Stephen Smith remembered as unapologetic 'fallen warrior' for LGBTQ movement

Michael M. DeWitt, Jr., Greenville News
·4 min read
Sandy Smith smiles behind the new memorial for her son, Stephen Smith.
Sandy Smith smiles behind the new memorial for her son, Stephen Smith.

Sandy Smith still doesn't know who killed her son, Stephen, in 2015, but she knows she is loved and supported and her "baby" will never be forgotten.

A graveside ceremony was held at Gooding Cemetery in Hampton County Sunday to unveil an ornate memorial headstone for Stephen Smith, who was found dead not far away on rural Sandy Run Road on July 8, 2015. During the event, the Smith family was surrounded by friends, loved ones, supporters and media.

"Today is totally amazing," said Sandy Smith. "It was worth the wait, and I want to thank everyone for the tremendous support. I never give up."

Sandy Smith, at right, smiles with Susanne Andrews during Sunday's event.
Sandy Smith, at right, smiles with Susanne Andrews during Sunday's event.

Smith's death was attributed to severe head trauma and controversially ruled a hit and run at the time, which the family and some investigators have disputed, and official investigations into his death stalled until 2021.

On June 23 of last year, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) opened a new investigation into Smith's death based on information gathered during the course of its investigation into the June 7, 2021, shooting deaths of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh in Colleton County.

What had been a cold case quickly became another intriguing piece of an international crime saga possibly involving Smith and other homicide victims, but the growing spotlight on Smith's case had a positive effect for his family.

After hearing of Smith's case and seeing news photos of his humble headstone, South Carolina resident Susanne Andrews, who didn't even know the family, helped launch #StandingForStephen to raise funds around the world for the gravesite monument that was unveiled Sunday, almost seven years to the week after his death.

Members of the Smith family hold each other during the memorial service.
Members of the Smith family hold each other during the memorial service.

"In seven years, this momma had not been able to give her baby a proper burial," said Andrews at the ceremony. "Today is not a typical memorial service. Today is a change for the Smith family. It is a day of happiness."

"Standing for Stephen has accomplished one part of we set out to do," she added. "Justice is due Stephen now, not later. It's time to finish this and let him rest in peace."

To date, no arrests have been made or suspects officially announced, and while the Smith family waits for answers and justice, SLED told The Hampton County Guardian last week that the homicide investigation remains "active and ongoing."

"This is really a big turning point," said an emotional Rachel Tuten, one of Stephen's high school and college friends. "He definitely deserved this. I definitely hope we continue to make progress and get justice."

Rachel Tuten, a friend of the late Stephen Smith, reacts emotionally during Sunday's memorial unveiling.
Rachel Tuten, a friend of the late Stephen Smith, reacts emotionally during Sunday's memorial unveiling.

Smith's attorney, Mike Hemlepp Jr., told The Guardian that SLED told the Smith family it is "making progress" in the case.

"I can't speculate about the timing, but we are very encouraged," Hemlepp said. "This is not a cold case. There are ongoing leads, and they are following them. I do think we are going to get answers."

Smith described as always being himself, unapologetic

Smith was described by family and friends as one who was not afraid to be himself.

"I always admired how he was himself, unapologetic," said Olivia Boyles, one of Stephen's high school friends. "He gave me the encouragement to come out my 10th grade year. It could have been me [who was killed]. It could be the next person like us."

Following Smith's death, his family publicly speculated that the homicide was a hate crime involving his sexuality. Hemlepp addressed this issue during his remarks at the event, stating that there are roughly 28,000 teens who identify as LGBTQ in South Carolina. He cited statistics about violence and abuse toward gay and lesbian teens.

Another view of Stephen Smith's memorial.
Another view of Stephen Smith's memorial.

Hemlepp described Smith as a "fallen warrior" for LGBTQ youth and a leader for gay teens throughout Hampton County to "come out." Smith, a college student at the time of his death, also had big dreams of becoming a nurse and then a doctor.

Hemlepp mentioned Smith's dream of healing and helping people as he spoke emotionally about "the evil that was happening in Hampton County" involving Smith's life and death.

"Imagine what kind of doctor he could have been for gay kids, but he was not because someone bashed his head in," he said. "The time for being sad is over. I'm no longer sad. I'm mad, and I want more. It's time to get angry. It's time to get answers. It's time to get solutions. We don't honor Stephen by being said; the way to honor Stephen is to get mad."

Smith's family and #StandingForStephen concluded Sunday's event by asking anyone with information in his case to please call Crime Stoppers at 888-CRIME-SC (888-274-6372) and leave your tip anonymously.

Through its GoFundMe account, and an Oct. 30, 2021, fundraiser, #StandingForStephen has raised just over $40,000 for Smith's memorial and his mother's legal expenses, as well as a memorial for his father, Joel Smith, who died three months after Stephen. The second marker will be erected soon, said Andrews.

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Stephen Smith remembered as unapologetic 'fallen warrior' for LGBTQ movement