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ABC4 News June 24, 2021 Video and transcript:
Documents show differing opinions on the manner of Stephen Smith's untimely death in 2015
"CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — South Carolina Department of Public Safety documents regarding Stephen Smith's untimely death in 2015 show a flurry of back and forth in the investigation about the manner of his death.
"They said he was shot in the head. Then it turned out it was a hit and run. Then he was beat up, so the story just kept changing over and over," said Sandra Smith, Stephen's mother, this week.
Stephen Smith, a teenager from Hampton County, was found dead in the middle of road in 2015. Authorities at the time said he died after being hit by a car, but no suspect was ever found. State Law Enforcement Division stated Tuesday they are investigating Smith's death after information was found while investigating the double homicide of Paul and Maggie Murdaugh.
Related Content: Sandy Smith says 'no justice' for her son amid new SLED investigation
According to documents obtained this week, Highway Patrol found Smith's body on Sandy Run Road. What troopers didn't see was any evidence to show Smith had been hit by a car. The documents reveal no vehicle debris and no skid marks at the scene.
An initial report only pointed to blunt force trauma to the head.
His car was found three miles away from his body, on Bamburg Highway. Highway Patrol found the car's key in Smith's pocket, further adding to the mystery for Smith's family.
"I'd be happy to see all this laid out on the table. Find out who did, why they did it," said Stephanie Smith, Stephen's twin.
After Smith's preliminary autopsy suggested Smith was hit by a vehicle, Highway Patrol searched for more information.
Documents show differing opinions on the manner of Stephen Smith's untimely death. (WCIV)
An MUSC pathologist stated the victim was possibly struck by a motor vehicle mirror, which was the cause of death.
Highway Patrol said there was no evidence to support that conclusion. Almost a month after this conversation between the MUSC pathologist and an investigator at Highway Patrol, the investigator spoke to the coroner about the final autopsy.
In the report, the investigator said, "(the coroner) faxed me a copy of the report and told me that he does not agree with the pathologist stating the victim was struck by a motor vehicle."
Related Content: Stephen Smith's family remembers him 6 years after his death
"The coroner stated he had made contact with an MUSC pathologist who said she would be willing to change her report to read however the coroner wanted it," the documents also said.
Investigators also looked at the microscopic evidence found on Smith's clothes. That evidence was blue paint chips, but Highway Patrol could not link it to a vehicle or an object.
Now, a SLED office in the Midlands is investigating Stephen Smith's death."
Documents show differing opinions on the manner of Stephen Smith's untimely death in 2015
"CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — South Carolina Department of Public Safety documents regarding Stephen Smith's untimely death in 2015 show a flurry of back and forth in the investigation about the manner of his death.
"They said he was shot in the head. Then it turned out it was a hit and run. Then he was beat up, so the story just kept changing over and over," said Sandra Smith, Stephen's mother, this week.
Stephen Smith, a teenager from Hampton County, was found dead in the middle of road in 2015. Authorities at the time said he died after being hit by a car, but no suspect was ever found. State Law Enforcement Division stated Tuesday they are investigating Smith's death after information was found while investigating the double homicide of Paul and Maggie Murdaugh.
Related Content: Sandy Smith says 'no justice' for her son amid new SLED investigation
According to documents obtained this week, Highway Patrol found Smith's body on Sandy Run Road. What troopers didn't see was any evidence to show Smith had been hit by a car. The documents reveal no vehicle debris and no skid marks at the scene.
An initial report only pointed to blunt force trauma to the head.
His car was found three miles away from his body, on Bamburg Highway. Highway Patrol found the car's key in Smith's pocket, further adding to the mystery for Smith's family.
"I'd be happy to see all this laid out on the table. Find out who did, why they did it," said Stephanie Smith, Stephen's twin.
After Smith's preliminary autopsy suggested Smith was hit by a vehicle, Highway Patrol searched for more information.
Documents show differing opinions on the manner of Stephen Smith's untimely death. (WCIV)
An MUSC pathologist stated the victim was possibly struck by a motor vehicle mirror, which was the cause of death.
Highway Patrol said there was no evidence to support that conclusion. Almost a month after this conversation between the MUSC pathologist and an investigator at Highway Patrol, the investigator spoke to the coroner about the final autopsy.
In the report, the investigator said, "(the coroner) faxed me a copy of the report and told me that he does not agree with the pathologist stating the victim was struck by a motor vehicle."
Related Content: Stephen Smith's family remembers him 6 years after his death
"The coroner stated he had made contact with an MUSC pathologist who said she would be willing to change her report to read however the coroner wanted it," the documents also said.
Investigators also looked at the microscopic evidence found on Smith's clothes. That evidence was blue paint chips, but Highway Patrol could not link it to a vehicle or an object.
Now, a SLED office in the Midlands is investigating Stephen Smith's death."
