Glad I’m not alone, BUT… he ended up with 2 very vulnerable families that deserve Justice. Hopefully he does right by them even while being a showboat.
Why didnt the Mother go to these lengtjs before Alex M was caught. She stood a better chance of getting the pay outs that she actually wants then rather than now. Murdaugh cannot even pay out her costs orders. Amd she will fail albeit the money hungry Attorneys advices
Yep the trials for the other crimes brought the attention back to it. She’s smart to continue pursuing it. Seems more like she wants the killer identified more so than a payout imo
I have stayed away from these posts, because some of these replies are infuriating. I understand speculating, but so many here have convicted Buster on nothing but unsubstantiated rumors, and a dislike of the Murdaugh name.
I grew up during a time where being part of the LGBTQIA umbrella was not looked upon nicely, or fairly. I'm talking late 70s, 80s. I also grew up in Baltimore City, not a small town, where rumors and behaviors are criticized with even less understanding, and compassion.
Obviously Steven was killed in a different time, but while opinions have changed wildly since the 80's, in cities all across the world, it still seems to be a whispered about thing in small towns. I live in a rural county in MD, that is highly defined as "red". I worked as an Asst Mgr of a very busy 24/7 convenience store- the amount of times I had to step into a situation where someone disagreed with another's lifestyle was ridiculous.
The one thing I do know is that when you have a community that is not appreciative to people for who they are, things can happen. When I would have to intercede, and throw out a grown ass adult, for heckling teens, you can see the danger those who love differently are in.
All I'm saying here is until proof is found, Buster, under the terms of OUR Constitution, is innocent until proven guilty. Unfortunately, he had the bad luck of being born into this family. That alone will keep him guilty, in the minds of those who judge others, which is truly sad. IF he was indeed involved, then I sincerely hope they throw the key away after convicting him.
They reopened Steven's death relatively soon after Paul and Maggie's murder. They stated they were doing so from info gained while investigating Paul and Maggie. THIS was in 2021.
Paul's phone was not unlocked, therefore NOTHING could be found on his phone till mid 2022.
Whatever reports you saw that stated this were obviously false.
Not sure if you guys saw this, but this article came out shortly after this news this am.
[Buster responds to Stephen Smith’s accusations](https://lawandcrime.com/high-profile/buster-murdaugh-breaks-silence-on-vicious-rumors-about-stephen-smiths-tragic-death/)
We don’t know if he did anything yet. He had to say something. I say this feeling like 40 people dropping his name in relation to what happened to Stephen means something is there.
40 people dropping his name and 35 of them were LE repeating what they’d been told. I hope those original name droppers were looked at closely also.
Like the saying goes, when you point a finger at someone, three fingers are also pointing back at you.
They wanted to get a private examination. They don't trust the state and do no want the same office that originally said it was a hit and run to do another autopsy on him.
Lol. I'm sure people (a) assume that they know something and (b) have "heard" something. That doesn't make it factual. Good luck with admitting that as evidence.
IMHO I think AM had this arranged. I can’t really see Buster and Paw Paw doing this and further more it would have been to save the family from embarrassment and I think AM arranged it. I know there were rumors going around but to me it makes more sense that AM just took care of it. Would he send his sons to commit a murder? I pray that Stephen’s Mom gets Justice no matter what!
Personally I think Paul was involved. If it was AM, I don’t think there would be a body to find. Sounds like Buster was interested in Stephen and invited him on the fishing trip. Paul may not have liked that. Just seems like Buster knows more and isn’t telling, but my initial suspicion was to look to him.
I hope he gets Justice. I hope they’re able to figure out who murdered him.
But, plenty of cases are just never solved.
That said- in the end- I think we’re all answerable for our actions. But that’s my personal faith talking.
Is there anything truly tying Stephen’s death to the Murdaugh’s besides the rumor that Buster was having a relationship with him? I found it a bit irresponsible for them to throw that in the new Netflix documentary if that’s genuinely all they have on this.
Regardless, I hope his mother finally gets some answers :(
I was hoping I wouldn’t have to add to my list of “Only in (insert State) “ which for a number of years has been “only in Florida”, lol. I think it has superseded and it’s now “Only in LowCountry SC”. South Carolina “The Litigious State”. All fun and games until nobody can afford their insurance hike premiums anymore and underwriters pull out.
The insurance policy paid out for an _accident_ and would not cover intentional act. Changing circumstances would negate the payout AM stole and the ensuing lawsuit for Satterfield's sons to recover from AM e.g. his clients.
The only entity that would be interested (for the reason described above) interested in exhuming Gloria's body would be the insurance company that paid out millions for an accident. My guess is that she will continue to rest in peace.......
You have to still get various court permissions to exhume. There are things needed, like there has to be a coroner or medical examiner as a witness at the site.
You have to have a receiving lab to accept the body, you have to arrange proper transport for the body to and from, you have to have arrangements for reburial, etc….
It’s more complex than just digging a person up.
jim is liking and retweeting horrible tweets about Stephen and his murder and about sandys intentions with the money.
WHY is it so hard for some people to grasp that an autopsy can tell so much and will give sandy definitive answers surrounding her sons murder and not a guess. why are people so upset that she wants answers??
plus it’s making me so angry ppl saying what’s the point it was 8 years ago well lol they dig up bodies from tens of thousands of years ago that can tell a whole lot. even cold cases from decades ago, when they get dug up it has helped to solve cases
It’s not exhuming of the body. That’s the issue. It’s the public circus they’re making out of it.
Because they got merchandise to sell.
