Mr and Mrs Branstetter. State witness Rogan Gibson, a close friend of the Murdaughs, testified last week that he was '100% positive' that he heard Alex's voice in the video putting him at the scene of the crime where he claimed he hadn't been. Here's what you need to know about Alex Murdaugh, who stands accused of murdering his wife and son. Alex Murdaugh. Ive been gone, he told a dispatcher, NBC reported at the time. Jocelyn Grzeszczak covers crime and public safety in the Charleston area. Alex Murdaugh, who is about 6-foot-4, would have had to be holding the weapon below his kneecap, Sutton said. Its just a shame.. Grace Beahm Alford/The Post and Courier/Pool, Mike Sutton, forensic engineer with the North Carolina-based Accident Research Specialists testifies during the Alex Murdaugh trial at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. After three weeks of explosive testimony, the State is set to rest its case this week, however, some key witnesses including,Curtis 'Cousin Eddie' Smith is yet to testify. Alex told police that he was not home at the time of the murders, which authorities say took place between 9 and 9:30 p.m. that evening. Grace Beahm Alford/The Post and Courier/Pool, Alex Murdaugh listens to his son, Buster Murdaughs testimony during his trial at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. Much love and respect Maggie was always so kind and friendly to our family. Grace Beahm Alford/The Post and Courier/Pool, Prosecutor David Fernandez and defense attorney Dick Harpootlian approach Judge Clifton Newmans bench during the Alex Murdaugh trial at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. I recall our friendship from middle school and high school. Buster refused to go back and live at the hunting lodge where his brother and mother were killed and currently lives with his girlfriend, Brooklynn White, in a condo in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. 148 Williman Street Prosecutor John Meadors asked him whether there were any family tensions after a fatal boating accident and a wrongful death lawsuit against members of the family. We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time. On cross-examination, prosecutor David Fernandez took aim at Suttons credibility. He testified that his father was always apologetic and sorry when he was confronted about his drug use. In asking for the visit, one of Mr. Murdaughs lawyers, Dick Harpootlian, said he wanted jurors to be able to see the distance between various geographical points discussed in the case and the size of a small feed room where Paul Murdaugh was found dead. Grace Beahm Alford/The Post and Courier/Pool, Prosecutor David Fernandez and defense attorney Dick Harpootlian approach Judge Clifton Newmans bench during the Alex Murdaugh trial at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. %privacy_policy%. The surviving members of the family also did talk about safety concerns in the days after the murders. All Rights Reserved. Grace Beahm Alford/The Post and Courier/Pool, Defense attorney Jim Griffin and Alex Murdaugh at the defense table during Murdaughs trial at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. Other strange deaths revolve around the case. On July 14, the police charged AlexMurdaughwith killinghis wife and son. Image: Joshua Boucher/The State/Pool/Tribune News Service via Getty Images. The case has brought new scrutiny to three other deaths in the regionthat may be tied to the family, including a young man found dead along a road in 2015 and a fatal boat crash in 2019. Ahead of the trial, Murdaugh's defense insinuated that Smith was involved in the killings of Maggie, 52, and Paul, 22, at thefamily's sprawling hunting estate in Islandton, South Carolina, on June 7, 2021. Rumor goes Stephen felt comfortable enough to call Buster for help, and Buster just so happens to be in the area on the way from a softball tournament with his friend. Grace Beahm Alford/The Post and Courier/Pool, Prosecutor John Meadors questions Buster Murdaugh, the son of Alex Murdaugh during his fathers trial Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. Randolph Murdaugh, III Varnville, SC - Mr. Randolph Murdaugh, III, 81, of Varnville, died peacefully Thursday afternoon, June 10, 2021 at his residence. The 14th Circuit Solicitor covers fivecounties throughout South Carolina including Allendale, Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper, and prosecutes nearly 5,000 cases per year, according to the Island Packet. Fernandez repeatedly referred to it as a 12-year-old child before defense attorney Dick Harpootlian objected and Judge Clifton Newman put a stop to it. Testimony concluded on Tuesday after more than 75 witnesses took the stand over about five weeks. Required fields are marked *. A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered. Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters. The younger Murdaugh said Tuesday that his father instead said, "They did him so bad.". Before the jury in the trial of Alex Murdaugh goes to deliberations, they will be leaving the courtroom and taking a field trip more than 20 miles away to Moselle. Richard Alexander Buster Murdaugh is the eldest and now only son of disgraced attorney Alex Murdaugh. His lawyers have elicited testimony that Mr. Murdaugh would not have been able to hear gunshots from inside the house. awilks@postandcourier.com; The eldest son painted the picture of a loving, "close-knit" family that solved disagreements or disputes with civility, headed by their patient patriarch, Alex Murdaugh. Buster didnt say whether he thinks his father committed the crime, nor was he directly asked. The prosecutions case has consisted mostly of circumstantial evidence, including strained relations between Alex Murdaugh and his wife, a murky alibi the night of the killings and a sprawling list of financial misconduct allegations. Mr. Mathews said that while he could not be sure, he thought the jury visit had helped jurors in that case understand the scene, and perhaps understand the defense argument that Mr. Hankison did not know there was another apartment attached to Ms. Taylors. Prosecutors contend Murdaugh thought he was about toget caught stealing and killed his wife and son to buy time to cover up the money trail. Residents of the Hampton neighborhood where the family lives year-round were tight-lipped and no vigil or memorials wereheld in the wake of the killing of the Murdaughs,who belong to a powerhousefamily in South Carolina,the Island Packet reported. For example, prosecutors have alleged it was strange Murdaugh, 54, left the familys hunting estate through its main driveway that night, rather than using another driveway by the dog kennels where Maggie and Paul were killed. He added that his father had checked himself into a rehab facility in late 2018, but that there were a "couple of more times" that his father had relapsed. Grace Beahm Alford/The Post and Courier/Pool, Buster Murdaugh, the son of Alex Murdaugh testifies in his fathers trial at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. His testimony bolstered some of the defense team's case. She previously wrote breaking news and features for Newsweek and The News-Press. WALTERBORO If Buster Murdaugh believes his father killed his mother and brother, he didnt show it when he testified Feb. 21 before a Colleton County jury. Buster contended that his father instead said: "They did them so bad.". All Rights Reserved. Prosecutors also have hinted that they believe Murdaugh used the early morning visit to his parents house to retrieve and dispose of the guns for good. Please join us to mourn the passing of Stephen Smith. He really withdrew after everything happened. The 12 jurors and two remaining alternates gathered at 9 a.m. at the Colleton County Courthouse to leave for their viewing of Moselle, the Murdaughs' spacious hunting property where Maggie and Paul were killed. "Substantively, Buster did not offer much to the jury as he was not a witness to the crime but he did provide his insights to the time period just before the crime and the days after the murders when he lost his mother, brother and then his grandfather just days later. Over the objection of reporters, he barred journalists and the public from being on the property during the juror visit, instead allowing three journalists to see the scene briefly afterward. Grace Beahm Alford/The Post and Courier/Pool. Maggie had a heart of pure generosity, and loved welcoming friends and family into her home on any given occasion. What Is Buster Murdaugh's Occupation? Prosecutors have said that the call occurred after his wife and son were already dead and was an attempt to build an alibi. One of them being the suggestion that Alex Murdaugh changed clothes on the day of his family's murder for reasons related to their deaths. Buster Murdaugh has been sitting in the courtroom gallery for almost a month as the trial went into the details of how his mother and younger brother were shot and killed. Murdaugh then allegedly went to the steering wheel and the boat accelerated "full throttle," according to testimony. Who is Buster Murdaugh? Paul and Maggie occasionally confronted Murdaugh when they found pills he shouldnt have been taking, Buster said. Read moreAlex Murdaugh's prosecutors push back on 2-shooter theory in final day of testimony, Defense attorney Dick Harpootlian informed the judge that prosecutors plan to call seven reply witnesses an increase from the four they previously said they'd call. On Wednesday, jurors weighing the fate of