Uncovering Clues in the Unsolved Homicide of Stephen Smith

Newly released files from the initial investigation into the death of South Carolina teen Stephen Smith reveal that officials suspected foul play and had heard "rumors" about Smith's link to Buster Murdaugh within weeks of the supposed hit-and-run. Multiple early reports also state that Smith had what appeared to be a gunshot wound above his right brow, and a defensive wound to one of his hands. Buster Murdaugh, now 26, is the surviving son of Low Country legal scion Alex Murdaugh, who was sentenced to two consecutive life terms earlier this month for the June 2021 murders of his wife, Maggie, and younger son, Paul. Buster and Smith were high school classmates, and Smith's body was notably found not far from the 1,700-acre Moselle estate where Alex Murdaugh later gunned down his loved ones.