CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — Angel Cooper Vause, 57, the girlfriend of Raymond Moody, who was convicted for the 2009 murder of Brittanee Drexel, has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for her role in the case. The sentencing took place in U.S. District Court before Judge Richard Gergel.
Vause pleaded guilty to three counts of making false statements to federal investigators after Drexel’s disappearance. These lies were told in a statement she made following Moody’s arrest, where she misrepresented important details, including her whereabouts at the time of the crime and Drexel’s involvement.
Drexel, a 17-year-old from New York, disappeared on April 25, 2009, while on vacation in Myrtle Beach. It wasn’t until 13 years later that Moody confessed to kidnapping, raping, and murdering Drexel at a campsite in Georgetown County.
During the court hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Winston Holliday expressed his satisfaction with the sentence, attributing the resolution of the case to the perseverance of both the Drexel family and the FBI. He stated that the FBI’s dedication was instrumental in bringing Moody to justice.
Vause spoke to the court before the sentencing, asserting that she is not a “monster” but had been a victim of drugs and alcohol. She also expressed sorrow and directly apologized to the Drexel family for their loss.
Judge Gergel emphasized Vause’s pivotal role in the tragedy, explaining that her actions facilitated the crime. He pointed out that Drexel might have never entered the car with the couple if Vause had not lured her in. Vause also participated in the kidnapping, isolated Drexel, and took away her phone, preventing her from escaping.
The sentencing was significant as Vause will be 75 years old when she is released from prison. Judge Gergel remarked that she had a substantial amount of time to reflect on her actions.
This sentence marks an important chapter in the long-awaited case of Brittanee Drexel, providing a measure of justice for her family and highlighting the crucial role played by law enforcement throughout the investigation.
