Unraveling the Mystery: A Second Look at the Stephen Smith Case

The 2015 death of Stephen Smith, initially ruled a hit-and-run, has long been shrouded in questions. Now, fueled by a mother’s unwavering pursuit of justice, a second autopsy and independent investigation seek to uncover the truth.

A Mother’s Fight for Answers

Since 2015, Sandy Smith has relentlessly sought answers in the tragic death of her son, Stephen. While the initial investigation concluded a hit-and-run accident, both Sandy and experienced law enforcement officers harbored deep doubts about this determination.

The official narrative, stating that Stephen was struck by a vehicle while walking along a rural road, never fully aligned with the evidence. The absence of vehicle debris at the scene and the nature of Stephen’s injuries fueled suspicion, prompting Sandy to seek an independent investigation and a second autopsy.

A Second Autopsy: Uncovering the Truth

Dr. Michelle Dupree, a renowned forensic pathologist, led the team tasked with the second autopsy. The process, conducted with meticulous care, involved exhuming Stephen’s body and transporting it under police escort to a specialized lab in Tampa, Florida.

“We actually went to the gravesite on Friday, exhumed the body, and then transported it to Tampa, Florida under police escort the entire time,” Dr. Dupree explained. “The second autopsy was done on Saturday morning.”

Dr. Dupree emphasized the importance of a comprehensive approach. “Not knowing what condition we might find the body in, we wanted to make sure that we had all of our bases covered,” she stated. To ensure a thorough examination, a forensic anthropologist specializing in skeletal remains was brought in to assess the condition of Stephen’s bones.

While the final reports are still pending, Dr. Dupree revealed that the team, including the forensic anthropologist and the pathologist who performed the autopsy, was able to reach a conclusion about Stephen’s death.

A Parallel Investigation: Retracing Stephen’s Final Steps

Simultaneously, a separate investigation was underway at the scene of Stephen’s death on Sandy Run Road. Leading the investigation was Dr. Kenny Kinsey, a renowned crime scene reconstruction expert who gained national recognition for his work on the Alex Murdaugh trial.

Dr. Kinsey approached the case methodically, starting with a thorough review of the original case files and a meticulous examination of the scene. “I got the case files and looked at the original scene, went to both locations, spent a day this weekend doing my own measurements, finding the location, seeing what has remained constant and seeing what has changed,” Dr. Kinsey said.

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His investigation focused on retracing Stephen’s potential movements on the night of his death, considering every possible scenario. This included examining satellite imagery, interviewing local residents, and physically walking various routes Stephen might have taken.

Dr. Kinsey, while acknowledging the challenges of a cold case, remains committed to uncovering the truth. “It is really too early for me to even have an opinion at this point,” he stated. “Like I said, I want to look at every different scenario, every possibility.”

Collaboration and Hope for Justice

What sets this investigation apart is the willingness of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to collaborate with the independent team. This unusual level of cooperation signifies a shared commitment to finding justice for Stephen and his family.

Dr. Kinsey acknowledged the unique nature of this collaboration, saying, “I think SLED is like the rest of our team members, they want to get answers for the Smith family.” He emphasized the importance of maintaining his objectivity, stating, “I’m just trying to go into it with an open mind and let them do their part and stay out of their way.”

A Community United in the Search for Truth

Sandy Smith’s unwavering dedication to her son’s case has resonated deeply within the community and beyond. Her GoFundMe campaign, initially established to fund the second autopsy, raised over $120,000, demonstrating the overwhelming support for the family’s quest for answers.

With $35,000 now offered as a reward, authorities hope to encourage anyone with information to come forward. No detail is too small, as even seemingly insignificant pieces of information could hold the key to unlocking the truth behind Stephen’s tragic death.

This case, filled with unanswered questions and a mother’s unwavering love, serves as a reminder that the pursuit of justice never truly ends. As the investigation continues, the hope for answers and accountability for Stephen Smith remains alive.