Stephen Smith’s body has been exhumed so it could be reexamined amid an ongoing probe into his 2015 death in South Carolina, his family’s attorneys said on Sunday.
Smith, 19, was found dead on a rural road in Hampton County in what authorities initially deemed a hit and run. Late last month, SLED announced that they are investigating his death as a homicide.
The family’s attorney, Eric Bland, announced Smith’s exhumation in a statement issued to various news outlets, including CrimeOnline.
BREAKING: Bland Richter Law Firm, the representative for Stephen Smith's mother Sandy Smith, is allocating $35,000 for information leading an arrest in the death of Stephen Smith.#justiceforstephensmith 💚💚🟩🟩 pic.twitter.com/cQfdQfwxfy
— Mandy Matney (@MandyMatney) April 3, 2023
“[We] would like to thank everyone who contributed in the exhumation, transporting Stephen, protecting and guarding Stephen while he was being re-examined, and the second autopsy being done, transporting him back and then putting him back to his final resting place this past weekend,” he said.
Smith also stated that the family would not be publicly commenting on Smith’s exhumation.
Meanwhile, the law firm representing Smith’s family announced on Monday that a $35,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the “identification and conviction” of the person or persons responsible for Smith’s death.
Last month, SLED said an autopsy was first performed the same day Smith’s body was discovered, and a medical examiner determined he was fatally struck by a car. According to the agency, it reexplored Smith’s case after agents “received information” and reviewed the highway patrol’s investigative file.
“From SCHP case notes it was apparent that the SCHP did not believe Mr. Smith’s death was a hit and run by a motor vehicle,” SLED said. “SLED’s investigation into the death of Mr. Smith was never closed – it remains a homicide investigation. Progress has been made, and SLED’s investigation is active and ongoing.”
Smith attended high school with Buster Murdaugh, who recently denied having a role in Smith’s death. Reports indicated that two persons of interest have been identified in this case. However, no arrests have been made.
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[Featured image: Stephen Smith/Facebook]
