The Trial Of Alex Murdaugh

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Listen to the full courtroom trial coverage of Alex Murdaugh. This is our continuing coverage of the Alex Murdaugh murder trial from True Crime Today. Listen to the entire trial, hour by hour, on our podcast feed, so you don’t miss a single moment of testimony and evidence being brought forth as Alex Murdaugh faces first-degree murder charges in the deaths of his wife and son. If you like TRUE CRIME TODAY - and want AD FREE episodes, Be sure to sub to our premium channel on APPLE PODCASTS! http://shorturl.at/uLTWX Get access to: -Ad Free EXCLUSIVE BONUS Series from True Crime Today. -Advance Episodes -Ad Free Episodes

  • 16 minutes 9 seconds
    Appeal Raises New Questions in Alex Murdaugh Murder Convictions
    Alex Murdaugh’s defense team has filed a 132-page appeal to the South Carolina Supreme Court, seeking to overturn his convictions for the 2021 murders of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul. Central to the appeal are allegations of misconduct by court clerk Becky Hill and claims that the trial judge erred in allowing evidence of Murdaugh’s financial crimes to be presented to the jury.

    The disgraced attorney, once a prominent figure in South Carolina’s legal world, is serving life in prison after being found guilty of the brutal killings. Murdaugh has consistently denied committing the murders, including during his emotional testimony at trial.

    Defense attorneys Jim Griffin and Dick Harpootlian argue that the integrity of the trial was compromised by Hill’s alleged behavior. They cite testimony from jurors and other witnesses claiming Hill encouraged jurors to closely scrutinize Murdaugh’s testimony, implying his guilt. According to the appeal, Hill suggested that a guilty verdict would enhance the sales of her book about the trial.

    “Providing Murdaugh with the fair trial that every citizen of South Carolina would expect for himself is necessary to assure all that no one — powerful or humble, innocent or guilty, hated or beloved — is proscribed from due process and the equal protection of the law,” the defense wrote in the appeal.

    Earlier this year, Judge Jean Toal determined that Hill’s actions, while “foolish” and motivated by publicity, did not actively change jurors’ minds. However, Murdaugh’s lawyers contend that the appearance of impropriety is sufficient grounds for overturning the convictions.

    The appeal also challenges the admissibility of evidence related to Murdaugh’s financial crimes, which prosecutors argued provided a motive for the killings. The trial judge, Clifton Newman, allowed the jury to hear six days of testimony about Murdaugh’s theft from clients and his law firm, reasoning that it demonstrated his “desperation” to divert attention from his financial misdeeds.

    The defense maintains that the inclusion of financial crime evidence was prejudicial and unnecessary, writing, “The State was improperly permitted to introduce evidence of Murdaugh’s alleged financial crimes solely to impugn his character to bolster its otherwise weak case.”

    Physical evidence linking Murdaugh to the murders was minimal, the appeal asserts. The weapons used in the crimes were never found, and only small amounts of blood were detected on Murdaugh’s clothes. Defense attorneys also questioned the reliability of forensic evidence presented during the trial, including an investigator’s unrecorded experiments with an iPhone to support the prosecution’s theory about Maggie’s phone.

    Prosecutors have yet to respond to the appeal. The South Carolina Supreme Court will review the arguments, along with extensive materials from the six-week trial. A hearing is not expected for several months.

    Even if the convictions are overturned, Murdaugh is unlikely to regain his freedom. He is serving an additional 40-year sentence for financial crimes after pleading guilty to embezzling millions from clients and his law firm. As part of his plea agreement, Murdaugh waived his right to appeal those convictions.

    The case has captivated public attention due to Murdaugh’s once-powerful family’s influence in South Carolina’s legal community and the shocking allegations of betrayal and violence.

    #AlexMurdaugh #MurderTrial #LegalAppeal #SouthCarolina #TrueCrime #JusticeSystem #BeckyHill

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    13 December 2024, 12:00 pm
  • 7 minutes 43 seconds
    South Carolina Supreme Court to Review Jury Tampering Allegations in Murdaugh Murder Trial
    Convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh has launched a new bid for freedom, filing an appeal to overturn his convictions for the brutal 2021 murders of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul. This latest development, a meticulously crafted 121-page document submitted to the South Carolina Supreme Court, alleges jury tampering by Becky Hill, the former clerk of court for Colleton County. The appeal raises questions about judicial integrity, challenging the fairness of one of the most high-profile trials in recent history.
    Allegations of Jury Tampering

    Murdaugh, once a scion of South Carolina’s powerful Low Country legal dynasty, is serving two consecutive life sentences for the killings, convictions handed down after a jury deliberated for less than three hours. His legal team now claims that Hill, who resigned earlier this year under a cloud of ethics violations, improperly influenced the jury. Allegations include Hill’s private conversations with jurors about Murdaugh’s guilt and advice to “watch his body language.” These accusations include claims that Hill entered the jury room during deliberations, a breach of protocol that contradicts judicial procedures meant to ensure impartiality.

