Brittanee Drexel: What Happened in Her Disappearance and Murder
Brittanee Drexel, sometimes searched as Brittany Drexel, was a 17 year old from the Rochester, New York area who disappeared during a spring break trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on April 25, 2009. For more than 13 years, her family did not know what happened to her.
In 2022, Raymond Moody confessed to kidnapping and killing Brittanee. He led investigators to her remains in Georgetown County, South Carolina, then pleaded guilty to murder, kidnapping, and first degree criminal sexual conduct. He received a life sentence for murder, plus consecutive 30 year sentences for kidnapping and rape.
In a major later development, Moody's longtime girlfriend, Angel Cooper Vause, was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison in February 2025. The U.S. Department of Justice said Vause had lied to investigators for years about her role in Brittanee's abduction and murder.
This episode covers Brittanee Drexel's disappearance from Myrtle Beach, the long investigation, Raymond Moody's confession, the recovery of her remains, and the justice that followed.
What Happened to Brittanee Drexel?
Brittanee Drexel disappeared on April 25, 2009, while visiting Myrtle Beach for spring break. She left the Blue Water Resort that night and was walking back toward the Bar Harbor Hotel when she vanished. Investigators later used her phone data and surveillance footage to determine that she was taken in a vehicle.
Raymond Moody confessed in May 2022 to kidnapping and killing Brittanee, and he led authorities to where her remains were buried in Georgetown County. In October 2022, he pleaded guilty and received a life sentence.
Who Killed Brittanee Drexel?
Raymond Moody confessed to killing Brittanee Drexel and pleaded guilty to murder, kidnapping, and first degree criminal sexual conduct. He is serving life in prison.
What Was Angel Cooper Vause's Role?
Angel Cooper Vause was Raymond Moody's longtime girlfriend. In February 2025, she was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to lying to the FBI during the Brittanee Drexel investigation. According to the Department of Justice, Vause assisted Moody in luring Brittanee into their vehicle, concealed the truth for more than 13 years, and was complicit in the crimes against her.
Where Was Brittanee Drexel Found?
Brittanee Drexel's remains were found in May 2022 in a wooded area in Georgetown County, South Carolina, after Raymond Moody confessed and directed investigators to the location.
Is It Brittanee Drexel or Brittany Drexel?
The correct spelling is Brittanee Drexel. Some people search for Brittany Drexel, but Brittanee is the spelling used by her family, law enforcement, and court reporting.