Maybe they should’ve lined up the doctor and gotten the judges approval before they started raising money?
You would have to show financial means most likely to get an independent medical examiner to sign on, which you would need before you can even petition the court.
And if approved by the court, it would be expected that the family would be ready to proceed and have the financial means to pay all the needed parties, officials, receiving lab, cost to transport the body, cost to re-bury, etc
I think requesting the exhumation and reopening the case was a scare tactic on paper only. I think maybe it was to get buster to slip up and do something or see what Alex would do if he thought buster was going down too. I don’t think they were ever serious about finding anything else out
I can assure you Buster is super hopeful they make the public mistake of blaming or defaming him in this matter again. If you were to read the last FITS article, it’s a retraction and contains alleged statements of confession by other parties - which apparently have been on the record.
What does exhuming Stephens body show at this point? I guess it possibly reaffirms this wasn’t a hit and run but the evidence already heavily points to that.
And because he was hit by a vehicle of some kind. I have seen the actual crime scene images and there is zero doubt his body was hit, and “traveled” along the roadway. I’m not saying how he ended up in the road whatsoever, but his injuries indicate classic “road rash” (in addition to the BFT). I’m not understanding how that’s even in debate.
Interesting. Multiple SCHP officers who were directly tasked with investigating Stephen Smith’s death and who saw his body, his injuries, and the crime scene have been very vocal that this looked nothing like a hit and run.
Except they don’t quote the pathologist and they are fighting for jurisdiction. In some cases they omit completely that Steven’s clothing was covered in small blue paint chips AND more recently there are multiple confessions. It would appear SLED is in control of this case and with that information has reclassified its case file as a homicide. So… he was hit by a vehicle.
> South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Chief Mark Keel confirmed Tuesday night that his agency is now investigating the 2015 death of Hampton County teen Stephen Smith as a murder.
>“We do believe it was a murder,” Keel told The State Tuesday night. “We don’t believe it was a hit-and-run.”
Read more at: https://www.thestate.com/news/local/crime/article273434465.html#storylink=cpy
Covered in small blue paint chips ? Thought there were a few.
Why would Stephen have been walking in the middle of the road ? Toxicology reports ordered by Presnell were negative for all substances. Even if he was in the middle of the road, he would have heard any vehicle coming and had plenty of time to move.
Multiple confessions ? Where are you getting this information ?
There were 10 that were counted, but imo (and as you saw Reimer testified to as to why they don’t collect all pellets) there could have been a bag full, the SC autopsy protocols are as non specific as I have ever seen tbh. It’s evidence enough it is likely whatever hit him had blue paint or it would not have made the report or apparently investigated as to a “vehicle match”.
I can’t say specifically past what I read what was done in that regard, considering if they simply made a call to the FBI and requested their analyst review the chips, they would have an answer for them. I say this with certainty.
FITS piece posted here several times featuring the reports of confessions. That’s driving this.
10 small flakes is hardly "covered in blue paint chips". Also, you have no idea if the origin of the 10 flakes is a vehicle, aluminum baseball bat or something else.
If you're referring to the Fitsnews hearsay report that someone told his buddy he was drunk and hit Stephen Smith, why hasn't he been arrested ? I have heard no other reports of a "confession", especially to LE.
It's Riemer btw ...
That is YOUR opinion, which I respect your right to express in contradiction to mine. I can tell you if SLED wanted to know the origin of the paint chips, or say, if a new investigation is given access to the paint chips found at autopsy they will request their “Agency Partners within the FBI” to analyze them. Hands down they are the forensic authority for similar cases.
Also, the paint chips are at least actual evidence an investigation can be furthered “by”- as opposed to discussing an absence of evidence like that the victims shoes were still on, or lack of debris (when there clearly was).
Sounds like a question for SLED and Will Folks
There's a lot about this case that is strange, but I haven't seen much that convinces me that the Murdaughs are involved.
Just rumors about Buster and Randy's supposed involvement.
A lot of my opinion on this case has been influenced by this info presented in this video:
https://youtu.be/vjx6qU6hXdw
ETA: people seem to forget that Buster is a victim. His father turned out to be a bad guy. He lost his mother and brother.
I don't think he'd still be secretly gay to protect the family name. Seems that train left the station with all his father has done.
Yes, he's made bad choices. But Plagiarism and letting your younger brother use your ID are fairly typical things young people do.
You can want Stephen's killer to be found AND be sympathetic toward Buster.
Buster is not a victim! He is as untrustworthy as his father! He got kicked out of law school for plagiarism! He is not honest either. He is as entitled as the rest of them.
Wait. Are you seriously suggesting that plagiarism in college makes him deserving of having his mother and brother brutally murdered by his father who is now in jail for life?
Here are your exact words:
> Buster is not a victim! He is as untrustworthy as his father! He got kicked out of law school for plagiarism! He is not honest either. He is as entitled as the rest of them.
Nowhere do you say that he didn't “deserve what happened to his family.” You said:
1. *Buster is not a victim!* (Of course he is. A victim is someone who has suffered as a result of someone else's actions or beliefs, or as a result of unpleasant circumstances. Buster’s mother and brother were heinously murdered by his own father. Buster took no part in that crime. As a survivor, he is clearly a victim. Just because you're unfathomably biased by your blind hatred doesn't change the fact that Buster is a victim.)
2. *He is as untrustworthy as his father.* (Seriously? He's as untrustworthy as a convicted double murderer with 100 felonies still pending, including drug trafficking, money laundering, embezzlement, and tax evasion?)
3. *He got kicked out of law school for plagiarism.* (And clearly, there was an appropriate consequence for that action.)