    Hill’s actions have drawn further scrutiny due to her decision to publish a book, Behind the Doors of Justice, shortly after the trial. While the book reportedly earned her significant financial gains, it has since been removed from circulation. Critics argue that her financial and public aspirations created a conflict of interest, compromising the sanctity of the trial process. Murdaugh’s attorneys argue that Hill’s actions should result in a mistrial, emphasizing that interference of this nature cannot stand in a court of law, particularly in such a critical case.

    The appeal also revives debates about the evidence used during the trial. Central to Murdaugh’s conviction was damning cell phone data that placed him at the Moselle estate near the time of the murders. Prosecutors presented a chilling narrative: Murdaugh ambushed his son, Paul, in the kennel area, shooting him twice with a shotgun before using a .300 Blackout semi-automatic rifle on Maggie, firing five times even as she collapsed to her knees. The brutal nature of the killings and the forensic evidence presented were pivotal in securing the guilty verdict. Murdaugh’s defense contends that the jury’s ability to fairly weigh this evidence was compromised by Hill’s alleged misconduct. They argue that her reported comments to jurors introduced bias, undermining the principle of impartiality.

    Hill’s alleged ethical lapses extend beyond the Murdaugh trial. In June, South Carolina officials filed ethics violations against her, citing misuse of county funds, unauthorized bonuses, and orchestrating a photograph of Murdaugh in his holding cell—a move that further sensationalized an already high-profile case. Hill has denied wrongdoing related to the trial, stating that her resignation in March was prompted by public scrutiny and a desire to focus on her family. Nevertheless, these allegations have fueled debates about the integrity of Murdaugh’s conviction. Legal experts and the public alike are grappling with the implications of a trial potentially compromised by personal ambition and ethical violations.

    The murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh shocked South Carolina and drew national attention, partly due to the family’s storied history. For nearly a century, the Murdaughs wielded unparalleled influence as solicitors and district attorneys in the Low Country region. That legacy began to unravel with revelations of Alex Murdaugh’s financial crimes. Concurrent with his murder convictions, Murdaugh was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for defrauding clients of millions. Prosecutors accused him of exploiting vulnerable clients to fund a lavish lifestyle. At sentencing, Murdaugh expressed remorse but offered little solace to those he’d wronged.

    The Supreme Court Steps In

    In January, Murdaugh’s defense first raised the issue of jury tampering with former South Carolina Chief Justice Jean Toal, who dismissed the allegations, citing insufficient evidence to prove the comments swayed the verdict. However, in August, the Supreme Court overturned Toal’s decision, agreeing to consider whether the alleged tampering merits a retrial. Legal analysts have noted that the court’s decision to review the matter reflects the seriousness of the allegations and their potential to undermine public confidence in the justice system.

    Public opinion remains sharply divided. To some, Murdaugh’s appeal is a desperate ploy from a man already convicted of heinous crimes. To others, the allegations against Hill represent a betrayal of judicial ethics that, if proven, could undermine the legitimacy of the verdict. As the Supreme Court prepares to deliberate, the implications are clear: justice must not only be done but be seen to be done.

    Murdaugh’s legal team is also contesting the inclusion of his financial crimes during the murder trial, arguing that the evidence prejudiced the jury by portraying him as morally bankrupt. Prosecutors counter that the financial pressures Murdaugh faced provided a motive for the murders, a theory central to their case. The inclusion of this evidence remains a contentious point that could play a pivotal role in the Supreme Court’s decision. Legal experts continue to debate whether admitting financial crimes was necessary to understand Murdaugh’s motives or whether it unfairly tainted the jury’s perception of him.

