won at Lincoln. His son was inducted in 2019. The case file from the initial South Carolina Highway Patrol investigation into Smiths death released by the patrol to CNN shows the Murdaugh name was mentioned dozens of times by both witnesses and investigators, including the name of Alex Murdaughs surviving son, Buster. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Stephen's massive head wound along with the lack of other significant injuries on his body stumped investigators on scene. Separate reports show two other responders an EMS worker and a sheriffs deputy also believed Smiths head wound was from a gunshot. Smith is remembered as shy but a jokester and always willing to lend a helping hand. The family has rejected the hit-and-run theory andHighway Patrols investigation also contradicts the coroners findings. Keep in mind, this isyearsbefore Paul Murdaugh was charged with three felonies in the boat crash that killed Mallory Beach. Smith's body was discovered lying on a Hampton County road on July 8, 2015 and his death was deemed a hit-and-run in an initial incident report and by a medical examiner's report. Lincoln has the Brandon Little Memorial Fallen Firefighters Night event Saturday. In fact, DeMent says, Smith's doctor believed that the liver cancer was caused by hepatitis C, a contagious viral infection that can spread through exchange of blood, including through unsafe sex. One of those deaths? Then, the coroner ruled the death a shooting homicide forcing investigators to search the rural road carved between a tree line and a corn field. Beach died when a 17-foot center console fishing boat allegedly driven by an inebriated Paul Murdaugh slammed into a pylon near theArcher's Creek bridge on February 24, 2019 around 2:25 a.m. Murdaugh was charged with three felony counts of boating under the influence (BUI) in the aftermath of that crash. Two youngsters got their first career 410 sprintwins, while another got his second-ever win. Smiths body was discovered lying on a Hampton County road on July 8, 2015, and his death was deemed a hit-and-run in an initial incident report and by a medical examiners report. Buster Murdaugh, a former classmate of Smiths, released a statement last month denying any involvement in Smiths death and requested the media immediately stop publishing these defamatory comments and rumors about me., This has gone on far too long, his statement said. This is about a child that deserves to be memorialized and commemorated, and a mother to have support that she hadn't had.". Funds will be earmarked for a Tiann Smith initiative, assisting talented young athletes. Coolio's cause of death revealed: . A Warner Bros. "To what historical information she possessed, I am unaware.". "My hope is that she finds answers that will give her a little bit of peace," she adds. Both Smiths are members of the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame. Got a technical question or a glitch to report? His mother has long asked for the unsolved case to be re-examined. A Celebration of Life will be held on May 21 at 1 p.m. at the Vancouver Island Convention Centre in Nanaimo, B.C. "Stephen was not stupid," Stephen's friend told FITSNews. Dr. Michelle DuPre, a forensic pathologist and former law enforcement officer, told Law&Crime that Smith's casket was removed from a vault at the Gooding Cemetery in South Carolina and driven to a private lab in Tampa, Florida. He is best known as the co-creator and star of the sketch comedy show The Red Green Show, for which he portrayed the title character. Thattipster tells them he passed along the information at the request of a well-known family Patriarch, former solicitor Randolph Buster Murdaugh, Alex Murdaughs father and Buster Murdaughs grandfather. He died on Friday after complications from major heart surgery, his aerial filming company, Flying TV, said. In an interview described in the case file, Smiths family said he would have never been walking in the middle of the roadway, where his body was found, adding he was very skittish.. Smith followed Miami-area friends Bobby Allen and Richard Lupo in moving north in the late 1960s to begin his racing career. "Steve unexpectedly passed away peacefully at home, in his sleep, on July 7th, 2022," the statement from his family said. Following Killings of S.C. The vehicles battery was functional, but the car wouldnt start, the report added. saddened, confused, etc. In June 2021, SLED announced it was opening the investigation into Smiths death based on information learned while probing the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh earlier that month. SLED is continuing to cast a wide net as it looks to exclude individuals in connection with the double homicidethat took place at the Murdaugh's 1,700-acre hunting property located near Islandton, S.C. on the evening of June 7, 2021. She said there appeared to be missing evidence in the case such as the DNA under Stephen's fingernails, the clothes he was wearing, and the rape kit. Another rumor claims Buster Murdaugh and two other boys were responsible for the crime. "What a slap in the face.". Then a beating. His family remembers him as a great warrior. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. He was a notable influence on all young and aspiring Canadian gravity racers and others around the world. That did not happen to my friend. Click to reveal Hagerstown hosts the late-model sportsmen, crate late models, pure stocks and hobby stocks Saturday, while BAPS takes the weekend off. Cuts and bruises dotted his right hand. Authorities have not accused the Murdaugh family of being connected to the death and Buster Murdaugh has never been charged in connection with Smith's death. Smith . In September 2016, Stephen's mother Sandy Smith wrote a letter to lawmakers and police agencies pleading for help and claiming corruption in the investigation. Smith's body was discovered lying on a Hampton County road on July 8, 2015, and his death was deemed a hit-and-run in an initial incident report and by a medical examiner's report. RELATED | Murdaugh Murders: The Latest On The Boat Crash Lawsuit And Obstruction Of Justice Investigation. Mandy also hosts the Murdaugh Murders podcast. Where theres smoke, theres fire, Andrews said. Hear 911 call reporting Stephen Smith's death On July 8, 2015, a man driving in Hampton County, South Carolina, called 911 to report a body lying on the side of a rural road just miles from the. CLICK HERE. Many across the U.S. radio industry are mourning the sudden death of the programming veteran, who resided in the Phoenix area. The film, Long Live Chainsaw, documents Smith's humble beginnings living in Nanaimo, to . According to the investigation file, Buster was rumored to have been linked to Stephen intimately but detectives never proved this connection. HAMPTON, S.C. (WCSC) - Its been more than seven years since a driver passing by on Sandy Run Road discovered 19-year-old from Hampton County lying dead in the road. They found no vehicle debris, skid marks, or injuries consistent with someone being struck by a vehicle.. Then less than a year later L/CPL James told a person who he was interviewing that Smith didnt get hit by a car.. Days after the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division confirmed the agency has believed since 2021 that Smith's death was a homicide, it also emerged that a rape kit was conducted on Smith shortly after he was found on a Hampton County road in what was initially declared a hit-and-run death. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his close family and those he positively affected. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. After the war, Deaf Smith led a company of . FITSNews obtained all audio from the investigation file. At the time, Smiths family was given several different theories, his mother told CNN. Heidi Franz shifts to DNA Pro Cycling after Zaaf departure, Wrong chainring bolts the cause of Rui Costa's Tour de Romandie mechanical, Antonio Tiberi and Trek-Segafredo 'part ways' after cat murder outrage, By Stephen Farrand, Laura WeisloApril 26, 2023. The current world number three Steve Smith (Devinci Global Racing) claimed fifth position when the UCI World Cup was held in Pietermaritzburg last year and will be looking to beat an incredibly competitive field to win his first rainbow jersey. It was also clear from the report that there was tension between Presnell and SCHP. The 2015 death of Stephen Smith is being investigated as a homicide, officials have confirmed, years after the teenager's body was found on a country road near the home of disgraced South Carolina . The speculation intensified in the wake of Alex's conviction for the double murder, in part fueled by a Netflix documentary that implied Smith, who was openly gay, had an affair with Alex's eldest son, Buster. I dont work around Hampton, and I know the Murdaughs are highfalutin around Hampton and people say they have a lot of power or whatever, but that name doesnt mean anything to me you dont have to agree with Stephens lifestyle but that dont mean he gets to be killed and no one gets to find out what happened.. The SCHP did not return PEOPLE's call for comment. Sandy told FITSNews she's still clinging to hope even after Thursday's heart-wrenching news. No suspects have ever been officially named in the teens death but the Murdaugh family name comes up several times in investigative files. Or sign up for one year for just 49 $79 59, Try your first month for just 1 / $1 / 1. Sandy Smith has tirelessly fought for justice for her son, who she suspected from the outset was the victim of foul play. Like the probe of the 2019 boat crash that killed Mallory Beach, the 2015 investigation into Smith's death was chaotic from the beginning clouded by jurisdictional confusion and suspicions of investigative interference. . South Carolina authorities have confirmed they are investigating the death of Stephen Smith as a homicide, nearly eight years after the 19-year-old was found dead in the middle of a rural road from what was ruled to be a hit-and-run. The case file reveals a working theory among first responders at the scene that Smiths death was a homicide and not the result of being struck by a car. "And it's amazing to be a part of that and to see it. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Stevie Smith Legacy Fund at www.gofundme.com/23k7fus. The final autopsy report said that Stephen's cause of death was blunt head trauma, motor vehicle crash, pedestrian vs. vehicle. No interviews are recorded with any member of the Murdaugh family during the initial investigation. The first tip comes in early August, suggesting swirling rumors of a relationship between Smith and Buster Murdaugh, Alex Murdaughs eldest and now only surviving son. But a SLED spokesperson last month confirmed there was no indication in the investigation that was actually the case. She currently lives on Hilton Head Island where she enjoys beach life. Its draining. Days after the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division confirmed . Investigators found Smith's car three miles away on the side of Bamberg Highway. In fairness, SLED didn't investigate Stephen's case because it was dubiously ruled a hit and run. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. The 358 sprints will also compete. FORMER Raiders fullback Steve Smith has died at the age of 57 after battling Lou Gehrig's Disease for 20 years. This decision to rule his death a hit-and-run appeared to skew the investigation by SCHP's Multi-disciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) who typically investigate accidents, not murders. Hampton, S.C. (WIS) - New details in the investigation of 19-year-old Stephen Smith's death in 2015 show that while initial reports from . Rebecca Rosenberg is a veteran journalist and book author with a focus on crime and criminal justice. A force on the Canadian downhill racing scene for years, he became an international household name in 2013 after pocketing World Cup wins at Leogang, Hafjell, and Mont-Sainte-Anne. Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. "They just throw their cases on a shelf to collect dust.". Erastus " Deaf " Smith (April 19, 1787 - November 30, 1837), who earned his nickname due to hearing loss in childhood, was an American frontiersman noted for his part in the Texas Revolution and the Army of the Republic of Texas. Audrey Conklin contributed to this report. The agency did not say what that information was, and there has been no connection announced between Smiths death and the Murdaugh family. This is where he spent time fishing, camping, and sinking birdie putts on the golf course. These baseless rumors of my involvement with Stephen and his death are false.. I am honoured to consider him my friend for so long.". Stephen Smith was a former classmate of Buster Murdaugh, whose father, Alex Murdaugh, was convicted earlier this month in the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. Legal Statement. "That no family, no community, no friends, no one had come to help her try to get a headstone. Smith won 150 sprint races at Lincoln Speedway in Adams County and also scored two of his late-model wins there. Last Sunday afternoon, family and friends of Stephen Smith, a South Carolina teen who died under mysterious circumstances in 2015, traveled to the Gooding Cemetery in Hampton County, S.C. That win was the first of 266 confirmed victories in sprint cars during his careerand was the only one that came in one of the bugs that preceded the sprint cars on the local circuit. Mother and son were gunned down on their 1,770-acre estate in the small town of Islandton. "Today we lost a great person, who taught me about myself and influenced many," said Gabe Fox, team manager at Devinci Global Racing, Smith's team. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. I now believe that Stephen can really rest at ease because SLED and our team are going to do everything possible to find out just how he died, Bland said. "Here she is seven years later, still hanging in there, still going strong, still ready to do whatever it takes to find the answers," Smith family attorney Mike Hemlepp tells PEOPLE. "Stevie was a fierce competitor, an honest friend and a rider who made me proud on countless occasions. "There is no way that would happen to him. CNNs Susannah Cullinane, Christina Maxouris, Alaa Elassar, Dakin Andone and Amy Simonson contributed to this report. After a year and a halfI just dont understand why there are not any more answers out of SLED, Andrews said. Hemlepp tells PEOPLE: "I know there are people who know what happened to Stephen. He was 74. Myers. (Image credit: Darren Goddard / Gameplan Media), Winner Steve Smith (Devinci Global Racing). A documentary about Nanaimo mountain biking star Steve Smith will premiere in the Harbour City this Friday. After interviewing several sources who knew the Murdaugh brothers, SCHP detective Proctormade some significant assessments of the family. "Steve's highly successful career spanned 40 years and has broken countless records, won countless awards, and has irrevocably changed the landscape of American radio for the better. Smith wasan openly gay teen in the rural South Carolina town he grew up in. Steve Smith, one of central Pennsylvania'strue racing icons, diedearly Saturday morning after an extended illness. Stephen's friends and family also disputed the autopsy report. On July 8, 2015, a man driving in Hampton County, South Carolina, called 911 to report a body lying on the side of a rural road just miles from the Murdaugh family's hunting estate where Alex Murdaugh shot his wife and son six years later. Pushing past injuries that led to consecutive sidelined seasons, The Canadian Chainsaw was back in podium form this past April for the UCI WC Mountain Bike opener in Lourdes, France, where he finished in second place. "SLED is publicly supporting us, Sandy Smith, and her efforts to find out what really happened to her son," Ronnie Richter, with the Bland Richter Law Firm, said in a statement. In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, Sandy Smith said she was grateful that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), handing the Murdaugh investigation, and the Attorney General's Office have provided "some closure" in the deaths. His Case Was Reopened When Investigators Looked into Murdaugh Murders, Alex Murdaugh Receives Love Letters in Prison: 'I Think About You All Day, Every Day', Following Killings of S.C. And anyone who knows anything needs to come forward. "The case was mysteriously bounced from investigator to investigator without reasons or notification," Sandy Smith wrote in the letter. Smith followed Miami-area friends Bobby Allen and. