Body of Stephen Smith, Found Near The Murdaugh Home in 2015, To Be Exhumed Amid Homicide Investigation

The 2015 death of Stephen Smith is now being investigated as a homicide as renewed interest in Alex Murdaugh’s involvement looms.

Smith was found dead on a Hampton County road in South Carolina near Murdaugh’s home on July 8th, 2015. Initially, his death was ruled a hit-and-run. However, several factors didn’t add up in the death. For one, Smith’s body contained no injuries from the torso down. With many victims of hit-and-run accidents, their shoes are knocked off. Smith’s shoes were still on his feet, and nothing indicating a car had struck him was found at the scene. The teen had deep gashes on his forehead and injuries on his left arm and hand.

The 19-year-old was a former classmate of Alex’s son, Buster. The Murdaughs were a powerful family in the area, and their name had come up in Smith’s case numerous times. In 2021, investigators reopened the investigation into his death as Alex was accused of murdering his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul. Rumors have claimed Buster and Smith had a relationship, and that’s why that young man was killed either at the hands of or with the help of Alex. These claims have never been substantiated, but attorneys and investigators plan to uncover the truth.

Attorney Ronnie Richter, representing the Smith family, spoke with “TMZ Live” Tuesday, confirming that re-examining Smith’s body was high on their priority list. First responders initially thought Smith had a bullet wound in his head. This is one component that the family wants to know more about. Another autopsy is planned for the near future.

On the other hand, Buster released a statement following this latest revelation. He is maintaining his innocence and asking media outlets to stop insinuating that he or his family had anything to do with Smith’s death.

Alex is appealing his murder conviction.