News Summary
A South Carolina jury has awarded $700 million to the family of Brittanee Drexel, who was kidnapped and murdered in 2009. The verdict, following a lawsuit against Raymond Moody, emphasizes the emotional distress faced by the family and calls for increased safety in tourist areas. This case has highlighted the need for accountability and systemic changes to protect visitors from similar tragedies.
South Carolina Jury Delivers $700 Million Award to Family of Brittanee Drexel
In a stunning turn of events, a jury in South Carolina has awarded a whopping $700 million to the family of Brittanee Drexel, a 17-year-old girl tragically kidnapped and murdered while on a spring break trip to Myrtle Beach back in 2009. This verdict follows a long and emotional journey for her family, who have fought tirelessly for justice in the wake of their daughter’s horrific fate.
A Journey to Justice
Brittanee’s mother, Dawn Pleckan, took a brave step and filed a lawsuit in January 2023 against Raymond Moody, the man convicted of her daughter’s murder, as well as Bar Harbor Resort Inc. and Smith Family Partners LLC. The lawsuit highlighted the wrongful conduct that led to this unforgivable tragedy. After weeks of deliberation, the jury determined that Moody was responsible for causing immense emotional distress to Brittanee’s family, awarding them $200 million in actual damages, alongside a staggering $500 million in punitive damages. The message is clear: this family has suffered greatly, and they deserve accountability.
The Heartbreaking Details
Raymond Moody has been serving a life sentence since October 19, 2022, for his crimes against Brittanee. In court, he expressed his regret, stating he was “at a loss for words” and that his feelings of remorse would never truly compensate for the pain inflicted on the Drexel family. Adding to the complexity, Angel Cooper Vause, Moody’s girlfriend at the time, was sentenced to 18 years in prison for misleading investigators regarding her involvement in the crime.
The Day Everything Changed
The timeline of events is gut-wrenching. On April 25, 2009, Brittanee left the Bar Harbor Hotel to meet some friends at the Blue Water Resort, a decision that would ultimately lead to her last moments of freedom. Before she was kidnapped that evening at around 9 p.m., security footage showed Brittanee entering the Blue Water Resort. It was then that she fell victim to Moody, who was driving a Ford Explorer.
A Gruesome Crime Uncovered
Following the kidnapping, things took a dark turn. Moody transported Brittanee to a remote campsite where, in a horrific act, he raped and murdered her. To cover up his crime, he disposed of Brittanee’s phone in the North Santee River and buried her body in a shallow grave. For years, the family did not know what had happened to her, stirring an overwhelming sense of grief and uncertainty.
Discovery and Delayed Justice
It wasn’t until 2022 that the mystery of Brittanee’s disappearance was finally unraveled, leading to Moody’s prosecution. The court case revealed that Vause had played a role by allegedly luring Brittanee into Moody’s van with false promises of help. U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs spoke of the profound suffering experienced by Brittanee’s loved ones, which was exacerbated by Vause’s attempts to withhold the truth for many years.
Addressing Safety in Tourist Areas
This case has not only been about justice for Brittanee, but it has also sparked a critical discussion about safety and security in popular tourist destinations, especially during busier times like spring break. The lawsuit brought against the resort and other parties has drawn attention to their negligence which potentially contributed to the tragic circumstances surrounding the abduction. It serves as a reminder that every measure must be taken to ensure the safety of visitors in these areas.
A Call for Change
The jury’s overwhelming verdict sends a clear message: the Drexel family deserves recognition for their suffering, and the community must come together to prioritize safety to prevent such tragedies from happening in the future. While no amount of money can bring Brittanee back, it is a step toward healing for her family and a call for action to ensure justice prevails in the case of missing and exploited individuals.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox News: South Carolina Jury Delivers $700 Million Award to Family of Brittanee Drexel
- Horry News: Spring Breakers Are Set to Flock to Myrtle Beach
- Dan’s Papers: Spring Break Destinations in Florida
- Wikipedia: Brittanee Drexel
- The Travel: Greenville, South Carolina – Best Spring Break Spot
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Safety
Author: STAFF HERE Chapin
CHAPIN STAFF WRITER The CHAPIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREchapin.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Chapin, Lexington County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Chapin Christmas Parade, Fourth of July Celebration, and the Chapin Fall Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Chapin Chamber of Commerce and the Lexington School District One, plus leading businesses in retail and recreation that power the local economy such as Lake Murray Tourism and the Chapin Visitor Information. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
