A few days following the murder of Lauren Giddings, Stephen McDaniel appeared on local news, masquerading as a concerned neighbor. However, his facade quickly disintegrated when he was informed by a reporter that her body had just been discovered.

In the early hours of June 26, 2011, Stephen McDaniel unlawfully entered the apartment of his neighbor and fellow Mercer University law school graduate, Lauren Giddings, where he proceeded to murder her and subsequently dismember her remains.

On June 29, Giddings’ family and friends reported her as missing. Upon learning of her disappearance, local news outlets in Macon, Georgia dispatched a camera crew to her apartment complex. On June 30, reporters from WGXA conducted an interview with McDaniel.

During this interview, McDaniel presented himself as a concerned neighbor, describing Giddings as nice as can be and very personable. However, his demeanor shifted dramatically when he learned from the reporter that a body had been found. His initial concern transformed into sheer panic as he exclaimed, “Body?” and appeared visibly distressed, stating, I think I need to sit down.