Shari Faye Smith: The Tragic 1985 Kidnapping & Manhunt In SC - Full Story

Dr. Antwon Grant 22 May 2025

Could a simple errand turn into a nightmare, forever altering the course of a family's life? In the summer of 1985, the idyllic tranquility of Lexington County, South Carolina, shattered, revealing the chilling depths of human cruelty and the enduring power of hope amidst unimaginable tragedy.

The story begins on May 31st, 1985, a day that should have been filled with youthful anticipation. Sharon "Shari" Faye Smith, a vibrant 17-year-old, was just two days away from graduating from Lexington High School. The air buzzed with the excitement of impending freedom, of future dreams waiting to be realized. That afternoon, after a graduation pool party, Shari stopped at her family's mailbox, a familiar routine, a fleeting moment before the promise of tomorrow. But in a horrifying twist of fate, the mailbox became the scene of her abduction. A brazen criminal, driven by a malevolent intent, snatched her at gunpoint, plunging her family into a vortex of fear and despair.

The disappearance of Shari Faye Smith ignited a massive search effort, the largest manhunt in South Carolina's history. Law enforcement, family, and the community rallied, their hopes intertwined with the desperate plea for her safe return. But the abductor, a man named Larry Gene Bell, possessed a chilling audacity. Instead of hiding in the shadows, he initiated a series of taunting phone calls to the Smith family, adding an extra layer of anguish to their already unbearable situation. He reveled in their pain, revealing a cruel and calculating mind.

Bell's actions were not only criminal but also remarkably reckless. His relentless calls, a perverse game of cat and mouse, ultimately became his undoing. Investigators, meticulously tracing his calls, pieced together clues that would lead them to the monster responsible for Shari's abduction. Tragically, before Bell was caught, a second young girl, Debra May Helmick, vanished under similar circumstances. The chilling parallel sent shockwaves through the community and added urgency to the search for the predator.

The investigation unfolded like a dark novel, filled with suspense, heartbreak, and the grim realities of criminal justice. Bell's actions were the stuff of nightmares, a haunting reminder of the evil that can lurk beneath the veneer of normalcy. The ensuing trial, the evidence presented, and the emotional testimonies painted a vivid picture of the crime and its devastating consequences. Bell was ultimately brought to justice, convicted, and sentenced to death. However, the story of Shari Faye Smith transcends the grim facts of her murder. It's a story of a life stolen, a family shattered, and a community forever changed.

The case of Shari Faye Smith became a pivotal moment, underscoring the power and limitations of forensic science and criminal investigation. It highlighted the complex nature of justice, the emotional toll on those affected, and the enduring search for closure in the face of unimaginable loss. The legacy of Shari Faye Smith continues to resonate, a somber reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of safeguarding those most vulnerable.

The story of Shari Faye Smith, however, is not only about the crime but also about the remarkable strength and courage of those left behind. Her family, particularly her sister, Dawn Smith Jordan, and her mother, Hilda Smith, channeled their grief into action, striving to keep Shari's memory alive. Their resilience in the face of such unspeakable tragedy stands as a testament to the enduring human spirit. Their books, bearing witness to their experiences, served as a source of support for others and offered insight into the enduring impact of trauma.

Here's a table with some basic information about Shari Faye Smith:

Category	Details
Full Name	Sharon "Shari" Faye Smith
Nickname	Shari
Date of Birth	Unknown
Date of Disappearance	May 31, 1985
Location of Disappearance	Lexington County, South Carolina
Age at Disappearance	17
High School	Lexington High School, Lexington County, South Carolina
Known For	Being the victim of a high-profile kidnapping and murder case in South Carolina in 1985.

Reference Link: Wikipedia - Murder of Shari Faye Smith

The abduction was not an isolated event. The modus operandi of the perpetrator, Larry Gene Bell, soon became clear. Bell started calling Smith's family to taunt them about the fate of the lovely blonde girl who had dreams of a singing career. This cruel tactic, designed to torment the family, ultimately provided crucial evidence for investigators. Bell's recklessness, his need to control and inflict pain, became his weakness. His calls were traced, providing the leads that eventually led to his capture. Before the capture, the details that the families of the victims received the call from the criminal, this time giving them the whereabouts of Helmick's body.

The forensic evidence in the case highlighted both the advancements and limitations of the time. It was a stark reminder of the delicate balance between scientific progress and the inherent challenges of solving complex crimes. Even more disturbingly, there were details of how the abductor, who was later identified as Larry Gene Bell, went to the extent of making Shari write a letter to her family.

The case of Shari Faye Smith wasn't just a local tragedy; it became a defining event in South Carolina history, sparking conversations about justice, community, and the ongoing need to protect the most vulnerable among us. The investigation also highlighted the emotional toll on the Smith family, who had to deal not only with the loss of their daughter but also with the constant taunting from the killer.

Larry Gene Bell, arriving at the Berkeley County courthouse on February 11, 1986, for his trial. This event highlighted the gravity of the case and the community's desire for justice. It also provided closure to the families. His arrest would not have happened if not for the meticulous work of law enforcement officials who relentlessly pursued every lead, no matter how small. The police were able to identify a suspect within weeks of smith's murder.

The trials and subsequent execution of Larry Gene Bell served as a somber culmination to the case, however, this outcome came at a huge cost. In addition to the emotional toll on Shari's family, the case also brought attention to the broader issues related to justice and sentencing. After his capture, Mr. Bell taunted Shari's family with telephone calls describing how he had. He was convicted of killing Shari Faye Smith, 17, and Debra Helmick, 9, about two weeks apart.

Bell's actions, the agonizing wait, and the aftermath of the trials offer a window into the complexities of the criminal justice system. The case serves as a chilling reminder of the importance of safeguarding our communities, protecting the vulnerable, and never forgetting those whose lives were taken too soon.

The details of Bell's crimes, including the taunting phone calls to the Smith family, are the stuff of nightmares, yet, they also fueled the determination of law enforcement. The case, however, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It's a story of loss, anguish, and the long, arduous road to justice. The story of Shari Faye Smith is a stark reminder that even in the darkest of times, the fight for justice and the unwavering pursuit of truth can prevail. It is a story of a life cut short and the enduring memory of a young woman whose dreams were stolen.