RSSHave You Heard about the Bizarre Murder of Devon Epps, Most People Haven’t … It’s About Time People Have
Has anyone heard of 7 year old Devon Chad Epps from Greenville County, SC and the 
bizarre manner in how he was murdered? Most have not as the main stream media for some reason has managed to keep it off the TV screen in lieu of “pop tart” reports. Sometimes when one reads a story it just does not seem right, nor pass the smell test, nor even seem believable. The murder of Devon Epps is just one of those stories. 7 year old Devon Epps was supposedly murdered according to his mother by a knife wielding car jacker. The car jacker then allegedly smothered Devon Epps in the back seat of her car. Devon Epps was murdered and the child died from asphyxia due to neck compression — strangulation.
The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office got a call at about 11 p.m. Sunday from a woman who said she had been stopped at the intersection of Jacobs Road and the Interstate 85 Frontage Road.The woman told investigators that the man approached her car at the stop sign around 10:30 p.m.
(Scene of the crime: Hat Tip NikkiBNurse)
She told investigators that the man had a knife or knife-like weapon when he got into the passenger door of her two-door car. Investigators said the woman told them the man forced the woman’s son into the back seat of the car and ordered the woman to drive around. (WYFF4)
Slide show of events
Some on the internet, Rapid Eye Reality, have been following this case for quite some time. His skepticism of the story that was told, in many ways parallels that vast majority of people that have read and followed the case of the murder of Devon Epps as well. Crimeblogs has also done tremendous work on the analysis of this murder.
The case of the murder of Devon Epps has been discussed at great lengths on the Greenville on-line forums. The local accounts and inside information are very well apparent by those close to where this crime took place.
The events of Devon Epps, if one is to believe them as described by Devon’s mother Amanda Reagan Smith as to what she told investigators:
- Amanda and Devon Epps were stopped at Jacobs Road and Interstate 85 that Sunday night when a scruffy-looking white man carrying a knife ordered the mother from her car.
- Investigators said the woman told them the man forced the woman’s son into the back seat of the car and ordered the woman to drive around.
- Amanda was able to get out of the car but when she did, the suspect locked the doors and that’s when he got into the back of the car
- The man locked himself in the car with Devon. Then he smothered the boy, holding a pillow over the child’s face.
- Devon Epps was taken to a hospital, where he was declared deceased. Amanda Reagan Smith was injured as well. She was treated and released from the hospital that night.
- The woman had non-life threatening injuries, deputies said.
Does this sound believable or like the many similar cases where a family members entire family is murdered yet they survive virtually unscathed? The story certainly sounds suspect.
UPDATE I: What makes this case even more bizarre is maybe the fire that occurred at the home of Devon Epps three months earlier that nearly killed him. According to investigators, they never determined whether it was accidental or arson.
Family members tell us back in May the fire started in Devon’s room, destroying everything. “He lost all of his clothes, all of his toys,” says Diane. Diane says the little boy told her an amazing story of how he survived. “He was trying to grab the door and it was so hot,” she says. “He grabbed at something to open the door and he finally got out and he went in there to wake his momma up.” She says it was a miracle he lived to tell the story, only to have his little life extinguished three months later.
To make matters even more strange, take a good look at Amanda Reagan Smith’s MySpace account. Well it will have to be the cached one since it looks like she has deleted the old one. No wonder after taking a look at it.
Video of Devon’s father praying that they find his son’s killer.
UPDATE II: Investigators confident boy’s slaying will be solved. But authorities not saying how close they may be to an arrest
Investigators looking into the murder of 7 year old Devon Epps have stated that they are confident that the case will be solved. With all the information that has been provided to police, there are so many tests that can be done and putting the pieces together to see whether a story actually holds water.
Nearly a month has passed since 7-year-old Devon Epps was killed and numerous leads have been followed, but authorities can’t say whether they are any closer to making an arrest than they were when the investigation began.
Still, Greenville County Sheriff Steve Loftis said Friday he’s confident that the case will be solved.
“I don’t want to speculate on how close we are,” Loftis said. “It’s difficult to put an exact time frame on it, because we just have to follow the leads, follow the tips and see where the investigation goes.” But, Loftis said, “I feel confident we’ll make an arrest.”
UPDATE III: Mother Of Murdered 7-year-old Involved In Car Accident
Cars certainly seem to be an issue with Amanda Reagan Smith. First her son according to her accounts was murdered by a car-jacker in the back seat of her vehicle at Jacobs Road and Interstate 85. Now Amanda Smith has a car accident, rear ending another vehicle. Is the pressure starting to set in?
