Kenny Kinsey, a forensic investigator who served as a key prosecution witness in the 2023 double murder trial of Alex Murdaugh, has now taken on a new case — independently investigating the 2015 death of Stephen Smith, who was a former classmate of Buster Murdaugh.
Background
Stephen Smith was found dead on a rural South Carolina road in 2015. The discovery of his body was reported to 911 dispatchers. An initial investigation determined Smith suffered a 7½-inch skull fracture. The case was initially investigated as a potential hit-and-run, but investigators quickly determined the evidence did not support that theory as the cause of death.
The case remained largely dormant for years until renewed interest emerged in connection with the broader Murdaugh family investigations. Smith's body has since been exhumed, subjected to a new autopsy, and reinterred.
The Investigation
Kinsey, who served as a forensic expert during the Murdaugh murder trial, has begun independently reviewing the Stephen Smith case. He brings decades of experience as an Orangeburg County Chief Deputy, crime scene reconstruction expert, and former SLED Special Agent.
According to Kinsey, key opportunities were missed in the early stages of the 2015 investigation. He has been joined by attorney Eric Bland, who represents Smith's mother Sandy Smith as well as the sons of Gloria Satterfield — another victim connected to the Murdaugh cases.
The investigation has drawn additional attention from media outlets including FITSNews, which has been following the Murdaugh saga closely.
Key Takeaways
- Kenny Kinsey, star forensic witness in the Alex Murdaugh double murder trial, is now investigating Stephen Smith's 2015 death
- Stephen Smith was Buster Murdaugh's former classmate; his death was initially ruled a possible hit-and-run
- Smith suffered a 7½-inch skull fracture, but evidence did not support hit-and-run as cause of death
- Smith's body has been exhumed, re-autopsied and reinterred as part of the renewed investigation
- Attorney Eric Bland represents Smith's mother in the ongoing case
What's Next
The independent investigation into Stephen Smith's death continues as Kinsey reviews evidence from the original case file. Additional forensic analysis may be sought as the investigation progresses. The case remains under scrutiny as part of the wider examination of deaths connected to the Murdaugh family saga.