Unsolved 1994 Bluffton murder of former Marine has deputies seeking public help

A 22-year-old cold case still has deputies asking questions as they seek the public’s help to find the killer of a former Marine.

David Speigel, 38, was found shot to death behind the counter of the Buckingham Pantry store in Bluffton around 2 a.m. on Aug. 3, 1994, according to a Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office news release.

Though persons of interest were identified during the investigation, no physical evidence linked them to the murder and a security monitor behind the counter was never activated and did not capture the murder on video, the release said.

However, the investigation did reveal Speigel had cashed personal checks for local illegal narcotics users at the store for a period of time.

Investigators believe robbery is a likely motive for Speigel’s death, but nothing was taken from the scene, the release said. Other possible motives include gang initiations and personal vendettas that were not confirmed or eliminated as possibilities, the release said.

Anyone with information can contact Capt. Bob Bromage at 843-255-3402 or email him at robertb@bcgov.net.

Anonymous tips can also be given to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-888-CrimeSC.

This story was originally published August 3, 2016 at 2:24 PM with the headline "Unsolved 1994 Bluffton murder of former Marine has deputies seeking public help."