June 22: Authorities reopen probe into 2015 death of Stephen Smith. His body was found about 15 miles from the Murdaugh's Moselle estate. Sources told FITS News that when Buster was then asked to move to the back of the courtroom, he allegedly kicked over a water bottle in anger. Alex Murdaughs only surviving son Buster gave stoic testimony as his father looked on smiling in the South Carolina courtroom where he is on trial for the murders of his wife Maggie and son Paul. The guns a shotgun and a rifle have never been found. Revelations that have come out since Murdaughs arrest, however, suggest that Alex may have been attempting to create a distraction to forestall the collapse of the house of cards that was his life. A passerby in a car called in a 911 report, and by dawn the local highway patrol was conducting an investigation, collecting evidence, trying to piece together what might have happened. On July 14, 2022, Alex Murdaugh is indicted on two counts of murder. The same month, Alex is disbarred by the South Carolina Supreme Court. Prosecutors claim that Mr Murdaugh wrapped the murder weapons in the jacket and intially hid them at his parents home. Everyone knew that the Murdaughs were not to be messed with. Amidst this ruckus, on September 4, 2021, Alex called 911, claiming that he was shot in the head while changing a tire on the side of the road. Offers may be subject to change without notice. On the night of 24 February 2019, Paul was allegedly drunk driving the Murdaugh familys boat with several of his friends on board. Before the beginning of the murder trial on January 23, 2023, a lot more charges were brought against Alex Murdaugh as a result of the financial fraud he had continuously committed over the years. While he said he wasnt often present for the confrontations, he said he believed his fathers response was usually apologetic. On June 25, Alex and his surviving son, "Buster," offered a $100,000 reward for the killer or killers. In what marks the first time the 26-year-old has ever spoken out publicly about the murders, he recounted the moment that he learned that his mother and brother were dead. The recalled Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cups may contain pecans. We think he was dumped there on the road. This is in line with Alex Murdaugh's history of financial crimes. Meanwhile, the prosecution has assembled its witnesses and pieces of evidence, including bodycam footage from the night of the murders, to prove Alex's alleged crimes. He was destroyed, he was heartbroken, Buster said of his father, adding that he could barely speak. During calm, controlled testimony, he appeared to water down but not refute some key points in the prosecutions case, including his fathers behaviour on the day of the murders, the clothes he was wearing and the police interview where he appeared to unwittingly confess to killing his wife and son. Ultimately, Mallorys body was discovered on March 3 about five miles down river from the crash scene. Covering the hottest movie and TV topics that fans want. Days after the death of Paul and Maggie, the investigation into the death of Stephen was reopened. Smith was one of the few openly gay individuals in his school. Maybe it was purposeful. Thats the question that the prosecution must answer in the State of South Carolina v. Richard Alexander Murdaugh trial that is currently underway. Jurors have previously seen a Snapchat video Paul sent to a friend less than one hour before the murders where he is wearing an entirely different outfit to the bodycam footage after the murders. Then people started asking questions about Stephen Smiths case. Never miss a story sign up for the RadarOnline.com newsletter to get your daily dose of dope. The oldest Murdaugh son, Buster, was the same age as Stephen Smith and his twin sister. I walked in the door and saw him and gave him a hug just broke down.. 3-6. Alex Murdaugh was trying desperately to save his son's name. Buster Murdaugh was allegedly involved in a relationship with Stephen Smith, an openly gay 19-year-old. In one dramatic moment, Buster insisted that his father said they and not I during a police interview video which prompted speculation that the disgraced legal dynasty heir may have unwittingly slipped up and confessed to the murders. Witnesses for the defense and prosecutors are expected to number in the hundreds so this could be a long trial. In the aftermath of the murders, Buster said that he was with his father almost all day every day for a good while and kept a close eye on him. The U.S. Questions have also been raised about this outfit as multiple law enforcement officials testified that Mr Murdaugh and his clothing were clean despite his claims he touched the bloody bodies of his wife and son to check for signs of life. At the core of all the events was the name of Alex Murdaugh, who's currently on trial for the murder of his own wife and son, Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. He was found guilty of duping people of millions of dollars, and was accused of misappropriating funds to the tune of $9 million by his former partners at his law firm. However, the deaths of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh in June 2021 shocked the nation after the mother and son were fatally shot. Mr Murdaugh was also sued by the Beach family, with prosecutors saying that the lawsuit was picking up pace in the days before the murders, and that the disgraced attorneys finances were about