Brittanee was 17 years old when she left home in Rochester, New York to be with friends in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Her mother told her not to go, but Brittanee wanted to go and be with her friends. On April 25, 2009 she was last seen on Ocean Boulevard in Myrtle Beach headed to meet with friends, from her hotel (the Blue Water Hotel) to another hotel where her friends were. She never made it there.
Her remains were found May 4, 2022 in Georgetown County, approximately 35 miles south of where she was last seen. Suspect Raymond Douglas Moody, a sex offender, of Georgetown was charged in her disappearance and murder. Law enforcement believe that Moody kidnapped, raped and strangled her the same day she was last seen, then buried her in the woods nearby.
Moody was named a person of interest in 2011 during the investigation. At the time of she disappearance, he lived in a motel about three miles from where her remains were found thirteen years after she was abducted.
Another victim of Moody's, Kerri Harding was abducted in 1983 from a playground in Vallejo, California when she was just 8 years old. He abducted and assaulted Kerri in his vehicle for several hours before she was able to make her escape. Thanks to her heroism and recollection, the information she shared with law enforcement had him arrested and charged. He was convicted of kidnapping and raping seven young girls under the age of 14 and was sentenced to 42 years in prison, which he only served half of that, being released in 2004. Had he been required to serve 100% of his sentence, Brittanee Drexel would never had met her fate with Moody.
Brittanee's mother, Dawn Drexel, never gave up. She did everything she could to tell Brittanee's story and search for her. Law Enforcement never gave up or stopped their investigation. Dawn and their loved ones were able to bring her home after 13 excruciating years, and celebrated her life in both New York and South Carolina. Our hearts go out to Dawn and all those who knew and loved Brittanee.
Obituary
Brittanee Marie Drexel, 17, was called to be with the Lord tragically on April 25, 2009 while visiting Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. She was born on October 7, 1991, and raised in Rochester, New York where she attended Gates Chili High School.
Brittanee was a bright and spirited young woman with a heart of gold. She had aspirations of modeling, becoming an OB nurse, getting married, and raising a family of her own. In her free time, Brittanee loved spending time with her family, making memories with her friends and playing soccer. Carefree and energetic, Brittanee enjoyed shopping, going out with friends and exploring new places. Brittanee has been and will continue to be deeply missed by everyone who knew her. Her bright smile and infectious laughter will live on in the memories of all who had the honor of knowing her.
Left to cherish Brittanee’s memory are her mother, Dawn Drexel (David Conley) of Florida, (biological) father John (Regina) Kahyaoglu, father, Chad (Kristy) Drexel of Rochester, NY; brother, Camdyn Drexel; sister, Myrissa Drexel and her daughter, Myla; brother, John John and sister Selin Kahyaoglu; maternal grandparents, Carol & Alan Wagner of Wildwood, FL; paternal grandparents, Linda & Richard Wolpert of Rochester, NY; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Brittanee is reunited in passing with her grandparents, Namik and Ayten Kahyaoglu; great-grandparents; her Uncle Mark, and Uncle Brian.
A Celebration of Brittanee’s life will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 10:00am at The Fathers House, 715 Paul Rd. Rochester, NY 14624 and is open to the public. The family will greet friends at the church, from 9:00am, until the time of service.
Burroughs Funeral Home & Cremation Services (843.651.1440) of Murrells Inlet is honored to assist the Drexel family.
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Rest in Peace Brittanee