A Georgetown County jury has ordered Raymond Moody, the man who murdered Brittanee Drexel, to pay at least $200 million to her mother, Dawn Conley.
Conley filed a civil lawsuit against Moody for causing emotional distress. The trial started on February 24, and both Conley and Moody appeared in court.
The Civil Lawsuit and Verdict
Conley sued Moody in January 2023, aiming to hold him accountable for the pain he caused. The jury decided on Tuesday that Moody must pay $200 million in actual damages.
After the initial decision, the judge asked the jury to discuss possible punitive damages. During the trial, Moody represented himself and made only one statement: “I’m completely guilty as charged, and I have no defense for my behavior.”
Seeking Justice for Brittanee
Conley explained that her main reason for suing Moody was to make him accountable in every possible way.
She wanted to set an example that people who commit such terrible crimes should lose everything because they took away what was most precious to her. Her lawyer, Roy Willey, emphasized this point during his opening statements.
The Tragic Story of Brittanee Drexel
Brittanee Drexel, a 17-year-old girl from Chili, New York, went to Myrtle Beach with friends during spring break without her mother’s permission.
On April 25, 2009, she left the Blue Water Resort around 9 p.m. and met Moody and his girlfriend, Angel Vause, who were in a vehicle. Moody kidnapped Drexel, took her to Georgetown County, and then raped and murdered her.
Moody admitted that he initially planned to get Drexel to use marijuana and have consensual sex with him. When she refused, he raped and strangled her. After killing her, he wrapped her body in a blanket and buried it in a wooded area.
Role of Angel Vause
During the incident, Vause took Drexel’s phone and left the campsite. She lied to the FBI about her involvement, claiming she went to her house to get her keys while Moody was attacking Drexel.
In reality, she was driving somewhere else for a different reason. Vause also told the FBI that Drexel willingly got into Moody’s car and used marijuana.
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The Long Road to Justice
Brittanee Drexel’s case remained unsolved for over a decade. It wasn’t until 2022 that Moody confessed to his crimes.
He is now serving a life sentence plus 60 years for murder, criminal sexual conduct, and kidnapping. Conley’s lawsuit aimed to ensure Moody faced consequences not just criminally but also financially.
A Mother’s Fight for Justice
Conley’s victory is not just about the money. It’s about holding Moody responsible for the pain and loss he caused.
She wanted to send a message that people who commit such horrific acts should face every possible consequence. As she stated in court, “It’s about the principle.”
This case serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of justice and accountability, especially for victims and their families.
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