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Kidnapper Forces Victim to Write Last Will and Testament Before Killing Her
In 1985, the kidnapping and sadistic murder of Sharon Faye Smith led to the largest manhunt in the history of South Carolina. While the killer was ultimately convicted and executed, the real story lies in the victim’s remarkable strength and courage.
Sharon “Shari” Smith
Seventeen-year-old Shari was known for her vivacious and kind personality. Voted “Wittiest” by her high school’s senior class, her collection of stuffed koala bears was a subtle reminder of her child-like wonder.
Born on June 25, 1967, to Robert and Hilda Smith, Shari was the second of three children. Shari and her older sister, Dawn, were particularly close. The beautiful sisters had a blissful childhood riding horses, participating in their church youth group, and singing in their church choir.
“She was kind of the cement that held our family together,” her father said on an episode of Forensic Files. “She was always the happy one.”
On May 31, 1985, Shari had plenty of reasons to be happy. She was just two days away from her high school graduation, where she was scheduled to sing the National Anthem. Soon thereafter, she would be leaving for her senior class cruise.
The Kidnapping
After returning from a graduation pool party, Shari stopped at the end of her driveway to check the mail. Her father recalled watching Shari from his home office. As the mailbox was some 700 feet away from the house, her father assumed she would come to the house momentarily.
When five to ten minutes passed and still no sign of Shari, he quickly rushed to the mailbox only to find the door to Shari’s car open with the motor running and her purse on the front seat.
Shari had vanished.