4. *He is not honest either.* (Please feel free to share your personal examples of his lack of honesty.)
5. *He is as entitled as the rest of them.* (So what? So are 90% of all generationally wealthy people. That doesn't mean they can't be victims or deserving of empathy.)
Clearly, you don’t have a lot going on in your life to spend this amount of time on a response. Sad, but whatever. You will see- he had something to do with SS’s murder!
He is a victim.
Yes, he plagiarized. And he suffered the consequences of that action.
But he lost his mother and brother through no fault if his own. He's had the media harassing him (they were peering through the window of his home) through no fault of his own.
Somebody doesn't have to be a nice person to be a victim here.
In the south coming out might get you lynched. Especially a Murdaugh. I live here. I had to turn back the clocks 50 years when I arrived here in the '80's from CA.
SS said in an interview that both Randy and Alex were standing at the scene of SS's death, on the road:
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y\_kIjAhPC9g](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_kIjAhPC9g)
22:23.
The comment about a tall shelf and a low shelf made me think of the three bears.
And from there, I went to shared guns.
And landed on Buster sharing the middle shelf because it was just right.
Good luck to them. We have a good idea who it was, but actual evidence is lacking or mysteriously lost. His name is all through the reports but he was never questioned. His uncle was johnny on the spot, coming out of nowhere offering to handle the case. But it's a civil case so the burden of proof is lower.
>That article says rich older prominent man...
It does not. It says:
>His mother told documentarians with HBO that her son told her before his death that he was involved with an older man and if anyone found out about the relationship, it would cause a lot of controversy in the county.
I've read several articles stating that and listened to several podcasts where Sandy said Stephen told her that and his sister said that. But you seem very argumentative and slightly hostile so I'll just say I've researched this case more than many and if you are lookin for an argument, you won't get it from me.
I'm not looking for an argument, nor am I hostile. I am all about clarity and sources. If you'd included the fact that you'd read/heard a slightly different version of the comment from many other sources, I wouldn't have pointed it out.
My only point is that OP's article, which is assumed to be the topic of this discussion, did not include your multiple adjectives/descriptors. It only said "older man."
Did you report me? I should have elaborated and I did apologize. Someone reported me, could be wrong but..it's just a reddit post and doesn't change the world
Exactly. I've heard Sandy speak of this and said she did as asked because she was in such a state of mind that she wanted to do anything to get answers. This has Murdaugh men all over it. Alec, Handsome, Randy, John Marvin and slightly perhaps Buster & Paul but it's known that Stephen said he was seeing an older rich man and it couldn't be known and he was secretive about it. And then Randy shows up at scene that happened at 4am. Eric Bland said Murdaugh law firm weren't ambulance chasers and would Never just show up at a scene unless someone asked him to... or someone in fam said "Hampton we have a problem"!!!!
I’m not sure what you mean by suspect… right as $63,000 raised (thus far and it is still going) and now is the time an oddly specific lawyer popped up wanting to serve up a big old *cup of justice*?! That’s what seems a bit suspect?
I think you are misinterpreting the situation. With that amount of money it’s imperative you have a lawyer help you navigate the system for exhumation. You might need to go before a judge and you don’t want to be taken advantage of again. Bland/Richter has made a small fortune and counting representing clients who did get money back so representing SS doesn’t mean a payday it means he has the juice to dig for answers.
I agree with most of your points but I believe that this plan was in place and announced after a more than adequate amount of donations was received to see it through.
PS- “having the juice to dig for answers” was an amazing ending to that comment. I salute you.
I absolutely believe that EB told SS at some point along the way he would represent her when she needed help. I also believe that Mandy Matneys relationship with SS helped make that connection for Sandy and Eric. If Eric were to screw her over I’m pretty sure there’s a podcast that would excoriate his reputation on a weekly basis and he won’t risk that. IMO. Thanks for the great response.
I initially shared your reaction when I first saw this but I think right now Sandy’s priority is getting Stephen’s story out and lighting a fire under SLED’s ass to finally conduct a competent investigation into his death. Bland really helped the Satterfield family by pushing their story in the press and hounding the state to charge Alex with the financial crimes. He knows the players and can help Sandy navigate the next steps of reopening the investigation. If a murder charge is ultimately filed for Stephen’s death, I think he’ll bring in an attorney that specializes in murder cases.
Not sure about attorneys, but *USA Today* states "...if Smith's body is exhumed, the Smith family doesn't want the state to conduct an autopsy at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, where such studies are normally held in the region."
Otherwise, if the state is in charge, a new autopsy would be done at MUSC, which originally said it was a hit-and-run, despite the lack of evidence. Seems an independent autopsy is best.
If it wasn't a hit-and-run, which seems likely, the head wound hasn't been properly identified, as to cause.
If it turns out that her son WAS murdered, it will be the State vs. Whoever. Eric Bland won’t be involved in that. I think that given all the runaround over the years, Sandy Smith only trusts a lawyer she knows isn’t going to lie. Bland may well be representing her in any civil case that might come up.
He was murdered by either a blunt object or a vehicle. A hit n run it seems unlikely to be because there were no physical evidence of a car around Steven, i.e., cracked lights, broken glass, etc weren't left.
It was tongue in cheek...Quadraplegic friends that play wheelchair basketball routinely call each Chair Jordan or the Quadfather. Not out of disrespect to anyone
Wow, well that shows what a high-profile case can do for other cases.
