South Carolina spring break murder victim’s family awarded $700M in civil suit

In a heart-wrenching conclusion to a case that has spanned over a decade, a South Carolina jury awarded $700 million to the family of Brittanee Drexel, a 17-year-old girl from New York who was tragically kidnapped and murdered during a spring break trip to Myrtle Beach in 2009. This verdict brings a measure of justice and closure to Brittanee’s mother, Dawn Pleckan, who has tirelessly sought answers and accountability for her daughter’s brutal death. The jury’s decision underscores the immense emotional toll on Brittanee’s family and the community, as well as the legal system’s recognition of the heinous nature of the crimes committed.

The case unfolded on April 25, 2009, when Brittanee, a vibrant teenager with her whole life ahead of her, vanished while walking alone in Myrtle Beach. Security footage captured her entering the Blue Water Resort, where she was supposed to meet a friend, but she never returned. Her disappearance sparked a massive search effort, but it wasn’t until 2022—13 agonizing years later—that her remains were finally found. The details of her final moments are nothing short of horrifying: Raymond Moody, a 62-year-old South Carolina man, kidnapped Brittanee, lured her to a remote campsite near his home in Georgetown, where he raped and murdered her. Moody then discarded her phone in the North Santee River and buried her body in a shallow grave, leaving her family in a prolonged state of anguish and uncertainty.

Moody’s guilt was ultimately confirmed when he pleaded guilty to kidnapping, raping, and murdering Brittanee in October 2022. He was sentenced to life in prison, a punishment that, while just, can never fully account for the suffering he inflicted. However, Moody was not the only person implicated in this heinous crime. His girlfriend, Angel Cooper Vause, played a complicit role in Brittanee’s abduction and murder. Vause, a 57-year-old from Georgetown, was recently sentenced to 18 years in prison for lying to federal investigators about her involvement. According to the Justice Department, Vause helped lure Brittanee into Moody’s van by promising her a ride back to her hotel. For over a decade, Vause kept the truth hidden, allowing Brittanee’s family to endure the torment of not knowing what had happened to their beloved daughter.

The emotional weight of this case is incalculable. Brittanee’s mother, Dawn Pleckan, filed a lawsuit in January 2023 against Moody, Bar Harbor Resort Inc., and Smith Family Partners LLC, alleging wrongful conduct that contributed to her daughter’s murder. The jury’s decision to award $700 million in damages—including $200 million in actual damages and $500 million in punitive damages—reflects the profound pain and suffering endured by Brittanee’s family. While no amount of money can bring Brittanee back or erase the trauma experienced by those who loved her, the verdict serves as a testament to the legal system’s acknowledgment of the irreparable harm caused.

Moody and Vause’s actions have left an indelible mark on Brittanee’s family and the wider community. In court, Moody expressed remorse, stating, “I’m at a loss for words. I mean, I just have so much regret. I’ve realized it doesn’t matter how sincere I am about how I feel about things I’ve done. It’s just not enough.” While his words may offer a glimmer of accountability, they cannot undo the damage he and Vause have inflicted. As U.S. Attorney Adair Ford Boroughs of the District of South Carolina so eloquently put it, “For more than a decade, Brittanee’s loved ones were left to imagine the worst possible scenario in Brittanee’s disappearance while Vause withheld the truth.” The prolonged uncertainty only deepened their suffering, making the resolution of this case a bittersweet victory.

In the end, this case is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring strength of a mother’s love. Dawn Pleckan’s relentless pursuit of justice for her daughter exemplifies the unwavering dedication of a parent determined to ensure that her child’s memory is honored. While Brittanee’s life was tragically cut short, her story serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking truth, justice, and accountability, even in the face of unimaginable tragedy. As the community mourns the loss of a young life full of promise, they also find solace in the knowledge that those responsible have been held accountable, and Brittanee can finally rest in peace.