Alex Murdaugh on Trial for Alleged Double Murder: Closing Arguments Begin
Alex Murdaugh is on trial for the alleged double murder of his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and son, Paul Murdaugh, in June 2021.[0] Prosecutors allege that Murdaugh shot his family in an attempt to cover up years of financial crimes he himself committed and admitted to in court.[1]
The prosecution has argued that the 54-year-old believed the deaths of his wife and son would prevent his financial crimes from being exposed.[2] The defense team has asserted that the state did not seriously consider any other suspects.
In his closing arguments, prosecutor Creighton Waters called Murdaugh a “master manipulator” who lied easily to his vulnerable clients and to the jurors in the courtroom.[3] He argued that Murdaugh had the motive, means, and opportunity to commit the crime and referenced lies he told to law enforcement.[4]
Video evidence was also used to show the jury clips from the first interview conducted by investigator David Owen.
Murdaugh is accused of stealing nearly $9 million from clients and his former firm, and admitted to the bulk of the thefts when he testified.[5] He is also facing over 100 other charges for other alleged financial and other crimes for which he was disbarred last year.[6]
The defense has argued that two guns were used in the murders, indicating there were two shooters.[6] They also pointed to a blue raincoat found months after the killings that was covered in gunshot residue but was never tied to Murdaugh.[7]
Prior to closing arguments, Judge Clifton Newman removed one juror who had engaged in improper discussions about the case.[8] Five jurors have been replaced during the trial, leaving just one alternate.[6]
Murdaugh faces up to 30 years to life in prison if convicted of the killings.[9] Jury deliberations are anticipated to commence later in the week.[10]
0. “Jury visits Murdaugh family home as part of murder trial” Fox Carolina, 2 Mar. 2023, https://www.foxcarolina.com/2023/03/02/jury-visits-murdaugh-family-home-part-murder-trial/
1. “Judge kicks off juror in Alex Murdaugh trial” WLTX.com, 2 Mar. 2023, https://www.wltx.com/article/news/special-reports/alex-murdaugh/alex-murdaugh-trial-juror-removed/101-7ceee91c-7c71-462f-8a9b-7c5119914e52
2. “Alex Murdaugh trial evidence that the jury will consider” BBC, 2 Mar. 2023, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-64831213
3. “Alex Murdaugh shot wife Maggie while she was ‘running to her baby': prosecutors” Fox News, 1 Mar. 2023, https://www.foxnews.com/us/alex-murder-slaughtered-family-crushing-financial-pressures-prosecutor
4. “LIVE: Day 28: Murdaugh defense to present its closing arguments Thursday” Live 5 News WCSC, 2 Mar. 2023, https://www.live5news.com/2023/03/02/live-day-28-murdaugh-defense-present-its-closing-arguments-thursday/
5. “Jury in Alex Murdaugh's double murder trial begins deliberations Thursday afternoon” Fox News, 2 Mar. 2023, https://www.foxnews.com/us/alex-murdaughs-defense-lawyer-says-agents-failed-miserably-murder-investigation
6. “Alex Murdaugh trial jury beings deliberations in South Carolina double murder case” CBS News, 2 Mar. 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/live-updates/alex-murdaugh-trial-double-murder-south-carolina-jury-begins-deliberations
7. “Alex Murdaugh jurors begin deliberations in double murder trial” The Guardian US, 2 Mar. 2023, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/mar/02/alex-murdaugh-murder-trial-jury-deliberations-south-carolina
8. “Excused Murdaugh juror left ‘a dozen eggs' in jury room” The Hill, 2 Mar. 2023, https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/3881216-excused-murdaugh-juror-left-a-dozen-eggs-in-jury-room
9. “Alex Murdaugh trial: juror dismissed for ‘improper' conversations” BBC, 2 Mar. 2023, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-64828605
10. “What we've learned from Alex Murdaugh murder trial” BBC, 2 Mar. 2023, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-64790627