Authorities tell us Amanda Reagan Smith ran her 2007 Kia into the back of a van on Highway 176 in Spartanburg. Highway patrol officials say Smith rear-ended the van as it slowed down for a traffic light.
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38 Responses to “Have You Heard about the Bizarre Murder of Devon Epps, Most People Haven’t … It’s About Time People Have”
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Thank you so much for bringing this story to the forefront. Devon deserves that much in this crazy mess.
I’m following this story at the Greenville site. I’ve been there pretty much since the beginning and there are a bunch of compassionate, caring people there that want justice for Devon.
I truly believe the mother did this or was a part of it with an accomplice. I don’t know how she sleeps at night or lives her life on a daily basis, knowing what she’s done.
The wheels of justice turn so slowly but let’s all hope in the end Devon will have the last word.
Sandi aka Mainer
Adding to the strangeness of the story, his Mom was involved and charged in a major car accident last week. Things that make you go hmmmmmmmm.
Red, once again you have outdone yourself.Thank you for portraying this in its natural light.
We, here in Greenville, have our opinions.We know in our hearts who is to blame, and she will get what is coming to her…Just as the Van der Sloots will .
I thank you much for making this a priority..for giving it front page coverage as only SM can, and for all that you do daily.
I would love to invite you and all Monkeys to come join us on the forum at greenvilleonline.com.
No one can solve a case like a Monkey, and we would love to have all of the opinions and insight!!
I hope to see Devon’s killer apprehended soon….and I hope to see her with belly chains
Nikki
Thank you so very much for telling Devons story here on Scared Monkeys. Everyday here in Greenville SC we wake up and go to bed with the hope of hearing an arrest has been made in this case and that this killer will not walk another day free.
Justice for Devon is just a day away….someday away.
THanks again from the bottom of a moms heart.
hunter100
I think her accident at 6 AM is curious as well. (psssst..I still CANNOT believe she has not been arrested yet..and yes, I know, this is not an episode of CSI)
Thanks for writing for Devon Epps! No, I didn’t know him but my heart broke when I heard what this person did to her son. I want to see his justice. Keep his name out there!!
Thank you so much for writing about Devon! I’m another one from the Greenville forum, and have been following this case since from day 1. As soon as I heard the first reports I knew something was wrong w/her story.I can’t believe this story is recieving so little attention. This little boy deserves justice!
I had never heard this story before.. very tragic indeed. My condolences to this community. The mother sounds like she has more than a few screws loose. My prayers for Devon and hopefully “justice” soon.
Thank you for the article on the Epps case, Nikki has talked about Monkeys from day one of this bizarre case. Thanks
My question now is not did she do it? But rather WHERE did she do it?
When reading the story the very first time it never made sense. Then the Coroner’s report as to cause of death made it clear she did mess up her ‘story.’ Her story doesn’t fit.
And if the fact that the child was found at the back of the car when EMS arrived…and the Mother was at the front of the car talking on her cell phone is true. Then no way was that child’s body not riding in the trunk from the place of the murder.
Where did the murder happen and when? Hopefully that info is close to breaking. Did she have help? I think an accomplice is possible, likely even. And if two people know then it is not a secret for long..
Good work Scared Monkeys.
To the SC Greenville on-line commenter’s …
Your Welcome. If there is any info that you hear of or things that are not reported in the media, please let us know.
This case is tragic and really does not pass the smell test at all. We will keep on it and look for future interviews on our satellite radio regarding this case.
R
AWESOME! Excellant job.
I don’t understand what she was doing in Inman when she rear-ended the van. That is about 45 minutes from Greenville.
It’s great to have coverage outside the Greenville area on this case. The way it stands now, we have a killer running around Greenville (and Spartanburg too), and no visible effort to locate that killer yet no arrest made either. There is no warning to the public that a killer is on the loose – we have quite the opposite in that the schools in that area were assured that there was no danger.
It’s the darndest thing I’ve seen in a long while. My personal feeling – along with most of Greenville – is that the mother did it. I just wonder if it was premeditated or the result of a fatal moment of anger followed by a ridiculous cover-up.
Why does this remind me of the susan smith case?