    As South Carolina awaits the court’s ruling, the Murdaugh saga continues to captivate and polarize. At its core lies a complex interplay of privilege, power, and justice, with each development adding new layers of intrigue. Whether this appeal will result in a retrial or reaffirm the convictions, one thing is certain: the reverberations of this case will be felt for years to come. The outcome will not only determine Murdaugh’s future but also set a precedent for addressing allegations of misconduct in high-stakes trials, ensuring the integrity of the justice system remains uncompromised.
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    12 December 2024, 8:20 pm
  • 6 minutes 59 seconds
    Murdaugh Accomplice Freed and Facing New Challenges: What’s Next for Russell Laffitte?
    On this episode, Tony Brueski digs into the unraveling legal saga of Russell Laffitte, a former Hampton banker and accused accomplice in the infamous Murdaugh financial fraud scheme. As Laffitte prepares to return to South Carolina state court, the case grows more complex with federal appellate rulings vacating his prior conviction due to constitutional violations.
    We’ll explore the latest developments, from his release from federal prison to the impact of frozen assets on his defense. Join us as we unpack the broader implications of this case within the Murdaugh crime universe, revealing new twists and lingering questions about accountability and justice.
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    9 December 2024, 4:32 pm
  • 12 minutes 21 seconds
    LISTEN To Full Alex Murdaugh Juror Testimony Stating Becky Hill DID Influence Her Verdict-2024 Year in Review
    This is the " The Year in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this year's most compelling headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that have dominated the news.
     
     This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.
     
     Throughout the past year, we've followed and dissected cases such as P. Diddy, Karen Read, Scott Peterson, Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrand, the Delphi Murders, Kouri Richins, Bryan Kohberger, Rex Heuermann, Alex Murdaugh, Chad and Lori Daybell, and the Adelson family. Each episode navigates through these stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.
     
     Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime, or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "The Year in Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle.
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    26 November 2024, 6:00 pm
  • 7 minutes 12 seconds
    Criminal Probe Delays Ethics Hearing on Becky Hill’s Alleged Misconduct in Murdaugh Trial
    A highly anticipated ethics hearing into Becky Hill, the former Colleton County clerk of court who gained national attention during Alex Murdaugh's murder trial, has been postponed indefinitely due to a pending criminal investigation. The S.C. Ethics Commission, which had scheduled the hearing for Dec. 19, cited the investigation by the South Carolina Attorney General's office as the reason for the delay.

    The ethics hearing was expected to shed light on 76 alleged violations, which the commission had found probable cause for in May. These include accusations that Hill misused her position for personal gain and to promote her book about the Murdaugh trial, "Behind the Doors of Justice." Hill’s legal team requested a postponement in light of the investigation, and commission staff did not object. The Attorney General’s office and the Ethics Commission declined to comment.

    A legal source familiar with the Ethics Commission explained that pausing proceedings during a criminal probe is standard practice. “It prevents an accused official from having to give up their right against self-incrimination in an ethics hearing while potentially wanting to invoke it during a criminal investigation,” the source said.

    Hill resigned from her $101,256-a-year position in March, several months after releasing her book, which provided a behind-the-scenes look at Murdaugh's six-week trial. In February 2023, Alex Murdaugh was convicted of murdering his wife, Maggie, and son Paul, and is now serving two life sentences.

    The ethics charges against Hill include multiple instances of alleged self-enrichment. In September 2022 and March 2023, she purportedly awarded herself $2,500 bonuses. Hill is also accused of negotiating with a media company to use the Colleton County courthouse in exchange for promoting her book. Additional accusations involve misusing county funds to buy office decorations, gifts, and meals for courthouse staff and directing payments to a company with which she had a business relationship.

    Hill's conduct during the Murdaugh trial has also come under fire. Murdaugh’s lawyers, Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin, have claimed Hill tried to influence the jury to reach a quick guilty verdict, allegedly to boost her book sales. While Hill denied these allegations, they led to a court hearing in which Circuit Judge Jean Toal determined that, although Hill’s comments to jurors were improper, there wasn't enough evidence to prove they affected the verdict.

    Hill's reputation took another hit last December when she admitted to plagiarizing parts of her book from an unpublished BBC report on the Murdaugh case. The book was subsequently pulled from publication, and Hill’s co-author denied any knowledge of the plagiarism, which, although not a crime, is widely regarded as a severe breach in the literary community.

    Despite these controversies, Hill had initially emerged from Murdaugh’s trial as a helpful, well-regarded presence. Even South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, who attended the trial, publicly praised her, affectionately calling her “Becky Boo.” Due to Wilson’s ties to Hill, Rick Hubbard, the 11th Judicial Circuit Solicitor, and his deputy Suzanne Mayes were assigned to assist in the case, though Wilson’s office maintains oversight.

