Reflecting on Brittanee Drexel's disappearance, death 15 years on
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WPDE) — Thursday marks 15 years since Britanee Drexel disappeared in Myrtle Beach, sparking a 13-year search for her remains and seeking justice for her murder.
The then 17-year-old was last seen on April 25, 2009, on security footage leaving the Bar Harbor on Ocean Boulevard.
Drexel was staying at the hotel as an unaccompanied minor when she disappeared. In a press conference last November, Brittanee's mom, Dawn Drexel, announced her estate was suing the hotel because they believe she would not have been kidnapped and murdered if proper protocol was followed. They claim hotel employees should have stepped in when Drexel checked in.
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Raymond Moody was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for Drexel's death in October 2022. Her remains were found and later identified in a wooded area 2.5 miles from where Moody had been living when Drexel disappeared.
Last month, the longtime girlfriend of Moody, Angel Cooper Vause, was arrested on federal charges related to Drexel's kidnapping and murder. A federal grand jury returned indictments against 56-year-old Vause on three counts of lying to the FBI.
Previous ABC15 Coverage:
- Audio of Moody's murder confession released; recalls what he did after killing Drexel
- Raymond Moody denies discovery request in Brittanee Drexel lawsuit
- Brittanee Drexel's mother sues daughter's killer, Raymond Moody
- 'I was a monster': Brittanee Drexel's killer speaks in court after guilty plea
- 'I'm still fighting, Brit:' New memorial set for Brittanee Drexel in Market Common
- Unraveling the truth of the Brittanee Drexel murder