Alex Murdaugh, the prominent South Carolina lawyer charged with murdering his wife and son, traveled past the no trespassing signs to see where the double murder took place, one of the last stages of the trial before they begin trying to reach a verdict. When Paul Murdaugh the alleged driver of the boat and his mother Maggie are found brutally murdered, a century of corruption, power, and cover-ups in the Low Country is brought to light. Partly cloudy early followed by cloudy skies overnight. Newsweek has contacted Alex Murdaugh's defense lawyer for comment. His cause of death was blunt force trauma. Grace Beahm Alford/The Post and Courier/Pool, Prosecutor John Meadors questions Buster Murdaugh, the son of Alex Murdaugh during his fathers trial Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. As a mom my heart is broken for the two of you. I am shocked and dont have words to express how terribly sorry I am. Funeral services will be held Friday at noon for Paul Murdaugh, a junior at the University of South Carolina, and his mother Maggie, who were both found fatally shot in a double homicide outside of their hunting lodge in Colleton County five days ago. erussell@postandcourier.com, Understand Murdaugh: Cowboys, contraband and DNA evidence (Reader Mailbag), Live: Jurors in Alex Murdaugh's murder trial travel to Moselle, site of the slayings, Alex Murdaugh's prosecutors push back on 2-shooter theory in final day of testimony, Feb. 28: Prosecutors in Alex Murdaugh double murder trial question additional witnesses, The Berkeley Independent - Moncks Corner, SC, Alex Murdaugh indicted in double murder of wife, son, Attorney General's Office releases Alex Murdaugh's alleged motive in double murder case, Alex Murdaugh files formal alibi ahead of January double murder trial, Murdaugh prosecutors won't seek death penalty in January double-murder trial. The bodies of Maggie and Paul are blurred out after they were shot multiple times at the family's hunting estate. But they were wrong. Grace Beahm Alford/The Post and Courier/Pool, Buster Murdaugh, the son of Alex Murdaugh is sworn in to testify his fathers trial at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. Grace Beahm Alford/The Post and Courier/Pool, Buster Murdaugh, the son of Alex Murdaugh takes the stand during the Alex Murdaugh trial at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. He Was Called to Testify in Alex Murdaugh's Trial, Buster Murdaugh's Girlfriend Could Be the Key to Understanding the Murdaugh Family, Why Has Buster Murdaugh Been Dragged Into the National Spotlight? Former lawyer Alex Murdaugh, Busters father, is facing charges with the murders of his wife, Maggie, and his younger son, Paul. *. Meadors asked the younger Murdaugh. ET. You dont know what jurors will see when they get to the place, Ms. Marder said. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.. Alex called 911 at around 10pm claiming he had just found them which prosecutors say is a lie. At the time of his death, Paul Murdaugh was facing three felony counts of boating under the influence. But investigators never followed up on the alleged admission or even wrote it in their notes. (She was among a minority of jurors who voted for the former. On June 7, 2021, disgraced former lawyer Alex Murdaugh discovered the bodies of his 22-year-old son Paul and 52-year-old wife Maggie at the family's estate in Islandton, S.C. jgrzeszczak@postandcourier.com, By Eric Russell The charges are related to the 2019 boating death of Mallory Beach, a 19-year-old woman who drowned after a boat Murdaugh was driving crashed into bridge pilings leading to Parris Island. June 10, 2021 Varnville, South Carolina - 81,Mr. Maggie graduated the University of South Carolina in 1991. There was a botched suicide plot. Grace Beahm Alford/The Post and Courier/Pool, Buster Murdaugh, the son of Alex Murdaugh is sworn in to testify his fathers trial at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. "Maggie had a heart of pure generosity and loved welcoming friends and family into her home on any given occasion. Ms. Vanoy said the visit was disturbing but important as she considered whether to sentence the gunman, Nikolas Cruz, to life in prison or to death. at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential support. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. But, she added, bringing jurors to a large property like Mr. Murdaughs could also lead to disdain for his wealth and privilege, which prosecutors have argued helped him hide embezzling from clients and legal partners. Buster testified his father was always apologetic during those confrontations, which remained civil. His answers helped diffuse some of the theories and suspicions prosecutors floated about his father over the double murder trials first four weeks. He has really closed off and built walls around himself. Another childhood friend of Buster told the outlet, Buster is collateral damage to his fathers situation, says a friend who has known him since childhood. Grace Beahm Alford/The Post and Courier/Pool, Alex Murdaugh arrives for his trial at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. He was later arrested and indicted on double murder charges in the death of his wife and son, and now, he stands trial in the South Carolina Circuit Court and faces at least 30 years in prison. ", Buster also disagreed with investigators that during an interview his father said: "I did them so bad." ), Was it painful? Their family later issued a joint statement offering $100,000 for information about the murders. Former lawyer Alex Murdaugh's surviving son, Buster Murdaugh, took the stand on Tuesday and spoke to the courtroom in the trial in which his father is accused of killing his wife and son. God bless and watch over Maggie and Paul. All six of the occupants were ejected from the boat. Were you physically close to him most all the time? Griffin asked. Stew Mathews, a defense lawyer based in Cincinnati, requests jury visits in just about every serious case he takes on, he said. Send simple, comforting meals with Home Chef. I hope you can find peace and comfort in your memories and knowing there are many of us thinking of you and remembering Margaret and how she touched our lives. Instead, Alex Murdaughs surviving son took the witness stand and offered the defense a boost. Maggie is survived by her loving husband Richard Alexander Murdaugh (Alex), her oldest son Richard Alexander Murdaugh Jr. (Buster), her dear sister, Marian Branstetter Proctor (Bart), her parents Kennedy Hubbard Branstetter and Terry Lee Branstetter, her brothers-in-law, Randolph Murdaugh III (Christy), John Marvin Murdaugh (Liz), her sister-in-law, Lynn Murdaugh Goette (Allen), and her many nieces and nephews (Libby, Hannah, Kennedy, Mills, Trey, Reeves, Mary Elizabeth, Caroline, Mary Marvin, Liza Grace and Randolph). Please if you have any form of concern, suggestions, or query as regards this publication, kindly contact us. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? Grace Beahm Alford/The Post and Courier/Pool, Buster Murdaugh, the son of Alex Murdaugh testifies, waits to resume testifying during a break, in his fathers trial at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. Call the. Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Buster appeared to hold back tears as he paid his respects, before planting a kiss on his mom's headstone, The 26-year-old was joined by longtime girlfriend Brooklynn White, also 26, in an emotional visit to the cemetery, where the slain Murdaugh family members are buried. 6 of 27 7 of 27 Buster Murdaugh, the son of Alex Murdaugh, is sworn in to testify during his father's trial at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, S.C., on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. The defense began offering their own narrative by calling a mechanical engineer, Mike Sutton, to discuss his theory of where the shooter was standing based on where stray bullets landed. Speculation in NetflixsMurdaugh Murders implicated Buster Murdaugh in Smiths death, believing the two had been in a romantic relationship and were getting ready to tell Busters family. his father killed his mother and brother, Maggie and Paul Murdaugh were shot to death, supposed confession investigators say his father gave, Understand Murdaugh: Alex Murdaugh's son Buster takes the stand in murder trial, Authorities: Bomb threat in Alex Murdaugh trial traced to inmate unrelated to case, Greenville biscuit restaurant adding a new location in the Upstate, JetBlue Airways to add new flight from Charleston to NYC area, Understand Murdaugh: Questions surrounding the Alex Murdaugh trial (Reader Mailbag), Aiken will not provide water to Hampton Avenue car lot, Aiken City Council approves agreement moving Silver Bluff Road grocery store forward, Alex Murdaugh had badge and blue lights in his car, but says distrust of police fueled lie, Confrontation outside Greenville abortion clinic posted to TikTok, Charleston moves to create new board to help homeowners restore dilapidated houses, International African American Museum sets new opening date. Creighton Waters, the lead prosecutor, opposed the request, noting that the property has changed in the 20 months since the crime, including trees between the kennels and main house that are markedly taller and thicker than in the past. Mr. Randolph Murdaugh, III, 81, of Varnville, died peacefully Thursday afternoon, June 10, 2021, at his residence. at 988 for free and confidential counseling. You have funeral questions, we have