Casefile True Crime
Case 261: Shari Smith & Debra May Helmick (Part 2)
Sep 30, 2023
A serial killer on the loose in South Carolina links the abductions of nine-year-old Debra May Helmick and the murder of Lexington teenager Shari Smith. Investigators make a breakthrough discovery with a latent phone number on a letter, and focus on Larry Jean Bell as the suspect. Bell denies involvement, but odd requests and a business card linking him to Debra raise suspicions. The arrest of Bell brings relief and disbelief to the community, and the aftermath includes divorce, grieving, and reflections on faith.
01:06:35
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Quick takeaways
- The connection between the abductions of Shari Smith and Debra May Helmick created a fear of a serial killer in South Carolina.
- Larry Jean Bell's disruptive behavior during his trials raised concerns about his mental health.
Deep dives
Sherry Smith's Abduction and Murder
Sherry Smith, a young girl from Lexington, South Carolina, was abducted by Larry Jean Bell on May 31, 1985. The search for Sherry lasted for 22 days until her body was found. Larry Jean Bell was found guilty of her kidnapping and murder, and was sentenced to death.
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