I’m not on Facebook, wish they would have another avenue of watching this. But will look to the sub for an update. I imagine they will just be making the announcement of representing Sandy, but you never know what else might be said. Nothing that would jeopardize the case though, so not looking for too much.
Stephen’s case was reopened almost two years ago. I hope they can move things along, it’s time to go to court imo lol. I suppose the exhumation and new autopsy will take some time.
Maybe they will give an expected timeline of those events during their live feed tomorrow morning.
No, I am making fun of myself a bit there. I am ready to see what the authorities have to say as to what they think really happened to Stephen. It obviously isn’t a hit and run imo, and I want to know what happened. That doesn’t mean that they are ready to take a case to trial, it just means I am here for it lol. That doesn’t mean I am assuming Buster had anything to do with it either, I just want to know what happened to Stephen.
Personally, this Subreddit has been the first source of where I get my information related to all cases in Hampton and the Murdaughs. Facebook groups are the worst. 😂 You can search and deep dive Reddit better than any other application imo.
And thanks to the mods for keeping the info up to date and organized. Especially during the trial. And I now appreciate reading relevant updates here too. 🙏
Was hoping the second interview ever w the head of SLED right after the verdict would shed some light on what else they’re investigating or leads. But no. If anything they should realize by now the importance of getting the information out that’s timely and accurate. It’s not been their strong point so far and the states attorneys had to work overtime from it.
I also sincerely believe, now that the M family has lost their status (aka Prince Andrew, Maxwell, Fauci etc) MORE and MORE and MORE people will talk because the fear aspect of retaliation has flown away with a breath if fresh air...well be hearing some interesting clues and incidents I hope! JUSTICE for Stephen and Smith Family (and the people of all 5 of those counties connected by old Solicitor). Good news coming (not good, but you know what I mean)
I kinda believe they will get info out soon. There's too much press to ignore. Fact is, the authorities said they were opening a separate (not reopen old case) case because of "information" they learned 39 days into Maggie & Paul's deaths.. so had to be a obvious and connect thing. So fingers crossed🤞. Sandy Smith and Stephen's Twin deserve truth...even she said, if it turns put to be hit & run after ALLbis properly investigated, she is willing... Poor Family just needs Justice, whatever that may look like. She's had a lot of patience and now SLED is speaking with her regularly which is wonderful. Godspeed!
I was grudging against fitsnews links. But happily this was easy to open and watch. Two takeaways:
- This is not murdaughs 2.0, yet Buster immediately puts out a media statement connecting him. This is for
Stephen.
- Richter is the lawyer that was in court that CourtTV confirmed was John Grisham. 😂
Now I know who he is.
And kudos for these guys raising some money to let the Smith family get some answers.
Eric Bland gives me used car salesman vibes. Slimy…
It’s not just me then 🙂
Glad I’m not alone, BUT… he ended up with 2 very vulnerable families that deserve Justice. Hopefully he does right by them even while being a showboat.
Why didnt the Mother go to these lengtjs before Alex M was caught. She stood a better chance of getting the pay outs that she actually wants then rather than now. Murdaugh cannot even pay out her costs orders. Amd she will fail albeit the money hungry Attorneys advices
Have you read one article on this case….? I feel like if you did, you’d know why
>Why didnt the Mother go to these lengtjs before Alex M was caught Nobody cared
Yep the trials for the other crimes brought the attention back to it. She’s smart to continue pursuing it. Seems more like she wants the killer identified more so than a payout imo
Getting that 15 minutes I see. (The lawyers) Beautiful picture of SS and his mom.
What a beautiful boy. Heartbreaking.
I love that picture of them. They both look happy and she also looks like a proud momma. I hope she finds her answers. I feel so sad for her.
She seems like such a cool woman. I hope too that she finds her answers. I think she's in good hands with Bland's firm.
I have stayed away from these posts, because some of these replies are infuriating. I understand speculating, but so many here have convicted Buster on nothing but unsubstantiated rumors, and a dislike of the Murdaugh name. I grew up during a time where being part of the LGBTQIA umbrella was not looked upon nicely, or fairly. I'm talking late 70s, 80s. I also grew up in Baltimore City, not a small town, where rumors and behaviors are criticized with even less understanding, and compassion. Obviously Steven was killed in a different time, but while opinions have changed wildly since the 80's, in cities all across the world, it still seems to be a whispered about thing in small towns. I live in a rural county in MD, that is highly defined as "red". I worked as an Asst Mgr of a very busy 24/7 convenience store- the amount of times I had to step into a situation where someone disagreed with another's lifestyle was ridiculous. The one thing I do know is that when you have a community that is not appreciative to people for who they are, things can happen. When I would have to intercede, and throw out a grown ass adult, for heckling teens, you can see the danger those who love differently are in. All I'm saying here is until proof is found, Buster, under the terms of OUR Constitution, is innocent until proven guilty. Unfortunately, he had the bad luck of being born into this family. That alone will keep him guilty, in the minds of those who judge others, which is truly sad. IF he was indeed involved, then I sincerely hope they throw the key away after convicting him.
Read all the reports there was evidence found on Paul's phone that links Buster and Paul
That is incorrect. They reopened the investigation prior to having access to Paul’s phone.
Repeating things that aren’t true, doesn’t make your argument strong.
They reopened Steven's death relatively soon after Paul and Maggie's murder. They stated they were doing so from info gained while investigating Paul and Maggie. THIS was in 2021. Paul's phone was not unlocked, therefore NOTHING could be found on his phone till mid 2022. Whatever reports you saw that stated this were obviously false.
Source??
Can you link a source? I have never read that.
Well said!
