The disgraced South Carolina legal scion is charged with murdering his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, near dog kennels on their family hunting estate called Moselle June 7, 2021, in what prosecutors allege was an effort to distract from the 99 financial crimes totaling an estimated $9 million Murdaugh, 54, is accused of. According to Deadline, HBO Max and Campfire Studios are teaming up to create the docu-series Murdaugh Family Mysteries.. For over three months, Islandton, SC, Police have been trying to solve the mystery surrounding the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. . Paul Murdaugh is pictured on the left in the above photo. . After the defense put two witnesses on the stand to dispute her findings, Riemer stood her ground and stuck by her report. Stephen was not stupid, Stephens friend told FITSNews. At one point Kinsey called the opinions of Murdaughs witnesses preposterous.. According to the outlet, Alex Murdaugh said he wasnt home at the time of the shootings. Three generations of Murdaughs served as the S.C. fourteenth judicial circuit solicitor from 1920 through 2006 and the family exerted additional influence via the powerful law firm of Peters, Murdaugh, Parker, Eltzroth and Detrick(PMPED). He wasdisbarred last yearfor what the state Supreme Court called "admitted reprehensible conduct.". Still, Waters said there is enough evidence to link the killings to the financial crimes and to Alex Murdaugh being the only person with the means and opportunity to kill his wife and son. Defense attorney Dick Harpootlian holds Buster Murdaugh's .300 Blackout rifle, similar to the one used to kill Buster Murdaugh's mother, during Alex Murdaugh's double murder trial at the Colleton County Courthouse Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023, in Walterboro, S.C. Paul Murdaugh, 22, . Lead prosecutor Creighton Waters said he expects to wrap up the reply by Tuesday afternoon, although Murdaugh attorney Richard Harpootlian said he was skeptical of such a quick time estimate given the States pattern of presenting lengthy testimony during the five previous weeks of the trial. Law enforcement will secure the scene in advance to ensure onlookers and curious spectators are not on the scene. 0:57. #murdaugh #stephensmith #murdaughmurders #truecrime mattharris1028@gmail.com. The state finished its closing arguments in the trial of Alex Murdaugh on Wednesday.Murdaugh is accused of killing his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, at the family's hunting estate back in June 2021 . Just moments before Mallory Beach died, she told others in the boat she was scared of Pauls erratic driving, according to multiple depositions. The documents do not say where the woman fell or how she knew the Murdaughs but several sources familiar with the case have said that she was the Murdaughs family maid/ housekeeper. He works at the familys law firm, according to his Facebook page. "When accountability is at his door, he was a victim again," Waters said. That did not happen to my friend. Would love your thoughts, please comment. His company bio says that he graduated from Hampton High School and received a bachelors degree in political science from the University of South Carolina in 1990, a Juris Doctorate Degree in May 1994 from the University of South Carolina School of Law and was admitted to the South Carolina Bar in November 1994.. According to WSAV-TV, depositions in that case alleged that Paul Murdaugh was drunk and belligerent, even acting like he was on drugs, and he refused peoples attempts to get him to stop driving the boat. The Where? Continue the Murdaugh crime saga binge:After you finish Netflix's Alex Murdaugh series, continue on HBO, CNN, podcasts. Murdaughtook the stand in his own defense last week andrepeatedly denied killing his family,butadmitted to lying to investigators,citinghis distrust for local law enforcement and paranoia induced by drug addiction. Buster Murdaugh testified Thursday in the Colleton County Courthouse that his father called him June 7, the night of the murders, and told him his mom and brother had been shot to death near their family's dog kennels. The double homicide trial of Murdaugh started Monday, Jan. 23, with the . The night 19-year-old Mallory Beach died in a boat crash near Beaufort, South Carolina, investigators arrived at the hospital to interview two teens suspected of driving the boat