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…