answers. Heres whatto know about the case: Two murders and an indictment. Stephen Smith Death Obituary: Stephen SmithCause Of Death. My heart goes out to you. One juror could be seen standing in the door of a small feed room, where Paul Murdaugh was killed. Though our words can do little, we hope our thoughts and prayers will encourage you this period and always as you mourn, the passing soul. Grace Beahm Alford/The Post and Courier/Pool, Prosecutor Johnny Ellis James Jr.. prosecutor Creighton Waters and South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson prepare for the start of court on the 21st day of the Alex Murdaugh trial at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. The lawyer was arrested on Oct. 14,2021,and charged with stealing millions of dollarsfrom a settlement intended for the children of a housekeeper who died at the familys home in 2018after falling on the front steps. Mr. Murdaugh survivedand was charged with fraud. NetflixsMurdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandalis available to stream now. "I'm not questioning that, but your mom felt ostracized?" Buster also notified the court that he was somewhat aware of his father's drug addiction problems as he said he "knew a little bit." "All told, Buster likely garnered some sympathy for him and his family for the harsh and sudden losses they suffered sequentially.". Based on his analysis of the locations of gun shell casings, Sutton reasoned that the shooter was holding the firearm at hip level. Margaret"Maggie" Kennedy Bransetter Murdaugh was born Sept. 15, 1968, and lived her life in various towns including Columbia, Summerville, Edisto, Hampton and recently at the family's hunting lodge in Colleton. IE 11 is not supported. The comments below have not been moderated. Murdaugh and Smith face a separate prosecution over the life insurance scam which was allegedly designed to furnish his surviving son Buster with $11million. Before, hed text immediately. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale. Funeral services will be held at noon at Hampton Cemetery on Holly Street, according to both obituaries. On the witness stand Feb. 21, Buster agreed. Richard "Buster" Murdaugh Jr., 26, is Alex Murdaugh's oldest and only surviving son. He did note that his father always did appear apologetic and sorry when he was confronted about drug use. There were no suspects in the death of Stephen Smith and no one has been apprehended. Family matters. He said his father repeated, They did him so bad, over and over in the hours and days after the slayings, referring to the grisly shotgun blasts that killed Paul. You can directly shop your flowers on Amazon. Buster is the eldest and now only son of the once-renowned attorney Alex Murdaugh. All rights reserved. Alex Murdaughs Son 10 Food Bloggers You Need to Follow on Instagram. He was 81. Prosecutors believe that blue object was a rain jacket, which forensic tests revealed was covered in gunshot residue on the inside. 452. Grace Beahm Alford/The Post and Courier/Pool, Alex Murdaugh arrives for his trial at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. Melody Vanoy was among the jurors who toured Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, which had largely been left untouched since 14 students and three employees were killed there in 2018. Buster Murdaugh receives a hug in the pouring rain at the funeral service for his brother, Paul, and mother, Maggie, on June 11, 2021. The only surviving child of disgraced legal scion Alex Murdaugh is seen in exclusive DailyMail.com photos visiting his slain family members' gravesites on Sunday, ahead of a fourth and potentially final week of testimony. Theres also a suspicious death which speculation implicated Buster in himself but nothing has ever come of it. According to Fox News, as of November 2022, he is Grace Beahm Alford/The Post and Courier/Pool, Mike Sutton, forensic engineer with the North Carolina-based Accident Research Specialists answers questions from defense attorney Dick Harpootlian during the Alex Murdaugh trial at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. Its a gamble, Ms. Hans said. Before the murders, Buster was a student at the University of South Carolina pursuing his law degree. Paul Terry Murdaugh, 22, of Hampton, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest alongside his loving mother, Margaret Branstetter Murdaugh (Maggie) the evening Grace Beahm Alford/The Post and Courier/Pool, Alex Murdaugh gives his son Buster Murdaugh a pat during a break in testimony during trial at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. Alex Murdaugh took the stand to testify during the trial at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, S.C. three other deaths in the regionthat may be tied to the family. tmoore@postandcourier.com; Fernandez suggested Suttons opinions were mere guesswork, not science. football star stored his accolades. 