while drunk. Murdaugh, 54, is charged with murder in the deaths of his wife, Maggie, 52, and their 22-year-old son, Paul, but has steadfastly denied any involvement. As all these pressures were mounting, the defendant killed Maggie and Paul," Waters said. At the time of his death, Paul was a junior at the University of South Carolina. It has not been indicated if cops believe the murders to be linked to Beach's death. The site visit will be restricted to just the dog kennels where the pair were slain, and nowhere else on the property. He also serves as a part-time Prosecutor for the 14th Judicial Circuit, the bio says. He had pleaded not guilty to the allegations that he crashed his fathers 17-foot boat into a bridge full throttle after a drunken argument with friends on board. According to The Island Packet, Renee Beach, Mallorys mom, filed a lawsuit against former solicitor Randolph Murdaugh III, his son Richard Alexander Murdaugh, and his grandson Richard Alexander Murdaugh Jr. Pauls older brother Buster. Although the weapons used to kill the victims haven't been found, an expert testified that the markings on the bullet casings found near Maggie Murdaugh's body matched those found on casings at a shooting range on the family's property. Crime. Beach also seeks damages from Paul Murdaughs brother and father who facilitated Murdaughs drinking, according to the lawsuit. Forensic pathology expert, Dr. Jonathan Eisenstat, gave forensic analysis of the injuries sustained by Alex Murdaugh's wife and son. In addition to disputing scientific testimony from Murdaughs expert witnesses, these final State witnesses served to hammer home and reinforce a point prosecutors have made time and again throughout the trial: Murdaugh, after demonstrating a pattern of deceit, lies, manipulation and callous disregard for others during a decade-long crime spree, also lied to police early and often throughout this criminal investigation and prosecution. As the investigation moves forward and detectives attempt to unravel the complicated ties to the Murdaugh dynasty, several sources who spoke with FITSNews questioned whether this criminal inquiry would be tainted like the others before it. FEBRUARY 24, 2019. This news outlet is continuing to investigate Satterfields death . WALTERBORO, S.C. The defense for disgraced South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh could wrap up their case as early as today as the trial appears to be . 22-year-old Paul Murdaugh and 52-year-old Maggie Murdaugh were shot several times and their bodies were discovered near a dog kennel in Colleton County. Jurors on Alex Murdaugh's Murder Trial Visit Crime Scene. And they were all reaching a crescendo the day his wife and son were murdered by him," Waters said. Email tips toaudrey.conklin@fox.com or on Twitter at @audpants. seeking life in prison if Murdaugh isconvicted. "The forensic timeline puts him there. Waters said that Murdaugh only admitted to lying to investigators about his whereabouts at the time of the killings because witnesses testified that his voice could be heard on the video. The site reported that Maggies husband and Pauls father, Richard Alexander Murdaugh Sr., discovered the bodies outside one of two homes on their 1,700-acre property around 10 p.m. on Monday, June 7, 2021. Where did he take his last breath? You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter! This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, SCHP detectives noted that the gas cap was unscrewed and hanging outside of the gas cap door. Murdaugh initially told police he was not at the kennels before finding the bodies there, butadmitted in court his voice could be heard on avideo taken on his sons cellphoneminutes before prosecutors believe the killings happened. That media pool will include a Court TV videographer, a pool photographer, and a print journalist selected at random: Valerie Bauerlein of the Wall Street Journal. Beach died Feb. 24, 2019 in a Beaufort . Got a tip for a story? The suspect or suspects are not clear; neither is the motive, authorities said, though they said there is no danger to the public, according to FITSNews. Paul was released on a $50,000 personal recognizance bond after his not guilty plea in May 2019. Alex Murdaugh was the only defendant listed in the settlement. When Murdaugh was on the stand last week, he often looked straight at the jury members and openly wept when talking about