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. "I'm tired of them putting Stephen on the back burner," Sandy Smith told FITSNews. At the time of his death, Smith was a 19-year-old Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College student who was studying to become a nurse. "She now has more people than she knows what to do with," says Andrews. The connection between the two remains murky butAndrewssays that in the documents related to the case she has, the name is mentioned 40 times. After Paul and Maggie Murdaugh's murders, SLED announced that their investigation had led them to look into Stephen's death. Smith, 26, was a highly respected. I unequivocally deny any involvement in his death, and my heart goes out to the Smith family.". Pathologist Erin Presnell conducted the original autopsy and concluded that Smith died of a hit-and-run. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Smith's Devinci team has spoken about Stevie in a moving message: World Cup sensation Steve Smith passed away this afternoon after suffering a massive brain injury resulting from an enduro motorcycle accident in his hometown of Nanaimo, British Columbia. Oct. 23, 2022 Updated: Oct. 24, 2022 11:52 a.m. On a breezy summer's day in 1965, a pale green 40-foot yacht washed up on the Guatemalan coast. The old way of doing business in Hampton does not exist anymore. That murder investigation eventually led to the trial of patriarch Alex Murdaugh, who was found guilty last month and sentenced to life in prison for killing Maggie and Paul on the night of June 7, 2021. CLICK HERE. The best news I've heard in eight years," Sandy Smith told ABC News. Attorneys for the family of Stephen Smith say their effort to exhume the 19-year-old's body is an attempt to provide his mother answers about what led to his death -- and has nothing to do with . It's also unclear if the MAIT team ever examined Stephen's phone, which was tossed between agencies before it was finally unlocked by the FBI several years after his death. Investigators also told people they interviewed that they were not making progress, but were still looking into the case as a murder. However, a medical examiner eventually ruled his cause of death to be from a vehicular hit and run. SLED officials reportedly were waiting until the high-profile Murdaugh trial was over before announcing developments in the Stephen Smith case "out of concern that witnesses would not be as forthcoming under the Murdaugh sphere of influence," Bland and Richter said. He spent several hours last weekend surveying the crime scene on Sandy Run Road. Proctor also wrote in his report that Greene was fired sometime between July 22 - August 18 2019. The wingless 600cc micro sprints also compete there. Investigators with the S.C. Highway Patrol (SCHP) received multiple tips in the aftermath of Smith's death linking his untimely demise to the Murdaugh family. Someone just left him in the middle of the road to die . He doesn't deserve people to think that.". At this point these kids are in their mid-20s probably have children of their own. On July 22, 2015, Proctor visited Presnell at MUSC to "get some sort of clarification" on the Smith case. Proctor wrote that Presnell spoke in a "negative tone" and "basically called (him) a liar" when he said that he'd already spoken to Hampton County Coroner Ernie Washington. "These baseless rumors of my involvement with Stephen and his death are false. Officially, Smith's death was classified as a hit and run. Put yourself in Sandys shoes as a parent, and that it being your child. Smiths family raised over $100,000 to put toward the exhumation and a private autopsy in what his mother described on a GoFundMe page as a fight for justice.. Last month, SLED said they opened an investigation into the cold case last month after they found information relating to Smiths death while investigating the murders of Paul and Maggie Murdaugh. Another new detail has been released adding even more mystery to Stephen Smith's 2015 death . 2023 yorkdispatch.com, All rights reserved. "I think it's a situation when you grow up and your family is kinda high-profile and you get away withsome things because of your family name," Proctor said in 2015. "His passing leaves a huge hole in our hearts here at Devinci.". "It would repeatedly get to a certain point, then the assigned investigator would bow out, perhaps not wanting to take on Solicitor Murdaugh.". From left: Paul, Alex, Maggie and Buster Murdaugh at a sporting event. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. Steven "Steve" Smith, Jr., CM (born December 24, 1945) is a Canadian actor, writer and comedian.
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