Teen is discovered dead laying in a dark country road, 3 miles from his car In the early morning hours of July 8, 2015, the body of 19-year-old Stephen Smith was found lying in the middle of a rural road in Hampton County, South Carolina. A nursing student, Smith was discovered with a severe head wound, leading initial responders to believe he had been shot. However, an autopsy later concluded his death was the result of blunt head trauma from being struck by a motor vehicle, and his death was officially ruled a hit-and-run.
This conclusion was puzzling to many, as the scene lacked any evidence typical of a vehicle collision, such as skid marks or debris. Smith's car was found about three miles away, apparently out of gas, with his wallet still inside.
For years, the case remained cold, leaving his family with unanswered questions. A significant shift occurred in June 2021 when the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division announced it was reopening the investigation into Smith's death. This decision was based on information uncovered during the investigation of the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh, members of a prominent and powerful local family. The Murdaugh name had been mentioned numerous times in the initial 2015 case file, with rumors circulating about the possible involvement of Alex Murdaugh's surviving son, Buster, who was a high school classmate of Smith. Buster Murdaugh has publicly denied any involvement in Smith's death.
In March 2023, nearly eight years after his death, SLED officially reclassified Stephen Smith's death as a homicide. This announcement brought renewed hope for justice for his family, who had long believed he was a victim of a violent crime. Shortly after, Smith's body was exhumed for a second, independent autopsy, an effort funded by a public fundraising campaign. While the investigation is active and ongoing, with a grand jury having been convened, no arrests have been made directly in connection with the homicide.
Authorities have publicly identified two persons of interest in the case: Patrick Wilson and Shawn Connelly. This information reportedly came to light after Wilson's stepfather told investigators that Wilson had claimed to be in a vehicle with Connelly when it struck and killed Smith. Both men have since been arrested on charges unrelated to Smith's death. As the investigation continues into its tenth year, a reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the death of Stephen Smith, who was an openly gay teenager.