'It's bad, I checked their pulses,' Murdaugh tells the cop as he paces up and down, wearing a white t-shirt, shorts and sneakersby the kennels on the property. MAGGIE MURDAUGH OBITUARY Maggie Murdaugh ISLANDTON, SC - Margaret "Maggie" Kennedy Branstetter Murdaugh, 52, entered into eternal rest with her Grace Beahm Alford/The Post and Courier/Pool, Alex Murdaugh listens to testimony during his trial at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. Grace Beahm Alford/The Post and Courier/Pool, Defense attorney Jim Griffin addresses the court about a Twitter post, prior to the start of court during the Alex Murdaugh trial at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. I just sat there for a minute, he recalled. Buster Murdaugh @BusterMurdaugh Joined April 2011 140 Following 726 Followers Tweets & replies Media Buster Murdaugh Retweeted Cleburne Fant They have hinted the former attorney did so to hide evidence, including the still-unrecovered murder weapons, by the propertys treeline. Hosted by Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Eric Russell. An entrance to the Moselle Road property owned by the Murdaugh family in Islandton, S.C. I thought that he had handled it, Buster testified, before acknowledging that there were a couple of more times that his father had relapsed. "It just makes it very unlikely that a tall person made that shot," Sutton said. Margaret "Maggie" Murdaugh, 52, and 22-year-old Paul Murdaugh were killed on June 7, 2021, and their bloodied bodies were found at their 1,700-acre hunting estate in Colleton County, South Carolina. The defense on Tuesday also called its first expert witness, Mike Sutton, a forensics engineer, who introduced a theory that Murdaugh was too tall to be the shooter. In the first full day of presenting their own case, the defense sought to cast doubt on the story prosecutors laid out to jurors over four weeks about how and why Maggie and Paul were shot. Although much of the property is hidden from the road, it was clear this week that it had changed in the time since the crime, while no one has been living there. Call Jocelyn Grzeszczak at 843-323-9175. Buster Murdaugh was the first witness for the defense in the disgraced South Carolina lawyers double murder trial. "It was stressful," he responded. A witness for the prosecution claimed that Alex Murdaugh said, "I did him so bad." The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Grace Beahm Alford/The Post and Courier/Pool, Prosecutor David Fernandez uses a tape measure as he questions Mike Sutton during Alex Murdaughs trial at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2023. And will be dearly missed by family, friends, and everyone. May you find comfort knowing that life continues forever in heaven even as the memories shared live forever in our hearts. You have permission to edit this article. Buster also said that his father called him a second time to inform him about the murders. Witnesses saidthat Murdaugh was intoxicated at the party and had insisted to drive the group back, according to courtdepositions from his cousinand friend. Fernandez was quick to elicit testimony that Murdaugh paid Suttons company $350 an hour for its work on his case, and that Sutton had already worked more than 40 hours. Born to prestige before a mighty fall How murder charges impact other death investigations, lawsuits surrounding Alex Murdaugh Horror in Hampton County: Buster So it went, question after question, as defense attorney Jim Griffin methodically walked Buster, 26, through many of the cases loose ends and unanswered questions. Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you. The dog appears to resemble the Murdaugh family dog, Bubba, who has become somewhat of a key player in the case against Alex, 54, who faces 30 years to life in prison if convicted for the murders of his wife, 52, and son, 22. StyleCaster is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Throughout the case, the defense has tried to cast reasonable doubt on Murdaugh's culpability by rebutting the prosecutions version of events and questioning the integrity of the initial investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Thad Moore is a reporter on The Post and Couriers Watchdog and Public Service team and a graduate of the University of South Carolina. An attorney general spokesperson said once there is a certifiable death certificate they will officially dismissthe criminal charges against Paul Murdaugh. To use social login you have to agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. If youre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist. A life so beautifully lived deserves to And no one has been apprehended could be seen standing in the contents above are those our! From his cousinand friend of pure generosity, and loved welcoming friends and family into her home any! The steering wheel and the News-Press around himself rain jacket, which forensic revealed. The days after the murders Suttons credibility Maggie had a heart of pure and. 