I knew Devon thru my grandbabies and have attended one of the vigils.They updated on greenvilleonline and said she was standing at front of car waiting on CPR instructions…she was a nursing student, you must be Cpr certified in SC to take nursing classes. Devon’s family is suffering.Every week this fades in the media then they print ssomething just to get the public off their backs. Please lets not forget a darling 7 year old whom was taken from us. thanks for acknowledging Devon!!!!
this ihttp://www.greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070910/NEWS01/709100308s yesterday’s update…
[...] A special guest discusses the recent murder of Devon Epps [...]
I am very thankful to you for keeping Devon’s story in the limelight ….
Soon very soon I pray this will end
this sounds a lot like that diane downs case.
where a man supposedly came up to her car and shot her kids. leaving her with a superficial wound.
she was arrested today so justice for devon can begin today. wtg GCSO
SHE as in Amanda R Smith.. his mother.. yes his mother who never gave an interview. who never showed a sign of sadness, was arrested today. Thank God
________________________
SM: FINALLY! Thanks for letting us know! Maybe now Devon can get some justice, may he rest in peace (klaasend)
[...] say we are too surprised to hear this news, only glad that it has finally occurred. Since first reporting on the death of Devon Epps and the rather bizarre tale told by Amanda Smith, it was rather obvious that her story did not pass [...]
I was friends with Devons aunt Mandy and I met Amanda and her son, Devon a few years back and his mother always seemed like a nice person…i just dont know why or how she could ever do that…she loved her lil boy when i met her a while back!
This sounds an aweful lot like the Diane Downs Story. She too claimed she was flagged down by a stranger. And when she refused to give up the keys the bushy-haired stranger shot her three young children.
Anyone every think about why it took so long to arrest Amanda Smith and why. The investigator in this case must be a dumb ass, any forensics to prove her guilty. There are some sicko’s out there that would do this and ex boyfriends who may need additional investigation. To set the record straight
the man was black and Amanda dated several black guys who kn could one have felt her child was in his way.
This poor little boy, why isn’t every child who is murder given the public attention they deserve, why is not the people who are responsible for these crimes not shamed more? I am founder of Justice For Children, which are petitioning for the implementation of Jared’s Law – a law to make a mandatory sentencing of the maximum penalty available for all child killers, and mandatory sentencing of life for all child abusers. We can’t keep releasing these evil vile excuses for humans back into society! How many more children have to die before something is done? http://www.justiceforchildren.net has an online petition for Jared’s Law, it also have hundreds of children like Devon who have not been given the attention they deserve.
See, what gets me with all of this is even though she is arrested she has not been convicted and I dont feel that us the tax payers should be paying to feed her every day and everything else she gets. why not go head and convict her so those of us who were actually close to her and the family can get closer. Is that too much to ask GCSD? ITS BEEN OVER A YEAR SINCE HER ARREST. GO AHEAD AND PUT HER TO DEATH!
This woman is disgusting garbage and does not have any right to live.
this is an interesting, awful case but i would not go so far as to call it bizarre
I just recently spent 60 days in Greenville County detention center with Amanda Smith. She told me a completely different story than what she originally told police. This made me very uncomfortable. She is loved by all the guards and inmates there which is disturbing. Her temper was very volatile while I was there. One minute she was calm the next minute shed flip the script. I know she did it and deserves to be put to death.
Christian – I do not believe that you should be posting things about someone that you do not know on here. You may have been told something while you were in JAIL, but I can assure you that you do not everything that was told to the police, I also doubt very seriously that you are telling the complete truth and are more than likely trying to bring attention to yourself.
I also, know Amanda personally and regardless of her innocent or guilt, she deserves a FAIR trial. No one was there that night and no one really knows what went on. It is all based on what someone thinks may have happened. Of course her temper is volatile in there she has been there for over 2 years, anyone who has ever spent any time in jail, knows that after awhile no matter how strong you are, it is going to get to you. And when you are surrounded by idiots and people who dont have the common courtesy to mind there own business, of course you are going to be a little volatile.
She is respected by other inmates and the guards because she minds her own business, will help anyone that needs it, and gives respect back. I am not sure what is disturbing about that, but maybe you live in a nother world than I do where respect and common courtesy are not common place.
What a waste she got 8 years, 5 for involuntary manslaughter and 3 for obstructing justice.
[...] November 2007 Devon Epps was murdered. His mother Amanda Raegan Smith claimed that a knife weilding carjacker got into the car and smothered her son. Of course the story sounded like complete BS at the time as [...]
