Unsolved murder ‘haunts’ Hardeeville police chief. New evidence reignites search for killer
More than a year after a mysterious fatal shooting near downtown Hardeeville, justice remains top of mind for Chief of Police Sam Woodward.
“This one particular homicide is one that’s been haunting me,” Woodward said. “I really want to get it solved for the family.”
The unsolved 2023 murder case is receiving renewed attention after Hardeeville police uncovered “critical evidence” related to the deadly shooting at a small apartment complex.
Ridgeland man Perry Teevon Smith, 33, was shot to death the morning Nov. 14, 2023, at the Mercy Circle Apartments, located off U.S. 17 near Hardeeville’s post office.
Police said he was visiting a friend at the complex around 1:30 a.m. when he was struck by gunfire at least once. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Known by many as “Pelow,” Smith was born in Beaufort County and attended Ridgeland High School, later enrolling at the Technical College of the Lowcountry to become a electrician. He worked at the May Electric company on Hilton Head Island for over 15 years before starting an electrician business of his own, according to his obituary.
Woodward would not disclose the nature of the newly discovered evidence. The shooting had no direct witnesses, he said, but officers were pursuing leads related to “several” persons of interest.
The case has been open since 2023 and was never inactive, Woodward said. In a Facebook post Tuesday evening, the department said the investigation remained a “top priority.”
Anyone with information on the case is encouraged to contact the Hardeeville Police Department at 843-784-2233 or submit an anonymous tip via the agency’s website.
This story was originally published March 12, 2025 at 3:30 PM.