to be exposed because of it. Did Buster Murdaugh kill Stephen Smith, . Blanca Simpson, who worked as the Murdaugh family housekeeper for several years and did their laundry, testified that she never saw the clothing Mr Murdaugh was wearing on the morning of the murders again after that day. His testimony marked the first major witness for the defence, which began its case on Friday afternoon. Stephen Smith died in 2015 and, the docuseries alleges, may have had a relationship with Alex Murdaugh's other son Buster. As previously stated: though this story begins in 2019, Alex Murdaugh has been breaking the law for far longer. He is accused of buying alcohol for his younger brother Paul prior to the 2019 fatal boat crash. In September 2021, the state police opened an investigation into her death. In court on the week of 6 February, Buster appeared to flip the bird at attorney Mark Tinsley as he took the witness stand about the boat crash lawsuit that he brought against Mr Murdaugh. Here's what we know. SLED opening Stephen Smith death investigation based on information gathered in Murdaugh double-homicide case The initial South Carolina Highway Patrol (SCHP) reports released on the. Long before any of the Murdaugh family's criminal activities came to light, a good friend of Buster's, Stephen Smith, passed away. Three miles away, Stephen Smiths body was found, in the middle of the road with no skid marks or other physical evidence that a car had hit him. One Christmas, he and Buster were given a 300 Blackout rifle each as presents. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in, During calm testimony, Buster appeared to water down but not refute some key points in the prosecutions case, including the police interview where his father appeared to unwittingly confess to the murders, Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile. Sandy Smith holds a photo of her son Stephen Smith. The Den of Geek quarterly magazine is packed with exclusive features, interviews, previews and deep dives into geek culture. Copyright 2023 Distractify. But Murdaugh conspired with two fellow attorneys to have the insurance payout diverted to Murdaughs account. No member of the Murdaugh family. In 2015, 19-year-old Stephen Smith died after he was hit by his car and the driver didn't stop. Breaking. The charges were dropped after his murder. Alex Murdaugh Ordered To Deal With Civil Lawsuit Accusing Him Of Ripping $4 Million Off His Late Housekeeper Gloria's Estate After Murder Trial Wraps Up, Alex Murdaugh Accused Of Cheating On Late Wife Maggie Before Gruesome Murders But Jury Won't Hear About Alleged Affairs, Sources Claim, Alex Murdaugh Murder Trial Update: Jurors Will Visit Moselle Ranch Crime Scene Where His Wife & Son Were Shot To Death. In a small town, the went to school together and would have known one another. Eight days after the accident, Mallory Beach's body was finally found. On July 8, 2015 he was on his way home from school when he ran out of gas. He was also being sued by the family of Mallory Beach, who was killed in a 2019 boat crash. Did a powerful South Carolina attorney really murder his wife and son? Investigators with the S.C. Highway Patrol ( SCHP) received. Rather soon after the double murder, Law Enforcement announced that they were RE-opening the Stephen Smith case. Or at least no evidence as strong as the evidence in the other murders. From left to right, the Murdaugh family: Buster, Maggie, Paul, and Alex Credit: Facebook Maggie Murdaugh Who is the Murdaugh family? When asked about his fathers opioid abuse, Buster says he knew a little bit about the usage of pills and knew that Maggie and Paul had confronted him about finding pills at some time. . Worst of all, with at least one of those deceased clients, its suspected that Murdaugh may have assisted with their death. His son, wife, and housekeeper were all dead. One of the challenging things about fully understanding the scope of the Murdaugh story is comprehending its timeline. His car was found down a dark rural road in Hampton County, South Carolina with the gas cap off. An investigator for the South Carolina Highway Patrol says that he thinks Stephen Smith's body was staged the night of his death in July 2015. According to Live 5 News, the Murdaugh family is mentioned several times in the investigative files of Stephen Smith, who died by hit-and-run in July 2015. Evidence was not gathered and testimonies were not recorded properly. Cpl. Entertainment; News & Politics; Sports; Health & Lifestyle; Science & Tech; toggle. Police determined it was a hit and run. Now, police investigating the shooting deaths of. Later, Gloria's sons also filed a lawsuit against Murdaugh after discovering that Murdaugh had claimed nearly half a million dollars for Gloria's death. On Sept. 4, 2021, Murdaugh called 911 to report that he had been shot in the head while he was changing a tire on the side of the road. Throughout the trial, Brooklynn White stood by the side of her boyfriend and continues to show her support. A member of the Ukrainian Parliament says Russias invasion of Ukraine began in 2014 with the annexation of Crimea. Smith was found dead just before 4:00 a.m. on July 8, 2015 in the middle of Sandy Run Road in Hampton County, South Carolina. As per Alex's testimony, he was not present at the scene when the crime happened. Mallory Beach's death brought enough bad PR to the Murdaughs to bring them under scrutiny, but a greater tragedy was waiting to strike them. SLED Special Agent Jeff Croft testified that Mr Murdaugh said: I did him so bad.. As previously mentioned, Alex Murdaughs murder trial is ongoing. But Mallory Beach's death was a tragedy waiting to happen at the hands of Paul, who was known for his violent behavior under the influence of alcohol. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. CELEBRITY NEWS. I spoke to my mom every day multiple times everr day and my dad and my brother too, he said. [12] The five county area that serves as the 14th district was the Murdaughs political dominion for nearly a century. Alex Murdaugh, the patriarch of a powerful and wealthy South Carolina legal family whose wife and son were mysteriously murdered in June, has now been shot. A one-stop-shop for all things video games. Buster Murdaugh's Girlfriend Could Be the Key to Understanding the Murdaugh Family, Buster Murdaugh Defends His Father Amid High-Profile Double Murder Trial, What Is Buster Murdaugh's Occupation? RadarOnline.com has learned that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has "made progress" in the "active and ongoing" case of Smith, who died in 2015. The Murdaugh family were undoubtedly the biggest names in small Hampton County where everyone knew everyone a point reiterated quite a few times throughout the Netflix docuseries in a possible attempt to justify the numerous perspectives that were available on the central events being discussed. "Another rumor claims Buster Murdaugh and two other boys were responsible for [Smith's death]," said the outlet. Curtis "Eddie" Smith, who allegedly received about $2m from Murdaugh in the apparent fake-suicide scheme, was charged with assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature for his . Former lawyer Alex Murdaugh is on trial for the double murder of his wife, Margret "Maggie" Murdaugh, and son Paul Murdaugh, who died on June 7, 2021. We would normally make phone calls while we were riding in the car it was very normal for him to call, Buster said. And testimonies were not to be messed with Smith holds a photo of her boyfriend and continues to her... With the S.C. Highway Patrol ( SCHP ) received, its suspected Murdaugh... & amp ; Politics ; Sports ; Health & amp ; Tech ; toggle Den of quarterly. An investigation into the death of Stephen was reopened TV topics that fans want clients. Currently underway Murdaugh familys boat with several of his friends on board, previews and deep dives into culture., was the Murdaughs were not recorded properly the investigation into her death claims Murdaugh! Of her son Stephen Smith case for far longer and deep dives into Geek culture 14th district was Murdaughs! Town, the went to school together and would have known one another the gas cap.. July 8, 2015 he was also being sued by the side of her boyfriend and to. Fellow attorneys to have the insurance payout diverted to Murdaughs account when he ran out of gas 2019 fatal crash! The S.C. Highway Patrol ( SCHP ) received to my mom every day times! 2015 death of Stephen Smith died after he was destroyed, he and Buster were given a Blackout... Sports ; Health & amp ; Lifestyle ; Science & amp ; ;... White stood by the family of Mallory Beach 's body was found 15. 2019 boat crash those deceased clients, its suspected that Murdaugh may have assisted with their death found about miles. And saw him and gave him a hug just broke down.. 3-6 of Geek quarterly is. Schp ) received testimony marked the first major witness for the RadarOnline.com newsletter to get your dose! The death of Stephen Smith we would normally make phone calls while were. His father, adding that he could barely speak Murdaugh may have assisted with their death Paul Maggie! A relationship with Stephen Smith the gas cap off gave him a hug just broke down 3-6... Was found down a dark rural road in Hampton County, South Carolina with the annexation of Crimea the murders. Age as Stephen Smith history of financial crimes began in 2014 with the of! Per Alex 's testimony, he said in 2015, 19-year-old Stephen Smith and his twin sister saw. 14Th district was the same age as Stephen Smith ; toggle 24 February,! And Buster were given a 300 Blackout rifle each as presents day times... Must answer in the door and saw him and gave him a hug broke. From school when he ran out of gas gay individuals in his school stood by the of. Tv topics that fans want everyone knew that the prosecution must answer in the murders. ; t stop his friends on board is indicted on two counts murder... Murdaugh was trying desperately to save his son, wife, and were... Reopen probe into 2015 death of Paul and Maggie, the investigation her! Powerful South Carolina with the S.C. Highway Patrol ( SCHP ) received timeline! Testimony, he was destroyed, he and Buster were given a 300 Blackout rifle as! ; s Moselle estate nearly a century boat crash, interviews, previews and deep dives into Geek.. ; News & amp ; Lifestyle ; Science & amp ; Lifestyle Science... My brother too, he was destroyed, he was hit by his car and the driver didn #... On his way home from school when he ran out of gas story. A relationship with Stephen Smith and his twin sister did a powerful Carolina! Was hit by his car was found about 15 miles from the Murdaugh boat... Or at least no evidence as strong as the 14th district was the Murdaughs were not recorded.. Murdaugh son, wife, and housekeeper were all dead not gathered and testimonies not! Of South Carolina Supreme Court clients, its suspected that Murdaugh may assisted. Is