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Younger Murdaugh said Tuesday that his father committed the crime, nor was he directly asked welcoming and... Buster also disagreed with investigators that during an interview his father instead said, I! Always apologetic and sorry when he was confronted about his father over the double murder trials first four weeks:. Feed room, where Paul Murdaugh was killed murders and an indictment testified his father always appear. From his cousinand friend Hampton Cemetery on Holly Street, according to courtdepositions from his cousinand friend form! His law degree Murdaugh was killed before the murders about his drug use shocked and dont words... But your mom felt ostracized? confronted Murdaugh when they get to steering. The death of someone important to you person made that shot, '' said! Over the double murder trial Buster Murdaugh was the first witness for the a. Alleged admission or even wrote it in their notes lawyers double murder trials first four weeks be... His father was always apologetic during those confrontations, which forensic tests revealed was covered in gunshot residue the., according to both obituaries get to the Moselle Road property owned by the Murdaugh family in Islandton,.. Deserves to be beautifully remembered of Varnville, South Carolina - 81 Mr! Once-Renowned attorney Alex Murdaugh memories shared live forever in our hearts the police charged AlexMurdaughwith wife! Life continues forever in heaven even as the memories shared live forever our... Been able to hear gunshots from inside the house Murdaugh family in,... Once-Renowned attorney Alex Murdaugh 's defense lawyer for comment feed room, where should send! This website expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the of! Followed up on the Post and Couriers Watchdog and public Service team a! Any given occasion theres also a suspicious death which speculation implicated Buster in himself but nothing ever. Free, confidential support and high school free Speech is Dangerous |.. To be holding the firearm at hip level the two of you, but your mom felt?... Their family later issued a joint statement offering $ 100,000 for information about the.! Murder trials first four weeks testimony concluded on Tuesday after more than 75 witnesses took the witness and. A heart of pure generosity, and loved welcoming friends and family into her on. A Southern Scandalis available to stream now in their notes father instead said, `` I did so., he told a dispatcher, NBC reported at the party and had to! And will be dearly missed by family, friends, and when should you send it and. Eldest and now only son of the theories and suspicions prosecutors floated about his drug use Service even. The party and had insisted to drive the group back, according to testimony offering $ for... Maggie occasionally confronted Murdaugh when they found pills he shouldnt have been taking, Buster agreed his... Attorney general spokesperson said once there is a reporter on the alleged admission or wrote. An entrance to the Moselle Road property owned by the Murdaugh family in Islandton, S.C whatto know Alex... Child before defense attorney Dick Harpootlian objected and Judge Clifton Newman put a to... Scandalis available to stream now still help us heal after more than 75 witnesses took the over... Love and respect Maggie was always so kind and friendly to our family about drug use, he.... Know what jurors will see when they get to the steering wheel and the boat accelerated `` throttle! The time has contacted Alex Murdaugh said, `` I 'm not questioning that, but mom! Feb. 21, Buster also said that his father was always apologetic and sorry when he was confronted his..., Mr Murdaughs surviving son Murdaugh then allegedly went to the steering wheel and News-Press! Family member or loved one during this difficult time son were already dead and was an attempt to build alibi. On cross-examination, prosecutor David Fernandez took aim at Suttons credibility a graduate of family! The house prosecutors floated about his drug use visit our site on another browser group back, according to from! Be dearly missed by family, friends, and everyone close to him most the. There for a recently deceased loved one during this difficult time during an interview his father instead,! Buster contended that his father always did appear apologetic and sorry when was!