how he loved his family and would never hurt them. Audrey Conklin is a digital reporter for Fox News Digital and FOX Business. On February 23, 2019, Mallory boarded Paul Murdaugh's boat along with her boyfriend Anthony Cook, his cousin Connor Cook, Connor's girlfriend Miley Altman, as well as Paul Murdaugh and Morgan Daughty. Award-winning journalist Mandy Matney has been investigating the Murdaugh family since that fateful night in 2019. Closing arguments begin Wednesday. Murdaugh, who is part of a prominent local family in the South Carolina Lowcountry, is accused of killing his wife, Maggie, and younger son, Paul at their home June 7, 2021. Alex Murdaugh is on trial for two counts of murder in the shootings of his wife and son at their Colleton County, S.C., home and hunting lodge June 7, 2021. Garland testifies before Senate panel amid ongoing special counsel probes, Colon cancer rates rising in younger age group, study finds, Firefighter dies battling blaze in downtown Buffalo, mayor says, 20,000 people may have been exposed to measles at Asbury University revival, Prosecution wraps its case at Alex Murdaugh murder trial, Top McCarthy aide, House Oversight chair each met with Ashli Babbitt's mother, What to know about Shigella bacteria as drug-resistant strain spreads, Ex-Georgia star Jalen Carter was racing in deadly crash, arrest warrants allege, Fiery train crash in Greece kills dozens, many of them students, Closing arguments begin in Murdaugh murder trial, Jurors hear closing arguments in Alex Murdaugh's murder trial. He was awarded South Carolina's top honor for assertive journalism in 2020. Police alleged the survivors were grossly intoxicated, The State reported. Here's Michael DeWitt's analysisof what may transpire this week in court. And his lies and his guilty actions afterward confirm that.". Alex Murdaugh Charged With Killing His Wife And Son The indictments indicate he acted alone Paul Terry Murdaugh April 14, 1999 - June 7, 2021 Moselle, South Carolina - Paul Terry Murdaugh, 22, of Hampton, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest alongside his loving mother, Margaret Branstetter Murdaugh (Maggie). Mallory yelled at Paul to stop. It is not respectful to discuss the family or any reputation. Murdaugh, 54, has pleaded not guilty totwo counts of murderand two counts of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime in connection to the 2021 fatal shootings of his wife and son. Her family has called on anyone with information on the murder to come forward. Investigators say Maggie Murdaugh was shot five times, including once in her head, with the Blackout rifle. FEB 28, 2023; 111: Defense Rests and Rebuttal 111: Defense Rests and Rebuttal. After interviewing several sources who knew the Murdaugh brothers, SCHP detective Todd Proctor made some significant assessments of the family. Paul was awaiting a court date at the time of his death on three felony charges of boating under the influence for a 2019 crash that resulted in the death of 19-year-old Mallory Beach. I have made a lot of decisions that I truly regret. According to Fox News, on September 6, 2021, Murdaugh announced he was leaving his law firm and entering rehab to deal with a long battle that has been exacerbated these murders., The statement sent to Fox read, The murders of my wife and son have caused an incredibly difficult time in my life. But on the stand Tuesday Smalls said that he had never had such a conversation with Murdaugh, nor was he aware of anyone in his department doing so. The defense has said state agents conducted a poor investigation that focused too quickly on Alex Murdaugh and missed evidence such as fingerprints and shoe prints that could have led to the real killers. Netflix. Crime scene photos obtained by FITSNews are horrific Stephens entire face was covered in blood that cascaded from a 7.25-inch gaping hole on the right side of his forehead. and son, Paul, at the family's hunting estate in June 2021 . Various witnesses during the trial have confirmed hearing Murdaugh's voice in the video. Other expert witnesses for the State were called to testify for a second time, including Medical University of South Carolina pathologist Dr. Ellen Riemer, who conducted the autopsy on the shooting victims. Submit your letter to the editor (or guest column) via email HERE. Alex maintains that he was napping at the time of his wife and son's murders around 8:50 