Again I’m writing I lived beside Amanda and devon while she was pregnant and remained friends with her the entire 7 years of his life. Amanda was a really great person but her life changed dramatically when he was 5. If you didn’t know her you wouldn’t know that. I partied with her and another unmentioned best friend. We were together all the time. She often talked about how Devon was interfering in her life. He was dropped off to me to babysit alot so she could go party. And admittedly we all used to go party together. The severe different range of MATES she had always caused problems because it was stated “he doesn’t want a white kid”. There was a time drugs were being used also. I had lost contact with Amanda about one year before Devon was killed. I can say this Devon was ALL BOY wide open and very very smart and strong. At the funeral Amanda showed no remorse and joked about the good times we had. Amanda you never had me fooled when I saw the scratches on your right forearm I knew they were from Devon, he was left handed. And they were fresh. The fire at your house I helped her move into and his room on the opposite side of the house. Why would you place a towel over a lamp that was on and you and your girlfriend be in bed while the fire brokeout. Why was the car packed with most of your clothes, and remember I was there a few days prior no food in the fridge just alcohol. It is very disheartening to know she will be out soon to live her life and Devons is over. My heart goes out to Patty, Tommy, and Chad (be strong)!!!! Amanda knows what she did and I hope the guilt finally gets to her. If not ETERNITY is FOREVER!!!!
I know that I am a little late to be posting but it is ok!! For one Devon is the BEST cousin that I have ever had. 2nd thing is MELISSA you have no right to say something to somebody else about this if you was not in the JAIL cell with Amanda. I have know amanda for 15 years, and knowing her that good she would do something like this, she is a B***H!! and I can not stand her…. for doing what she did to my cousin.. and that is all I got to say… and Christian, you say what you want to say because I believe you… cause I know Amanda.. and she’s probably doing something with the guards.. it aint NOOOOo telling.. I LOVE YOU DEVON CHAD EPPS!! ALWAYS REMEMBER YOUR COUSIN DANIELLE! <3
I READ THIS STORY, AND THERE ISN’T ANY WHERE WHERE IT SAY’S HOW SHE GOT THE MAN OUT OF THE CAR AFTER HE KILLED DEVON. IT SAID, SHE GOT OUT, THE MAN LOCKED THE DOOR’S AND THEN KILLED THE KID. WHY? HOW DID SHE GET THE CAR BACK? WHAT DID THE MAN DO, KILL THE KID, THEN GET OUT AND RUN OF? THAT DOS’NT MAKE ANY SENCE. WHAT DID THE MAN REALLY WANT/ IF HE WANTED A RIDE, THEN AFTER HE GOT THE WOMEN OUT AND HE KILLED THE KID, WHY DIDN’T HE TAKE THE CAR? I THINK SHE DID IT. I BET I WON’T GET ANY ONE TO ANSWER ME.
MELISSA, WHY ARE YOU TELLING CHRISTINA SHE HAS NO RIGHT TO BE SAYING ANYTHING ON HERE? SHE HAS JUST AS MUCH RIGHT AS YOU DO. IF SHE DID SPEND ANY TIME IN JAIL WITH THAT BABY KILLER, THEN ATTENTION OR NOT, I THINK SHE SHOULD GO TO THE POLICE AND TELL THEM EVERYTHING SHE WAS TOLD. THEN, LET THE COP’S THAT CARE OF IT. WHO KNOW’S, SHE MAY HAVE BEEN TOLD SOMETHING THAT COULD CLOSE THIS CASE. I TO BELIEVE SHE KILLED HER OWN SON. EVEN IF SHE NEVER GET OFF ON IT, SHE WON’T GET AWAY WITH IT WHEN SHE DIE’S. GOD KNOW’S WHAT HAPPEN AND WHO DID IT, AND SHE WILL NOT GO PASS HIS HEAVENLY GATES. HER SON IS THERE, SITTING ON GOD’S LAP. BASKING IN HIS LIGHT OF LOVE, SHE WILL NEVER KNOW WHAT THAT WILL FEEL LIKE.
Amanda I know that you read all of this.And I Hope and Pray That Im still here ,When the day you really pay for What you Done to Our Little Devon.I Hope your life is a Living Hell..I Just wish i could understand How and why? I know i never will. Things are not The Same and They never will Be. But You Will Get Your Punishment By The Real Man above.R.I.P. My Little Angel Devon. i Miss you and i Love you soo Much. You Are Always on My Mind…