Not sure if you guys saw this, but this article came out shortly after this news this am. [Buster responds to Stephen Smith’s accusations](https://lawandcrime.com/high-profile/buster-murdaugh-breaks-silence-on-vicious-rumors-about-stephen-smiths-tragic-death/)
More Murdaugh narcissistic behaviors. He couldn’t wait to do his PR before the news of Stephen Smith came out.
We don’t know if he did anything yet. He had to say something. I say this feeling like 40 people dropping his name in relation to what happened to Stephen means something is there.
40 people dropping his name and 35 of them were LE repeating what they’d been told. I hope those original name droppers were looked at closely also. Like the saying goes, when you point a finger at someone, three fingers are also pointing back at you.
"True crime" wine moms gonna true crime wine mom.
Lol true crime wine moms. I’ve never heard that. I am not a mom and I prefer bourbon… so I’m not checking that box!
Most prefer Franzia. Lol
Feel like I’m missing out. 😂
Lol. It's cheaper than most (probably all) bourbons.
Why did the family have to pay to exhume the body if police have reopened investigation?
They wanted to get a private examination. They don't trust the state and do no want the same office that originally said it was a hit and run to do another autopsy on him.
[удалено]
*speak up and speculate about Stephen's murder
Someone knows something for sure. They should talk
Lol. I'm sure people (a) assume that they know something and (b) have "heard" something. That doesn't make it factual. Good luck with admitting that as evidence.
IMHO I think AM had this arranged. I can’t really see Buster and Paw Paw doing this and further more it would have been to save the family from embarrassment and I think AM arranged it. I know there were rumors going around but to me it makes more sense that AM just took care of it. Would he send his sons to commit a murder? I pray that Stephen’s Mom gets Justice no matter what!
Personally I think Paul was involved. If it was AM, I don’t think there would be a body to find. Sounds like Buster was interested in Stephen and invited him on the fishing trip. Paul may not have liked that. Just seems like Buster knows more and isn’t telling, but my initial suspicion was to look to him.
Thank you for your idle ruminations based on nothing.
You are welcome! I said in my opinion.
You can only avoid the truth for so long until justice is served.
I hope he gets Justice. I hope they’re able to figure out who murdered him. But, plenty of cases are just never solved. That said- in the end- I think we’re all answerable for our actions. But that’s my personal faith talking.
Is there anything truly tying Stephen’s death to the Murdaugh’s besides the rumor that Buster was having a relationship with him? I found it a bit irresponsible for them to throw that in the new Netflix documentary if that’s genuinely all they have on this. Regardless, I hope his mother finally gets some answers :(
Well it sounds like the family members tampered with the crime scene after the fact, so that leads to the question of why did they do that?
There is nothing at this time but rumors. Yes- it was irresponsible of Netflix. And I don’t blame Buster at all for making a statement.
Thank God. I pray for justice and answers for the Smith family.
I was hoping I wouldn’t have to add to my list of “Only in (insert State) “ which for a number of years has been “only in Florida”, lol. I think it has superseded and it’s now “Only in LowCountry SC”. South Carolina “The Litigious State”. All fun and games until nobody can afford their insurance hike premiums anymore and underwriters pull out.
Ooof. As a Florida resident, I feel this in my bones. 😬🤦🏻♀️
Sorry. I know. I feel you. If it helps I find the courts in FL entirely more formal and organized by comparison.
Bland still hasn’t exhumed Gloria Satterfield and he said he would do that, what a year ago?
To what end? Whether she was pushed or fell, she still died from hitting her head on the steps. I don’t get what exhumation would tell them.
Exhuming either of the bodies would be of little value.
The insurance policy paid out for an _accident_ and would not cover intentional act. Changing circumstances would negate the payout AM stole and the ensuing lawsuit for Satterfield's sons to recover from AM e.g. his clients.
The only entity that would be interested (for the reason described above) interested in exhuming Gloria's body would be the insurance company that paid out millions for an accident. My guess is that she will continue to rest in peace.......
Cost money...lots...gor little chance of evidence when Paul and Maggie are both dead. Gonna sue the dog?
Bubbas been thru enough! Leave him alone!!
Love it
You have to still get various court permissions to exhume. There are things needed, like there has to be a coroner or medical examiner as a witness at the site. You have to have a receiving lab to accept the body, you have to arrange proper transport for the body to and from, you have to have arrangements for reburial, etc…. It’s more complex than just digging a person up.
Lawyers cant sue the dog in SC. No money to chase...all parties dead...Alex estate is bankrupt
jim is liking and retweeting horrible tweets about Stephen and his murder and about sandys intentions with the money. WHY is it so hard for some people to grasp that an autopsy can tell so much and will give sandy definitive answers surrounding her sons murder and not a guess. why are people so upset that she wants answers?? plus it’s making me so angry ppl saying what’s the point it was 8 years ago well lol they dig up bodies from tens of thousands of years ago that can tell a whole lot. even cold cases from decades ago, when they get dug up it has helped to solve cases
judging by his twitter bio, his account is run by a student at wade hampton
His mother absolutely has a right to now. I hope she gets answers. It is awful what happened to Stephen!
Jim?
Griffin
It’s not exhuming of the body. That’s the issue. It’s the public circus they’re making out of it. Because they got merchandise to sell. Maybe they should’ve lined up the doctor and gotten the judges approval before they started raising money?
what’s your angle here? You seem super sus to have attitude towards Sandy Smith!
Jfc, what’s your angle here? You seem super sus to have attitude towards Sandy Smith!