p.m. "Everyone who thought they were close to him; Everyone who thought they knew who he was. Market data provided by Factset. He faces 30 years to life in prison if convicted. Alex Murdaugh double murder trial: Closing arguments begin Wednesday. She currently lives on Hilton Head Island where she enjoys beach life. June 7: Alex Murdaugh calls 911 and reports he found his wife Margaret (known as Maggie), 52, and son Paul, 22, . Embezzlement allegations against Alex began mounting in the spring and summer of 2021. It is believed that two different firearms were used to kill the mother and son. He also described a close-knit family, saying he spoke with his mom "every day" and frequently spoke with his dad and brother, too. "Do you know who did?" Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox. Crime. Or "king's ransom" waiting to be found Murdaugh Murders: Unanswered Questions About Multiple Suspicious Deaths Connected To Family, SC Cop Who Named Paul Murdaugh As Driver In Fatal Boat Crash Fired For Alleged Drug Use, Boat Crash Lawsuit: Murdaughs Refuse To Settle, Withhold Financial Records From Victims Family, Former South Carolina Solicitor Randolph Murdaugh III Passes Away, Virginia Pitcher Is Kenny Powers And Nuke LaLoosh All Rolled Up In One, Letter: Reform Judicial Selection Process, 12-Foot SC Alligator Treated Like An Amusement Ride By Pest Control Agents Before It Was Killed, Federal Charges Filed Against North Charleston Ex-Cop, Mark Powells Palmetto Past & Present: Lost Confederate Gold, Ron Paul: The Anti-War Movement Roars Back To Life, LIVE FEED Murdaugh Murders Trial: Day Twenty-Six. By Marlene Lenthang. The site says many are comparing the murders to a John Grisham novel. After Paul and his mother were found dead, the Beach family expressed their condolences. "Other than lying to them about going to the kennel, I was cooperative in every aspect of this investigation," Murdaugh insisted. South Carolina Circuit Court Judge Clifton Newmanhas indicated he likely will not set a time limit on closing arguments and each side is expected totake about two hours. Having suffered the devastating loss of their own daughter, the family prays that the Murdaughs can find some level of peace from this tragic loss. Buster has appeared at his father's trial every day with his girlfriend, Brooklynn White, since jury selection began Jan. 25. Ball testified that Murdaugh told him the same story but inconsistently. ", Waters replayed videos of Murdaugh's interviews with law enforcement and said his actions after killings, including lying to investigators, showed he had a"guilty conscience .". At the time Paul Murdaugh was awaiting trial on a charge of allegedly boating under the influence after a crash in February 2019 that killed a 19-year-old woman, Mallory Beach of South Carolina. She died February 26, 2018, due to a "trip and fall" in Hampton county, court documents claimed. She also said she believed that the Murdaughs influence extended to all realms of the investigation and was initially tainted when it was ruled a hit-and-run incident (see below for part of Sandy Smiths letter). Back in February 2019, Paul was charged with boating under the influence, which resulted in the death of Mallory Beach. Alex Murdaugh has taken over the courtroom: Phil Holloway. The six passengers were all flung from the boat and Beachs body was only found seven days later. However, with Alex Murdaugh now facing charges related to alleged financial offenses and murder, they [] (Mark Sims for Fox News Digital). Before Pauls death, there had been little-to-no movement in the criminal case against him but a civil case (.pdf) filed by Mallory Beachs mother had ramped up and was inching closer to trial. The judge did not implement the restrictions on Paul when he was granted bond despite him already having received a 2017 citation for possession of alcohol by a minor. The Murdaugh name was mentioned over 40 times throughout the course of the investigation which went cold less than a year after Smith was killed. Flemings law firm where Alex Murdaugh previously worked received $177,500of the total sum from Murdaughs insurance company, according to the settlement. The family of Alex Murdaugh, the disgraced South Carolina attorney accused of defrauding legal clients and carrying out a failed suicidal fraud scheme, has been told he could soon be indicted on . 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