    Hill's legal and ethical troubles have tarnished her once-strong reputation. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division confirmed it is investigating allegations of jury tampering and misuse of office. With the ongoing criminal investigation, the postponed ethics hearing marks another twist in the complex saga surrounding Becky Hill’s role in one of the most high-profile murder trials in recent history.

    **#BeckyHill #AlexMurdaugh #MurdaughTrial #SCPolitics #LegalNews #EthicsInvestigation #SCAttorneyGeneral**
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    12 November 2024, 11:00 am
  • 11 minutes 21 seconds
    Alex Murdaugh Saga: Criminal Investigation Looms Over Ethics Scandal Of Court Clerk Becky Hill
    On this episode, Tony Brueski digs into the latest twists in the Becky Hill scandal. With her ethics hearing indefinitely postponed due to a pending criminal investigation, we examine the serious allegations against Hill, from misusing her position to promote her book to accusations of jury tampering during Alex Murdaugh’s trial. Brueski unpacks how this unfolding saga could redefine courtroom ethics and what it means for future high-profile cases in South Carolina.
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    11 November 2024, 7:07 pm
  • 13 minutes 48 seconds
    Bullet Holes Found in Murdaugh Estate Kennel: New Owner Claims It Proves Innocence
    On this episode, Tony Brueski digs into the explosive new twist in the Alex Murdaugh case. Alex Blair, the new owner of Murdaugh’s estate, claims he discovered bullet hole evidence that could shatter the prosecution's theory of how the murders unfolded. As Blair raises doubts about Murdaugh’s guilt, we explore whether the legal system got it wrong. Could this new evidence change the course of Murdaugh’s appeal and potentially clear his name?

    Join us as we uncover the latest revelations, hear from locals who never believed Murdaugh was guilty, and dive into the complexities of the appeal. Is this a breakthrough—or just another chapter in a saga filled with twists and turns?
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    29 October 2024, 12:00 am
  • 21 minutes 5 seconds
    The Latest On Alex Murdaugh's Request For A New Murder Trial From SC Supreme Court
    On this episode, Tony Brueski digs into the explosive new developments surrounding Alex Murdaugh’s murder trial. With the South Carolina Supreme Court agreeing to review the case, the question of jury tampering has taken center stage. Former jurors reveal behind-the-scenes interactions with court clerk Rebecca Hill, raising serious concerns about fairness and ethics in the courtroom. Could these revelations be the key to Murdaugh’s shot at a new trial—or just another twist in his ongoing legal saga?

    From courtroom drama to public scrutiny, Tony breaks down the latest developments and what they mean for Murdaugh’s future—and for the public’s trust in the justice system. Stay with us as we unravel the tangled web of power, betrayal, and redemption in one of the most gripping legal battles in recent memory.
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    22 October 2024, 6:00 pm
  • 11 minutes 21 seconds
    Alex Murdaugh's Financial Crimes Appeal Failed, What Will Happen With Murder Appeal?
    In this episode of True Crime Deep Dive, we unravel the shocking downfall of Alex Murdaugh, once a prominent South Carolina attorney, now convicted of financial crimes and serving life in prison for the murders of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul. We explore Murdaugh's long history of betrayal, including the millions he stole from vulnerable clients, and the 40-year sentence handed down for his financial fraud. We also dive into his ongoing legal battles, including the denial of his appeal and the allegations of jury tampering in his murder trial. Join us as we expose the web of deceit that led to the fall of a once-powerful man and the lasting impact on his victims.
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    16 October 2024, 2:00 pm
  • 13 minutes 32 seconds
    Disbarred Attorney Alex Murdaugh Dropped from Wrongful Death Lawsuit After $500,000 Insurance Payout to Mallory Beach's Family
    Disbarred South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh has been officially removed from a wrongful death lawsuit following a $500,000 settlement with the family of Mallory Beach, who died in a tragic boat crash in February 2019. This development, confirmed by court documents, brings a partial close to the legal aftermath of the fatal accident, which also involved Murdaugh’s son Paul, who was accused of driving the boat under the influence at the time of the crash.

    Mallory Beach, a 19-year-old student at the University of South Carolina, was on board the boat with Paul Murdaugh and friends when it crashed into the Archers Creek Bridge near Parris Island. The collision threw Beach overboard, and after an extensive search, her body was discovered in a nearby river eight days later. Beach’s death sparked a lengthy legal battle as her family sought accountability for the crash.