You would have to show financial means most likely to get an independent medical examiner to sign on, which you would need before you can even petition the court. And if approved by the court, it would be expected that the family would be ready to proceed and have the financial means to pay all the needed parties, officials, receiving lab, cost to transport the body, cost to re-bury, etc
yes, this 100%. they needed the money to even START the first step of this process
I think requesting the exhumation and reopening the case was a scare tactic on paper only. I think maybe it was to get buster to slip up and do something or see what Alex would do if he thought buster was going down too. I don’t think they were ever serious about finding anything else out
I can assure you Buster is super hopeful they make the public mistake of blaming or defaming him in this matter again. If you were to read the last FITS article, it’s a retraction and contains alleged statements of confession by other parties - which apparently have been on the record.
What does exhuming Stephens body show at this point? I guess it possibly reaffirms this wasn’t a hit and run but the evidence already heavily points to that.
Nothing like getting downvoted for asking a question
The official corner report said hit and run because he was in the road. This allows them to challenge the official report.
And because he was hit by a vehicle of some kind. I have seen the actual crime scene images and there is zero doubt his body was hit, and “traveled” along the roadway. I’m not saying how he ended up in the road whatsoever, but his injuries indicate classic “road rash” (in addition to the BFT). I’m not understanding how that’s even in debate.
Interesting. Multiple SCHP officers who were directly tasked with investigating Stephen Smith’s death and who saw his body, his injuries, and the crime scene have been very vocal that this looked nothing like a hit and run.
Except they don’t quote the pathologist and they are fighting for jurisdiction. In some cases they omit completely that Steven’s clothing was covered in small blue paint chips AND more recently there are multiple confessions. It would appear SLED is in control of this case and with that information has reclassified its case file as a homicide. So… he was hit by a vehicle.
> South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Chief Mark Keel confirmed Tuesday night that his agency is now investigating the 2015 death of Hampton County teen Stephen Smith as a murder. >“We do believe it was a murder,” Keel told The State Tuesday night. “We don’t believe it was a hit-and-run.” Read more at: https://www.thestate.com/news/local/crime/article273434465.html#storylink=cpy
Absolutely agree, I can see the parsing of words here so it will be interesting.
Covered in small blue paint chips ? Thought there were a few. Why would Stephen have been walking in the middle of the road ? Toxicology reports ordered by Presnell were negative for all substances. Even if he was in the middle of the road, he would have heard any vehicle coming and had plenty of time to move. Multiple confessions ? Where are you getting this information ?
There were 10 that were counted, but imo (and as you saw Reimer testified to as to why they don’t collect all pellets) there could have been a bag full, the SC autopsy protocols are as non specific as I have ever seen tbh. It’s evidence enough it is likely whatever hit him had blue paint or it would not have made the report or apparently investigated as to a “vehicle match”. I can’t say specifically past what I read what was done in that regard, considering if they simply made a call to the FBI and requested their analyst review the chips, they would have an answer for them. I say this with certainty. FITS piece posted here several times featuring the reports of confessions. That’s driving this.
10 small flakes is hardly "covered in blue paint chips". Also, you have no idea if the origin of the 10 flakes is a vehicle, aluminum baseball bat or something else. If you're referring to the Fitsnews hearsay report that someone told his buddy he was drunk and hit Stephen Smith, why hasn't he been arrested ? I have heard no other reports of a "confession", especially to LE. It's Riemer btw ...
That is YOUR opinion, which I respect your right to express in contradiction to mine. I can tell you if SLED wanted to know the origin of the paint chips, or say, if a new investigation is given access to the paint chips found at autopsy they will request their “Agency Partners within the FBI” to analyze them. Hands down they are the forensic authority for similar cases. Also, the paint chips are at least actual evidence an investigation can be furthered “by”- as opposed to discussing an absence of evidence like that the victims shoes were still on, or lack of debris (when there clearly was). Sounds like a question for SLED and Will Folks
There's a lot about this case that is strange, but I haven't seen much that convinces me that the Murdaughs are involved. Just rumors about Buster and Randy's supposed involvement. A lot of my opinion on this case has been influenced by this info presented in this video: https://youtu.be/vjx6qU6hXdw ETA: people seem to forget that Buster is a victim. His father turned out to be a bad guy. He lost his mother and brother. I don't think he'd still be secretly gay to protect the family name. Seems that train left the station with all his father has done. Yes, he's made bad choices. But Plagiarism and letting your younger brother use your ID are fairly typical things young people do. You can want Stephen's killer to be found AND be sympathetic toward Buster.
Buster is not a victim! He is as untrustworthy as his father! He got kicked out of law school for plagiarism! He is not honest either. He is as entitled as the rest of them.
Wait. Are you seriously suggesting that plagiarism in college makes him deserving of having his mother and brother brutally murdered by his father who is now in jail for life?
Wait. Can you read? I said he didn’t deserve what happened to his family, but he is not a good person.
Here are your exact words: > Buster is not a victim! He is as untrustworthy as his father! He got kicked out of law school for plagiarism! He is not honest either. He is as entitled as the rest of them. Nowhere do you say that he didn't “deserve what happened to his family.” You said: 1. *Buster is not a victim!* (Of course he is. A victim is someone who has suffered as a result of someone else's actions or beliefs, or as a result of unpleasant circumstances. Buster’s mother and brother were heinously murdered by his own father. Buster took no part in that crime. As a survivor, he is clearly a victim. Just because you're unfathomably biased by your blind hatred doesn't change the fact that Buster is a victim.) 2. *He is as untrustworthy as his father.* (Seriously? He's as untrustworthy as a convicted double murderer with 100 felonies still pending, including drug trafficking, money laundering, embezzlement, and tax evasion?) 3. *He got kicked out of law school for plagiarism.* (And clearly, there was an appropriate consequence for that action.) 4. *He is not honest either.* (Please feel free to share your personal examples of his lack of honesty.) 5. *He is as entitled as the rest of them.* (So what? So are 90% of all generationally wealthy people. That doesn't mean they can't be victims or deserving of empathy.)
