20/20: Death in the Dorms Season 2 – Episode 5: Patrick Moffly

Release Date: January 21, 2025 | Host: ABC News

Introduction

In the fifth installment of Death in the Dorms, ABC News' renowned 20/20 team delves deep into the tragic story of Patrick Moffly, a College of Charleston student whose untimely death unveiled a concealed crime ring operating around the university. This episode meticulously traces Patrick's life, his descent into the drug trade, the circumstances leading to his murder, and the subsequent investigation that exposed a broader network of illicit activities.

Patrick Moffly’s Early Life and Personality

Patrick Moffly, born on November 27, 1992, just after Thanksgiving, was known affectionately as a "Thanksgiving baby" whose birthday always coincided with the holiday weekend. Growing up in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, Patrick was described by those who knew him as "the light that everybody kind of got attracted to" (01:22). His outgoing nature and likable demeanor made him a beloved figure among peers.

• Friend: "He was very outgoing and always trying to have new friends... a really likable guy." (03:02)
• Sibling: "Patrick made friends everywhere he went. He was like a light that everybody kind of got attracted to and immediately flocked to." (01:22)

Patrick's adventurous spirit was evident from a young age. He was the most daring among his siblings, always willing to try new things, earning him the nickname "Reckless Rick" during childhood (04:26). His enthusiasm extended to extreme sports in his teenage years, where he was considered one of the "cool kids" at school (03:59).

Transition to College and Involvement with Drugs

In January 2016, Patrick began his first semester at the College of Charleston, an institution known for its historical legacy and vibrant city life. Eager to escape the confines of farm life, Patrick chose to pursue higher education, majoring in business due to his proficiency with numbers (07:36).

Upon entering college, Patrick was introduced to a new group of friends who lived together in a shared house. The environment was energetic and party-centric, with frequent gatherings and an open-door policy that often led to chaotic and drug-fueled evenings (10:47).

The college's location in an urban setting exposed students to a plethora of substances, including ecstasy, acid, Molly, shrooms, cocaine, Xanax, Percocets, and Klonopin (11:21). Patrick quickly integrated into this scene, becoming deeply involved in the drug trade to the detriment of his academic performance and personal well-being.

• Friend: "He was falling behind in school and then he's missing classes." (12:38)
• Sibling: "He started buying a bunch of expensive things, I guess, trying to show off." (12:43)

Patrick's involvement escalated when he was arrested for cocaine trafficking during a football game in Columbia. Charged with selling eight ounces of cocaine, Patrick faced immense pressure and anxiety over the lost funds and the potential repercussions (12:23).

The Night of the Murder

On March 4, 2016, Patrick's life came to a tragic end. A roommate reported hearing a commotion and a gunshot around 4:00 AM. Upon investigation, Patrick was found deceased at the base of his home's stairs, suffering a single gunshot wound to the chest (20:00).

• Family Member: "Whenever you speak to your loved one, the last thing you should ever say is, 'I love you.' Because it might be the last time." (01:42)

Survivors described the harrowing scene, with Patrick barely conscious and attempting to communicate his love and apologies. Authorities discovered over 1,000 white pills stamped with GG249 around his body, indicating a violent struggle (21:22).

Investigation and Breakthroughs

The initial investigation struggled to identify suspects or motives. However, Patrick's dying words hinted at connections with individuals named Jordan Piante and someone referred to as "$T," leading police to explore these leads further (23:01).

A pivotal moment in the investigation was the identification of a red Jetta seen fleeing the scene, which was later linked to two individuals: Symitria Wilson and Charles Mungen III. Discrepancies in their alibis and the discovery of drug-related evidence in the vehicle intensified the case (40:50).

Parallel to the homicide investigation, authorities were already probing a drug operation led by Zachary Kligman, who managed a substantial supply chain of drugs like Xanax from China through various U.S. cities to South Carolina (30:20). The convergence of these investigations pointed towards a larger crime network intertwined with Patrick's demise.

• Police Officer: "He was, he said, a name like Jordan or something like that." (24:06)

Arrests and Trial

In March 2016, Charles Mungen III was arrested and charged with Patrick's murder and armed robbery. Legal proceedings revealed that the conflict arose during a drug deal gone wrong, where an altercation escalated into violence, resulting in Patrick being shot (46:52).

• Police Officer: "The story that the prosecution presented was a drug robbery gone wrong." (56:34)

Despite the conviction of Mungen, the investigation left some questions unanswered, notably the involvement of a potential fourth individual in the vehicle who remains unidentified to this day.

Throughout the trial, testimonials from family members, friends, and law enforcement painted a picture of Patrick as a vibrant individual whose entanglement in the drug scene ultimately led to his tragic end.

• Sibling: "After Patrick was screaming for help after being shot, it was just one of his roommate's friends... prioritizing the bags of drugs over a human life." (57:33)

Impact and Legacy

Patrick Moffly's death had a profound impact on his community and the College of Charleston. The incident exposed the prevalence of drug trafficking within the campus vicinity and prompted increased security measures and mandatory drug education programs.

• Friend: "We dedicated a dive site in Roatan in Honduras to Patrick. The dive site's called Patrick's Stash." (61:42)

Memorials and tributes poured in from all walks of life, reflecting Patrick's widespread influence and the void his absence created.

• Friend: "I miss my son a lot. Think about him every day." (62:24)
• Family Member: "That was the last thing I said to him was I love you." (01:42)

The case underscored the urgent need for addressing substance abuse and its ramifications within educational institutions, serving as a somber reminder of the thin line between ambition and destruction.

Conclusion

The Death in the Dorms episode on Patrick Moffly intricately weaves a narrative of a promising young man whose life was cut short by the dark underbelly of drug trafficking. Through interviews, firsthand accounts, and detailed investigative reporting, ABC News sheds light on the complexities of college life, the allure of substance abuse, and the devastating consequences that can follow. Patrick's legacy serves as both a memorial and a cautionary tale, urging communities to prioritize mental health and substance abuse prevention.

Selected Quotes

• Family Member (01:42): "Whenever you speak to your loved one, the last thing you should ever say is, 'I love you.' Because it might be the last time."

• Friend (03:02): "He was very outgoing and always trying to have new friends... a really likable guy."

• Police Officer (24:06): "He was, he said, a name like Jordan or something like that."

• Sibling (62:50): "I think it was a nice relief and all that, and it honestly just didn't feel good at all."

Timestamps Reference

• [00:00 - 00:27]: Introduction and advertisement skip.
• [01:42]: Emotional recount by a family member.
• [03:02] - [05:24]: Patrick’s early life and personality.
• [07:36] - [12:43]: Transition to college and early involvement with drugs.
• [20:00] - [26:07]: Night of the murder and immediate aftermath.
• [30:20] - [46:24]: Investigation breakthroughs and key evidence.
• [52:53] - [59:53]: Arrests, trial proceedings, and convictions.
• [61:12] - [62:59]: Impact on community and personal reflections.
• [63:53] - End: Outro and advertisement skip.

Note: Advertisements and non-content sections have been excluded from this summary to maintain focus on the core narrative.