What Does SLED Stand For on Netflix's "Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal"?
If you're one of the many people who's watched Netflix's new true crime docuseries, Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal, in the last few days — or you're watching the double homicide trial of Alex Murdaugh play out in real time — you've probably heard the acronym "SLED" mentioned a lot. What does it mean?
SLED stands for South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, and, according to the unit's website, is an accredited law enforcement agency. The mission statement reads: "The primary mission of the State Law Enforcement Division is to provide quality manpower and technical assistance to law enforcement agencies and to conduct investigations on behalf of the state as directed by the Governor and Attorney General."
The headquarters is located in Columbia, South Carolina (aka the state's capital) and is a little under an hour's drive from 4147 Moselle Road, Islandton, South Carolina, where the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh took place.
Mark Keel is the current chief of SLED, and has held that position since 2011 — the same year the Murdaughs' 5,275 square-foot house was custom-built on Moselle Road.
SLED was originally formed in 1935 to "enforce the state liquor law, assist any law enforcement officer in the detection of crime, along with the enforcement of the state’s criminal laws."
According to AS USA, the organization is responsible for many different areas of law and order, "including criminal investigations, forensic analysis, crime scene investigations, and providing support services to other law enforcement agencies in the state. The agency is also responsible for enforcing state laws related to firearms, explosives, and illegal drugs."
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