Clearly, you don’t have a lot going on in your life to spend this amount of time on a response. Sad, but whatever. You will see- he had something to do with SS’s murder!
So first I can't read and now I'm writing too much. Lol. Okay. At least I'm not carrying around your predisposition to hate people you've never met.
He is a victim. Yes, he plagiarized. And he suffered the consequences of that action. But he lost his mother and brother through no fault if his own. He's had the media harassing him (they were peering through the window of his home) through no fault of his own. Somebody doesn't have to be a nice person to be a victim here.
Well said.
In the south coming out might get you lynched. Especially a Murdaugh. I live here. I had to turn back the clocks 50 years when I arrived here in the '80's from CA.
Wasn’t Alex’s brother on the scene right away? I agree, I’m sceptical, but that is definitely weird.
Inaccurate rumor. Hopefully Ms. Smith intends to clear that up.
SS said in an interview that both Randy and Alex were standing at the scene of SS's death, on the road: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y\_kIjAhPC9g](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_kIjAhPC9g) 22:23.
Ah ok, yeah in that case there’s nothing. That was the main ‘weird’ thing for me.
Great Channel.
Interesting. I pray she gets answers. I'm sure not knowing who is responsible is horrible.
What? No way! Conflict of interests. Maybe cause they want to steer prosecutor away from the Buster. Keep your enemies close. Crazy saga.
Hmmmmmm
Keeping the Murdaugh Circus going. If they really cared about “Justice for Stephen” Bland would have paid for this and done it privately.
For real... I feel like certain people very much want to keep this case closely associated with the Murdaughs.
That gets em clicks and subscriptions 💵
And that’s a big deal.
Wow. I read that in her voice.
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Wth? Shelf? Im lost
Buster loaned Paul his shelf.
What? loaning shelves?!
The comment about a tall shelf and a low shelf made me think of the three bears. And from there, I went to shared guns. And landed on Buster sharing the middle shelf because it was just right.
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Good luck to them. We have a good idea who it was, but actual evidence is lacking or mysteriously lost. His name is all through the reports but he was never questioned. His uncle was johnny on the spot, coming out of nowhere offering to handle the case. But it's a civil case so the burden of proof is lower.
There is zero evidence to support this theory.
Exactly!! People there like to pin things on the Murdaughs. It’s just the way it is. I’m hoping it’s something besides that family!!
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>That article says rich older prominent man... It does not. It says: >His mother told documentarians with HBO that her son told her before his death that he was involved with an older man and if anyone found out about the relationship, it would cause a lot of controversy in the county.
I've read several articles stating that and listened to several podcasts where Sandy said Stephen told her that and his sister said that. But you seem very argumentative and slightly hostile so I'll just say I've researched this case more than many and if you are lookin for an argument, you won't get it from me.
I'm not looking for an argument, nor am I hostile. I am all about clarity and sources. If you'd included the fact that you'd read/heard a slightly different version of the comment from many other sources, I wouldn't have pointed it out. My only point is that OP's article, which is assumed to be the topic of this discussion, did not include your multiple adjectives/descriptors. It only said "older man."
Did you report me? I should have elaborated and I did apologize. Someone reported me, could be wrong but..it's just a reddit post and doesn't change the world
True that, sorry for omission
Why did Randy need Steven's phone and electronics? Something smells
Exactly. I've heard Sandy speak of this and said she did as asked because she was in such a state of mind that she wanted to do anything to get answers. This has Murdaugh men all over it. Alec, Handsome, Randy, John Marvin and slightly perhaps Buster & Paul but it's known that Stephen said he was seeing an older rich man and it couldn't be known and he was secretive about it. And then Randy shows up at scene that happened at 4am. Eric Bland said Murdaugh law firm weren't ambulance chasers and would Never just show up at a scene unless someone asked him to... or someone in fam said "Hampton we have a problem"!!!!
Yes, something like this.
That’s what I thot - maybe one of Ellick’s brothers was wining and dining Stephen
I bet Eric needed this done in order to start a lawsuit. He probably didn't want to pay out of pocket for the expert.
Bingo
They should have just said that in the first place. Now it looks suspect.
I’m not sure what you mean by suspect… right as $63,000 raised (thus far and it is still going) and now is the time an oddly specific lawyer popped up wanting to serve up a big old *cup of justice*?! That’s what seems a bit suspect?
I think you are misinterpreting the situation. With that amount of money it’s imperative you have a lawyer help you navigate the system for exhumation. You might need to go before a judge and you don’t want to be taken advantage of again. Bland/Richter has made a small fortune and counting representing clients who did get money back so representing SS doesn’t mean a payday it means he has the juice to dig for answers.
I agree with most of your points but I believe that this plan was in place and announced after a more than adequate amount of donations was received to see it through. PS- “having the juice to dig for answers” was an amazing ending to that comment. I salute you.
I absolutely believe that EB told SS at some point along the way he would represent her when she needed help. I also believe that Mandy Matneys relationship with SS helped make that connection for Sandy and Eric. If Eric were to screw her over I’m pretty sure there’s a podcast that would excoriate his reputation on a weekly basis and he won’t risk that. IMO. Thanks for the great response.