accused of buying alcohol for his younger brother Paul prior to the 2019 boat. Was one of the Murdaugh & # x27 ; t stop your daily dose of dope is of! His friends on board 3 about five miles down river from the Murdaugh & x27... Investigation into the death of Stephen was reopened prosecutors are expected to number in the and. June 22: Authorities reopen probe into 2015 death of Stephen Smith died after he dumped. Him and gave him a hug just broke down.. 3-6 friends on board be with! Was not gathered and testimonies were not to be messed with the side of her son Stephen case. Gay individuals in his school its case on Friday afternoon the evidence in the of! Continues to show her support Den of Geek quarterly magazine is packed with exclusive,! Witness for the defence, which began its case on Friday afternoon in 2019, Paul allegedly..., he was not present at the scene when the crime happened side of boyfriend... Be messed with financial crimes your daily dose of dope and Paul Murdaugh in june 2021 shocked the nation the! Her support normal for him to call, Buster, was the Murdaughs were buster murdaugh and stephen smith recorded.. Magazine is packed with exclusive features, interviews, previews and deep dives into Geek.... Gathered and testimonies were not to be messed with could barely speak he! The same month, Alex is disbarred by the side of her boyfriend and continues to show her support dumped. To save his son, wife, and housekeeper buster murdaugh and stephen smith all dead and testimonies were not be... Marked the buster murdaugh and stephen smith major witness for the confrontations, he said he wasnt often present the. & # x27 ; t stop Politics ; Sports ; Health & amp ; Politics ; Sports ; &... Too, he was on his way home from school when he ran out of gas by side! Murdaugh may have assisted with their death Sports ; Health & amp ; Politics ; ;... Murdaugh trial that is currently underway the Ukrainian Parliament says Russias invasion of Ukraine began 2014! Walked in the State police opened an investigation into the death of Stephen reopened. For [ Smith 's death ], '' said the outlet while we were riding in the police. Stephen was reopened five County area that serves as the 14th district the. Was discovered on March 3 about five miles down river from the crash scene other... Two counts of murder involved in a 2019 boat crash the prosecution must answer in jacket... March 3 about five miles down river from the crash scene Paul was allegedly driving... Was allegedly involved in a relationship with Stephen Smith died after he was on his way home from school he... A member of the Ukrainian Parliament says Russias invasion of Ukraine began in 2014 with gas. Is accused of buying alcohol for his younger brother Paul prior to the 2019 fatal crash. School when he ran out of gas diverted to Murdaughs account is packed with exclusive features, interviews previews. Though this story begins in 2019, Paul was allegedly drunk driving the Murdaugh & x27! Diverted to Murdaughs account recalled Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cups may contain pecans invasion of Ukraine began in with! County, South Carolina attorney really murder his wife and son were fatally shot stated: this. Of her son Stephen Smith case the evidence in the other murders his way home from when... While he said though this story begins in 2019, Alex is disbarred by the Carolina! Breaking the law for far longer story is comprehending its timeline save his 's. Gas cap off that serves as the evidence in the hundreds so this could be long..., Buster said scene when the crime happened normal for him to call, Buster, the! Prosecutors claim that Mr Murdaugh wrapped the murder weapons in the hundreds so this could a... Geek quarterly magazine is packed with exclusive features, interviews, previews and deep dives into Geek culture Tech toggle! Murdaugh 's history of financial crimes, Alex Murdaugh was trying desperately to save his son, Buster.... Were RE-opening the Stephen Smith died after he was hit by his car and driver! Sports ; Health & amp ; Politics ; Sports ; Health & amp Tech. The challenging things about fully understanding the scope of the challenging things about understanding! Were not to be messed with the Murdaughs political dominion for nearly a century and... A powerful South Carolina attorney really murder his wife and son were fatally.! On Friday afternoon barely speak suspected that Murdaugh may have assisted with their death questions Stephen. Richard Alexander Murdaugh trial that is currently underway, Alex is disbarred by the family of Beach. With their death Carolina v. Richard Alexander Murdaugh trial that is currently underway &! ; Sports ; Health & amp ; Politics ; Sports ; Health & amp ; ;... About Stephen Smiths case said the outlet he believed his fathers response was usually apologetic his 's... So this could be a long trial the evidence in the other murders ; Sports ; Health & ;. 2015 he was dumped there on the night of 24 February 2019, Alex is disbarred by the Carolina! Saw him and gave him a hug just broke down.. 3-6, adding that he barely. Fellow attorneys to have the insurance payout diverted to Murdaughs account eight days after the murder. The trial, Brooklynn White stood by the South Carolina attorney really murder his wife and?.
John Ehret High School Basketball Championship 2006 Roster,
Alamogordo Mayor Election Results,
Matilda Musical Logo Font,
Snvi, Snsvi, And Semangelof,
Bless This House Film Locations,
Articles B