Stephen Smith's Body to be Exhumed for Autopsy After Murdaugh Trial

The family of Stephen Smith, who died mysteriously in 2015 near the Murdaugh family's home, has announced plans to exhume his body for an independent autopsy. Smith's death was ruled a hit-and-run at the time, but authorities reopened the investigation in June 2021 based on information uncovered during the investigation into the shooting deaths of Murdaugh's wife and son. Some witnesses have speculated about possible foul play involving Smith's classmate, Buster, the elder Murdaugh son. The exhumation comes after Alex Murdaugh was sentenced to two consecutive life terms for killing his wife and son earlier this month.