South Carolina man sentenced to life in prison for killing stepmother, kidnapping stepsister

DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — A Darlington man has been sentenced to life in prison for the death of his stepmother in 2021 , the Fourth Circuit Solicitor’s Office said on Thursday.

Steven Samuel was found guilty of murder in the May 17, 2021 killing of his stepmother. He was also convicted of the kidnapping of his stepsister.

Samuel killed his stepmother in her home, then when his stepsister came home, he attacked her and prevented her from escaping the solicitor’s office said. Judge Paul Burch sentenced Samuel to life without parole for the murder and two consecutive sentences of 30 years for the kidnapping.

Assistant Solicitor Monty Bell referenced the difficulty of the trial because of Samuel’s actions, as he was cited for contempt of court twice during the four-day trial.

“In my 17 years practicing law, this has been one of the most painful trials of my career, and I know it has been for you, the jury, as well,” Bell said. “However, the pain we’ve suffered does not compare to the pain the victims suffered.”

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