Investigation into Stephen Smith's Death as Homicide Progresses.

The 2015 death of Stephen Smith, whose body was found near the home of convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh, is being investigated as a homicide, according to officials. Smith's case was reopened in 2021 as evidence was collected during the subsequent investigation into the deaths of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. Smith's family requested that his body be exhumed with the intention of undergoing an independent autopsy. The family launched a GoFundMe campaign earlier this month to raise money for the process, which has garnered more than $87,000.