Brittanee Drexel Update
Could a single spring break trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, shatter a life and cast a shadow that stretches for over a decade? For Brittanee Drexel, a vibrant young woman from the Rochester, New York, area, the answer is a tragic, resounding yes.
The story of Brittanee Drexel is a harrowing tale of a young life cut short, a community's unwavering search for justice, and the enduring pain of a family grappling with unimaginable loss. It's a story that began on April 25, 2009, when the then 17-year-old Drexel disappeared while on a spring break trip. Her last known location was Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach, a popular vacation destination. She was reportedly on her way to meet friends at another hotel, a seemingly innocent plan that would unravel into a nightmare of uncertainty and ultimately, devastating confirmation.
Brittanee's mother, Dawn Drexel, had been informed that her daughter would be spending a few days at a friend's house in Rochester, New York. However, instead of being at her friends house, Brittanee had made the trip to Myrtle Beach. In the years following her disappearance, the Drexel family, along with law enforcement, tirelessly pursued leads, clinging to hope, while the community rallied in support. For years, the case remained unsolved, a painful void in the lives of those who loved Brittanee.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Brittanee Marie Drexel |
| Date of Birth | October 7, 1991 |
| Place of Birth | Rochester, New York |
| Parents | Dawn (Mother), John Kahyaoglu (Biological Father), Chad Drexel (Adoptive Father) |
| Last Seen | April 25, 2009, Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina |
| Cause of Death | Homicide (Kidnapping, Murder, and Criminal Sexual Conduct) |
| Perpetrator | Raymond Moody (Convicted) |
| Year of Body Discovery | 2022 |
| Official Source | WBTW News |
The relentless pursuit of justice eventually led investigators to Raymond Moody, a registered sex offender who had been staying at a motel in Georgetown, South Carolina, around the time of Brittanee's disappearance. Moody had already served time prior to the crime. In 2011, Moody became a person of interest and this motel became the focal point of the investigation. The case took a significant turn 13 years after Brittanee vanished. Moody pleaded guilty to kidnapping, murder, and criminal sexual conduct, finally bringing a semblance of closure to the long-standing mystery.
Moody's girlfriend, Angel Vause, also became entangled in the legal proceedings. In September 2024, Vause pleaded guilty to federal charges of lying to the FBI regarding her involvement in the crime, adding another layer of complexity to the case. The legal battles, however, weren't limited to criminal charges. In 2023, Dawn Conley, Brittanee's mother, filed a civil lawsuit against Moody for intentional infliction of emotional distress, a testament to the enduring pain the family suffered. The Drexel family was awarded $200 million in actual damages by a Georgetown County jury.
The pursuit of justice has extended beyond just criminal charges, as demonstrated by Dawn Conley's actions, seeking to seize Moody's assets to provide some measure of financial relief. The court is also in the process of deciding on the matter. The sentencing of Angel Vause was scheduled for February 13th, offering another moment of reckoning in the case. The transcripts of a recorded interview with Raymond Moody are also being released by prosecutors, further shedding light on the events surrounding Brittanee's disappearance.
The discovery of Brittanee's body in May 2022, in Georgetown County, brought a tragic end to the search. Among the remains were a nose ring, a contact lens, and long hair, providing definitive proof of what had been suspected for so long. The discovery occurred not far from where she was last seen, bringing a sense of closure mixed with profound sorrow. The case has impacted more than just the immediate family; it has touched the hearts of many. Morbid fans are known to have harassed Brittanee's friends, calling them names, eventually causing them to delete their social media. The case continues to serve as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating impact of violence.
The echoes of Brittanee's story resonate with a powerful, urgent message. Chad Drexel, her adoptive father, encapsulated the raw emotion of the situation, calling Moody a "perverted, sick monster," while her mother, Dawn Drexel, implored the judge to sentence Moody to the fullest extent of the law. These statements underscore the deep-seated pain and the unwavering desire for justice that continues to fuel the family's fight.