    According to law enforcement officials, Paul Murdaugh, who was also 19, was allegedly operating the boat while intoxicated. Witnesses and authorities indicated that the group had been drinking on the evening of the accident, and Paul had been observed purchasing alcohol at a Parker’s Kitchen convenience store in Ridgeland earlier that night. In 2019, Paul was charged with three felony counts, including boating under the influence causing death. However, he never stood trial due to his death in June 2021, when he and his mother, Maggie, were killed at the family’s Colleton County hunting estate. Alex Murdaugh, now serving a life sentence, was later convicted for the murders of his wife and son.

    In October 2023, a court filing detailed that Murdaugh’s insurance provider, Progressive, agreed to pay $500,000 as part of a settlement with the Beach family. However, the payment was contingent upon Murdaugh’s removal from the wrongful death lawsuit. The filing stated, “Progressive will only proceed with this payout on the condition that Alex Murdaugh is released from the litigation.” This $500,000 payout was the latest in a series of legal resolutions linked to the case.

    The financial settlement from Progressive adds to a prior settlement agreement reached with Parker’s Corporation. In July 2023, the Beach family settled with Parker’s for $15 million. The convenience store chain was implicated in the lawsuit because Paul Murdaugh, who was underage, allegedly purchased alcohol there before the crash. A judge approved this settlement after a prolonged period of negotiation.

    The legal proceedings surrounding the wrongful death lawsuit have drawn significant attention, particularly given Alex Murdaugh’s high-profile criminal cases. Murdaugh, once a prominent Lowcountry attorney, was disbarred following allegations of extensive financial misconduct. Prosecutors argued that financial strains and the looming Beach lawsuit motivated Murdaugh to kill his wife and son, fearing that his theft of millions from clients would soon be exposed. In March 2023, a jury convicted him on two counts of murder for the deaths of Paul and Maggie, and he was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

    In addition to the murder charges, Murdaugh faced further legal consequences for his financial misdeeds. In May 2023, he pleaded guilty to 22 financial-related charges, with the court ordering him to pay $8.7 million in restitution to his victims. He received an additional 40-year sentence for these offenses, intensifying the overall penalties for the crimes he committed.

    Despite Murdaugh’s criminal convictions and ongoing life sentence, the civil litigation involving Mallory Beach’s tragic death had lingered until this month’s settlement. Following Progressive’s $500,000 payout, the court closed the Beach family’s wrongful death lawsuit, bringing an end to the legal proceedings related to the fatal boat crash.

    The Beach family’s attorney commented, “This resolution provides a measure of closure to the family, who has endured unimaginable loss and prolonged litigation. Our hope is that the Beach family can now begin the process of healing.”

    This settlement marks the final chapter in the legal cases connected to the fatal boat crash that took Mallory Beach’s life, a tragedy that ultimately set off a chain of events ending with multiple convictions and financial penalties for Alex Murdaugh.  

    #AlexMurdaugh #MalloryBeach #WrongfulDeath #BoatCrash #Parker’sKitchen #ProgressiveInsurance #SouthCarolinaJustice
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    16 October 2024, 11:00 am
  • 10 minutes 32 seconds
    Alex Murdaugh Settles Mallory Beach Boat Accident Case
    In this in-depth episode of True Crime Deep Dive, we unravel the complex and tragic downfall of Alex Murdaugh, once a powerful South Carolina attorney who now sits behind bars, convicted of murdering his own wife and son. But before that shocking turn of events, there was another tragedy that began the unraveling of his seemingly untouchable life—the 2019 boat crash that killed 19-year-old Mallory Beach. What began as a night of fun for a group of friends quickly turned into a nightmare when Paul Murdaugh, Alex’s youngest son, allegedly crashed their family boat into a bridge while under the influence. The incident not only took Mallory’s life but also set off a series of legal and financial investigations that would ultimately lead to Alex’s downfall.

    This episode follows the chain of events that emerged from that fateful night—lawsuits filed by Mallory Beach’s family, mounting financial pressure on Alex Murdaugh, and his desperate attempts to conceal his theft of millions from clients and colleagues. As we explore the legal developments, including the 2024 settlement of the wrongful death lawsuit and the liquidation of Murdaugh’s assets, we delve into the broader picture of how this high-profile case exposed a web of lies, corruption, and murder. With new revelations, ongoing legal battles, and the relentless pursuit of justice, this episode captures the unraveling of a legal dynasty and the shocking secrets that tore a family apart.
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    15 October 2024, 11:00 pm
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