Myrtle Beach: A Community Stands Together in Grief as Justice Unfolds
It’s hard to believe, but it has officially been over a decade since the heartbreaking case of Brittanee Drexel first captured the attention of Myrtle Beach and the entire nation. This tragedy isn’t just another news story for our community; it’s a painful memory that stirs up tough emotions for many of us who call Myrtle Beach home.
Unraveling Truths and Pleas of Guilty
Recently, the spotlight shines once again as Angel Vause, the former girlfriend of Raymond Moody, pled guilty to lying to the FBI about Brittanee’s phone. Vause, now 56, admitted to making false statements in three different instances, including during an investigation that many South Carolinians have followed intently. It’s a tough pill to swallow when you think about how this case has gone unsolved for so long, only for us to learn more grim details in recent months.
Brittanee vanished from the Blue Water Resort late one night in April 2009. A bright-eyed 17-year-old, she was making memories that feel like yesterday for some of us who were in Myrtle Beach back then. But instead, her story took a tragic turn that led to a battle for justice that has spanned over a decade.
A Long Time Coming for Justice
Fast forward to 2022, and Moody made a confession that shocked everyone involved. Moody claimed that Brittanee willingly got into the car after he and Vause spotted her walking alone. His story paints a sinister picture that leaves many scratching their heads in disbelief. It’s an overwhelmingly tragic account where, despite no signs of consent, he asserts that their intentions were innocent, which, as many of us suspect, is far from the truth.
Misleading Statements
During the investigation, Vause led investigators to believe that Brittanee had her phone in her possession, which completely turned out to be untrue. The court revealed that as the horrifying details of that night began to unfold, Vause threw out more falsehoods about her whereabouts, even claiming she was just trying to get her keys while Moody committed atrocious acts. Can you imagine being in a position like hers and facing such grave accusations?
As if that wasn’t enough, Vause’s account included really concerning assertions about how Brittanee supposedly volunteered to smoke marijuana in their car. Can you believe that? This paints a picture of a heartbreaking misunderstanding instead of acknowledging the reality of the situation where an innocent teen was abducted.
Technological Breakthroughs
What really aided investigators was technology. The advancements in tracking capabilities allowed them to monitor Brittanee’s phone as it moved at breakneck speed across Georgetown County. It’s chilling to learn precisely when her phone stopped showing signs of her walking—evidence that pointed directly to her being in a vehicle controlled by none other than Moody himself.
A Community Response
This heartfelt case has sparked a resolute call for justice that doesn’t seem to have a closing chapter just yet. Those of us who cherish Myrtle Beach know that it’s a place filled with laughter, sun, and fond memories. Still, as this case unfolds, we cannot turn away from the realities that darken our shores.
Even now, Brittanee’s mother, Dawn Pleckan, has openly addressed how her family has been unfairly impacted by the justice system’s past failures, particularly with Moody, who somehow dodged serving his full sentence in the past. Imagine the pain of knowing your daughter might still be here if things had been handled differently!
Conclusion: Staying Strong Together
As we continue to await updates on both Vause’s and Moody’s cases, it’s crucial for our community to stay strong and united. We may not have all the answers right now, but the fight for justice is alive and well in Myrtle Beach! Let’s continue to remember Brittanee and honor her memory, as we also reflect on the importance of community and safety.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