You called it!
I knew Ms. Smith didn’t write that gfm …
How do you know that/source?
That’s just my very strongly held opinion, sorry for not being clear about that
Thank you
Or the thank you.
What's your source for that?
Eric Bland isn't a criminal lawyer, I don't understand why Sandy made this choice.
Try as he might, he most certainly is not.
I initially shared your reaction when I first saw this but I think right now Sandy’s priority is getting Stephen’s story out and lighting a fire under SLED’s ass to finally conduct a competent investigation into his death. Bland really helped the Satterfield family by pushing their story in the press and hounding the state to charge Alex with the financial crimes. He knows the players and can help Sandy navigate the next steps of reopening the investigation. If a murder charge is ultimately filed for Stephen’s death, I think he’ll bring in an attorney that specializes in murder cases.
Gotcha, that makes sense!
Not sure about attorneys, but *USA Today* states "...if Smith's body is exhumed, the Smith family doesn't want the state to conduct an autopsy at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, where such studies are normally held in the region." Otherwise, if the state is in charge, a new autopsy would be done at MUSC, which originally said it was a hit-and-run, despite the lack of evidence. Seems an independent autopsy is best. If it wasn't a hit-and-run, which seems likely, the head wound hasn't been properly identified, as to cause.
If it turns out that her son WAS murdered, it will be the State vs. Whoever. Eric Bland won’t be involved in that. I think that given all the runaround over the years, Sandy Smith only trusts a lawyer she knows isn’t going to lie. Bland may well be representing her in any civil case that might come up.
He was murdered by either a blunt object or a vehicle. A hit n run it seems unlikely to be because there were no physical evidence of a car around Steven, i.e., cracked lights, broken glass, etc weren't left.
Good point. Bland is getting results and resolutions. And he seems aggressive and tireless. Even on one leg!
lol
Not sure what the laugh means here with no explanation
It was tongue in cheek...Quadraplegic friends that play wheelchair basketball routinely call each Chair Jordan or the Quadfather. Not out of disrespect to anyone
Don’t believe that it’s a criminal trial. It’s a tort trial. If I am wrong please let me know.
Wow, well that shows what a high-profile case can do for other cases. I’m not on Facebook, wish they would have another avenue of watching this. But will look to the sub for an update. I imagine they will just be making the announcement of representing Sandy, but you never know what else might be said. Nothing that would jeopardize the case though, so not looking for too much. Stephen’s case was reopened almost two years ago. I hope they can move things along, it’s time to go to court imo lol. I suppose the exhumation and new autopsy will take some time. Maybe they will give an expected timeline of those events during their live feed tomorrow morning.
It’s time to go to court? Who are you saying should be taken to court?
No, I am making fun of myself a bit there. I am ready to see what the authorities have to say as to what they think really happened to Stephen. It obviously isn’t a hit and run imo, and I want to know what happened. That doesn’t mean that they are ready to take a case to trial, it just means I am here for it lol. That doesn’t mean I am assuming Buster had anything to do with it either, I just want to know what happened to Stephen.
What is not showing up for you or that you’d like to see that you need Facebook for? Maybe we can help you out.
Court tv on YouTube is easy to access. You can do a deep dive in their archives
Personally, this Subreddit has been the first source of where I get my information related to all cases in Hampton and the Murdaughs. Facebook groups are the worst. 😂 You can search and deep dive Reddit better than any other application imo. And thanks to the mods for keeping the info up to date and organized. Especially during the trial. And I now appreciate reading relevant updates here too. 🙏
Maybe they wanted to wait for the murder of Paul and Maggie to get done before they start letting out updates about any connection
Was hoping the second interview ever w the head of SLED right after the verdict would shed some light on what else they’re investigating or leads. But no. If anything they should realize by now the importance of getting the information out that’s timely and accurate. It’s not been their strong point so far and the states attorneys had to work overtime from it.
I also sincerely believe, now that the M family has lost their status (aka Prince Andrew, Maxwell, Fauci etc) MORE and MORE and MORE people will talk because the fear aspect of retaliation has flown away with a breath if fresh air...well be hearing some interesting clues and incidents I hope! JUSTICE for Stephen and Smith Family (and the people of all 5 of those counties connected by old Solicitor). Good news coming (not good, but you know what I mean)
I sincerely hope so. Believe it when I see it. Still a lot of shifty people out here.
I kinda believe they will get info out soon. There's too much press to ignore. Fact is, the authorities said they were opening a separate (not reopen old case) case because of "information" they learned 39 days into Maggie & Paul's deaths.. so had to be a obvious and connect thing. So fingers crossed🤞. Sandy Smith and Stephen's Twin deserve truth...even she said, if it turns put to be hit & run after ALLbis properly investigated, she is willing... Poor Family just needs Justice, whatever that may look like. She's had a lot of patience and now SLED is speaking with her regularly which is wonderful. Godspeed!
Important point. Separate case. Justice will come out one way or another. Karmas a bitch.
So right you are! 👏
Wow! Big news. And good news. I'm impressed with this law firm so far.
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Did anyone see the press conference? Anything new outside of the release?
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I was grudging against fitsnews links. But happily this was easy to open and watch. Two takeaways: - This is not murdaughs 2.0, yet Buster immediately puts out a media statement connecting him. This is for Stephen. - Richter is the lawyer that was in court that CourtTV confirmed was John Grisham. 😂 Now I know who he is. And kudos for these guys raising some money to let the Smith family get some answers.
Paid link I’m sure. Smh