News Summary
The case of Brittanee Drexel’s disappearance has taken a dark turn with Raymond Moody’s confession, implicating his girlfriend in the horrific crime. Moody detailed how they abducted Drexel from Myrtle Beach and the brutal acts that followed, leading to her murder. He disclosed chilling events, including their attempts to dispose of evidence and the eventual discovery of Drexel’s remains, reviving a case that haunted the community since 2009.
Shocking Confession in Brittanee Drexel’s Case: A Disturbing Tale from Myrtle Beach
Ridgeville, South Carolina, has recently become the focus of a deeply unsettling story that has been unfolding since 2009. The case surrounding the tragic disappearance and murder of Brittanee Drexel has taken a harrowing turn as Raymond Moody comes forward with chilling details of his crime. In a recorded interview at Lieber Correctional Institution, Moody confessed not only to the murder but also implicated his girlfriend, Angel Cooper Vause, claiming she was complicit in the heinous act.
A Frightening Encounter in Myrtle Beach
During the confession, Moody revealed that he and Vause had been out “hunting” for a girl when they encountered Brittanee, who was walking along the bustling streets of Myrtle Beach. The couple lured her into their vehicle by pretending to be lost tourists, offering a ride to her hotel. As Moody took the wheel, he restrained Drexel in the backseat while telling her not to panic, suggesting he had kidnapped girls before and demanding a ransom of $5,000.
From Abduction to Tragedy
The couple drove to a secluded area known as Pole Yard Boat Landing in Georgetown, where they had a tent set up. Vause reportedly left to fetch keys to their apartment, instructing Moody not to harm Drexel until she returned. During this time, Moody had the opportunity to free the young woman but instead chose to commit the unspeakable act of violence. Upon her return, Moody went on to rape Drexel in the tent, although he claimed not to remember Vause’s involvement.
Ending a Life with Brutality
The terrifying ordeal did not end there; Moody later confessed to strangling Brittanee with a yellow nylon rope while Vause was present. He had no recollection of her active participation in the murder but did go on to stab her body with an ice pick before wrapping her remains in a sleeping bag or blanket. In an eerie turn of events, the couple transported her body in the trunk of their car to their apartment, where they even slept with it briefly.
Covering His Tracks
As the days turned into weeks, Moody began to dispose of Drexel’s personal items, treating them like trash. He tossed her phone into the nearby North Santee River, placed her purse and wallet in a Salvation Army donation box, and destroyed her identification cards to wipe away any trace of the crime. In a twist of fate, Moody received puzzling texts from Vause about her fantasies of kidnapping another girl, which left him uneasy.
The Fallout
As the investigation unfolded, Vause proved to be less than forthcoming with the authorities. She eventually admitted to lying to the FBI about her involvement, which led to her pleading guilty to three counts of making false statements during the investigation. As a result, Vause faces a potential sentence of up to 24 years in prison, with a hearing set for February 13, 2024.
A Past of Violence
It’s crucial to note that this is not Moody’s first brush with the law. He previously served over 20 years for raping and kidnapping a minor. The details surrounding Brittanee Drexel’s case had gone cold for several years until Moody’s confession in 2022 led authorities to the location of Drexel’s remains, bringing a renewed sense of urgency to a case that had haunted not just the family but the entire community.
Community Response
As we take in the chilling details of this confession, the community grapples with the reality that there are dark corners in our society, even in places meant for enjoyment and leisure. The tragic loss of Brittanee Drexel has left an indelible mark, reminding us of the importance of vigilance and compassion in our communities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Myrtle Beach Community United in Grief as Brittanee Drexel Case Sees New Developments
Longtime Girlfriend of Brittanee Drexel’s Killer Enters Plea Agreement
New ABC 20/20 to Spotlight Brittanee Drexel’s Murder Case with Key Interviews
Additional Resources
- ABC News 4
- WMBF News
- WHEC
- Law & Crime
- Myrtle Beach Online
- Wikipedia: Brittanee Drexel
- Google Search: Brittanee Drexel
- Google Scholar: Brittanee Drexel
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Brittanee Drexel
- Google News: Brittanee Drexel
