The mother of Stephen Smith, a Hampton teen whose mysterious 2015 death has renewed interest in the wake of the former lawyer Alex Murdaugh’s murder convictions, plans to re-examine her son’s case and request his body be exhumed, according to media reports.
The family launched an online fundraiser March 9 for Smith’s body to be exhumed and examined independently. As of Monday, the fundraiser with a $15,000 goal had raised more than $65,000.
Meanwhile, Murdaugh’s son, Buster, on Monday denied involvement in Smith’s death.
“This has gone on far too long,” Buster Murdaugh said in the statement. “These baseless rumors of my involvement with Stephen and his death are false. I unequivocally deny any involvement in his death, and my heart goes out to the Smith family.”
In other headlines:
Death of man in Charleston Co. jail ruled as homicide. Charleston County Coroner Bobbi Jo O’Neal on Monday ruled the Dec. 29 death of an inmate as a homicide “due to gross medical neglect.”
Port of Charleston sees cargo pullback amid economic uncertainties. Fears of a slowing economy have led to fewer containers moving across the Charleston waterfront. The State Ports Authority on Monday announced a 13% decline in February compared to the previous February. The agency, however, said cargo is up compared to the typical February and business is brisk at inland ports.
Leaders discuss railroad safety amid national crises. Leaders from the legislature, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, CSX Transportation, Palmetto Railways, and community leaders gathered to educate each other about railroad operations and how to prevent serious rail incidents in the Lowcountry.
Circus to perform March 24-26 on Johns Island. Step inside the big top tent during Cirque Ma’Ceo this weekend at Johns Island County Park to witness an emotionally charged artistic experience featuring circus performers and horses from around the world.
Pakistani restaurant opens 2nd location on James Island. Pakistani restaurant Malika Canteen opened an outpost in the container kitchen at Charleston Pour House. Malika is one of the many new restaurants in James Island as previously reported by Charleston City Paper.
Johns Island drainage project to get $4.6M from state. The South Carolina Office of Resilience announced it will give $4.6 million to improve drainage issues affecting around 500 acres of Johns Island.
Design Review Board to hear plans for affordable housing in West Ashley. The City of Charleston is looking to build more affordable housing in West Ashley. A proposed project features 78 townhome units at Ashley River Road and Dogwood Road.
- To get dozens of South Carolina news stories every business day, contact the folks at SC Clips.
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