Alex Murdaugh Murder Trial

[retiredguy123]

I watched the cross-examination of Alex Murdaugh today. The prosecutor was able to prove that Murdaugh was a liar, he stole money from his clients, and he was a drug addict. Murdaugh openly admitted to these things. But, all of that is totally irrelevant to the murder case. He never proved that Murdaugh killed his wife and son. What a waste of time. He better come up with a more convincing case than he has so far. My opinion.

[Caymus]

I watched the cross-examination of Alex Murdaugh today. The prosecutor was able to prove that Murdaugh was a liar, he stole money from his clients, and he was a drug addict. Murdaugh openly admitted to these things. But, all of that is totally irrelevant to the murder case. He never proved that Murdaugh killed his wife and son. What a waste of time. He better come up with a more convincing case than he has so far. My opinion.


I have not followed the trial. Has Murdaugh identified the "real killer"?

[Keefelane66]

Watched it afternoons for 2 days doesn't seem as an honest person who lies admitted embezzlement theft from client's.

[Pairadocs]

I watched the cross-examination of Alex Murdaugh today. The prosecutor was able to prove that Murdaugh was a liar, he stole money from his clients, and he was a drug addict. Murdaugh openly admitted to these things. But, all of that is totally irrelevant to the murder case. He never proved that Murdaugh killed his wife and son. What a waste of time. He better come up with a more convincing case than he has so far. My opinion.

I've watched the entire trial. Fascinating to watch an attorney (who may be a drug addict but in not a dull intellect) manipulate the prosecutor with such cleaver (effusive, detailed answers to questions NOT asked. At times I was amazed at the judge's restraint. I think Murdaugh will walk... another Casey Anthony, it only takes ONE. From what I have read on the rest of the UNRELATED charges involving unprofessional conduct and many financial crimes, he may well end up doing some prison time, but I predict NOT for double (or triple) murder.

[Taltarzac725]

He knows how to spin things in front of a jury. A trial attorney who taught at the U of MN Law School said that trial work is theater. It is who can tell the better story. This law professor was Irving Younger. His work is still worth a look. Irving Younger - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irving_Younger)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBP2if0l-a8


I've watched the entire trial. Fascinating to watch an attorney (who may be a drug addict but in not a dull intellect) manipulate the prosecutor with such cleaver (effusive, detailed answers to questions NOT asked. At times I was amazed at the judge's restraint. I think Murdaugh will walk... another Casey Anthony, it only takes ONE. From what I have read on the rest of the UNRELATED charges involving unprofessional conduct and many financial crimes, he may well end up doing some prison time, but I predict NOT for double (or triple) murder.

[Chi-Town]

The prosecutor gives me the impression that he is ill prepared in his presentation. Lots of fumbling around and notes shuffling. Murdaugh is playing him.

[Taltarzac725]

The prosecutor gives me the impression that he is ill prepared in his presentation. Lots of fumbling around and notes shuffling. Murdaugh is playing him.

Some people are great con men and women. I just hope that the jury looks very carefully at the facts and that whoever the jury foreman is listens to everyone. SC Judicial Branch (https://www.sccourts.org/jurorInfo/jurorSelection.cfm)

[Rainger99]

Have only watched about 30 minutes of it and know very little about the case. Saw that he admitted numerous times to being a liar and stealing money but vehemently denied killing them.

From what I have seen, it is only a circumstantial case. There is no evidence connecting him to the murder. I don’t think they even found the weapons.

For those who have followed it more closely, do you think the prosecution has proved beyond a reasonable doubt that he did it?

[Ele201]

I watched the cross-examination of Alex Murdaugh today. The prosecutor was able to prove that Murdaugh was a liar, he stole money from his clients, and he was a drug addict. Murdaugh openly admitted to these things. But, all of that is totally irrelevant to the murder case. He never proved that Murdaugh killed his wife and son. What a waste of time. He better come up with a more convincing case than he has so far. My opinion.
I agree with you. The prosecutor seemed to lose control of the defendant during the cross exam. He should have maintained his composure, and asked the right questions leading directly to the night of the murder and placing Murdaugh there. Because that’s what this case is about.

Also I was surprised at how the defendant was allowed to talk so much, changing the subject at will. At times he seemed to be cross examining the prosecutor! That seemed unusual. And why did the judge let him get away with it? Anyway there’s still time for the prosecutor to convince the jury but he needs to regain his focus.

[RICH1]

another one of the great trial blunders in history!

[Heyitsrick]

One never knows what a jury will do, but based on the testimony he gave I cannot see how he could be convicted of murders. Financial crimes are another story, but he's already laid the case for being an addict. That could lessen penalties he may face there.

[msilagy]

Either way he will not walk and even if he is acquitted will be taken back to jail where he will serve many years for his financial crimes after trial.

[bobmarc]

I have not followed the trial. Has Murdaugh identified the "real killer"?

OJ Simpson

[PurePeach]

Have only watched about 30 minutes of it and know very little about the case. Saw that he admitted numerous times to being a liar and stealing money but vehemently denied killing them.

From what I have seen, it is only a circumstantial case. There is no evidence connecting him to the murder. I don’t think they even found the weapons.

For those who have followed it more closely, do you think the prosecution has proved beyond a reasonable doubt that he did it?


No.

[PurePeach]

I watched the cross-examination of Alex Murdaugh today. The prosecutor was able to prove that Murdaugh was a liar, he stole money from his clients, and he was a drug addict. Murdaugh openly admitted to these things. But, all of that is totally irrelevant to the murder case. He never proved that Murdaugh killed his wife and son. What a waste of time. He better come up with a more convincing case than he has so far. My opinion.
Without evidence, which there is none, there is no way they can be 100% sure he killed them. No matter what the jury thinks, without proof it’s hard to convict. And after watching 2 full days of this trial, I’m no longer convinced he killed them either.

[airstreamingypsy]

I have not followed the trial. Has Murdaugh identified the "real killer"?

Columbian Necktie killers.

[airstreamingypsy]

I watched too. I believe he is guilty, of not only killing his wife and son but his maid too, he appears to be a sociopath. That said, the prosecutor appeared to be bullying him, which I doubt will sit well with the jury, all it takes is one to be sympathetic.

[Tvflguy]

Prosecution on cross was not very good. Perhaps glazed eyes and eyes on the jury. The defendant is a pro at deception and acting. His career was based on that.

Only takes one sympathetic juror with a doubt. Thankfully even if this scum is not found guilty prison is his future anyway.

[rustyp]

Netflix has a documentary "Murdaugh Murders". The trial will make more sense to you after you watch this.

[Roron123]

I am still convinced that he did kill them! Putting the son out of his suffering and the wife, it was meant to be a murder suicide but his killing was botched! And what about those 4 minutes of steps that cannot be accounted for? Plus he shot them from his golf cart sitting down there is you 4-5 ft man! Atty needs to focus on that 😩😩

[Deden]

That was the plan, did you notice how the prosecutor let him ramble on and spin more lies. the man has diarrhea of the mouth! Guilty!!!

[tvbound]

I think he is definitely a sociopath/liar/scumbag and in spite of the fact that common sense says/shows he did it, I'm afraid that it will be at least a hung jury.

Being a purely circumstantial case, without evidence, it was a steep hill for the prosecution from the beginning. Although 99%+ of defendants should never testify, him admitting that he is a liar/cheat, but could never murder his own child and wife...has helped his case IMHO. While I believe the prosecutor has done a decent job overall, he has also made some missteps of which Murdaugh has taken full advantage.

Let's face it, a normal person could never imagine killing their own family, especially over money/other matters, so it's pretty easy to see at least one juror who will believe he didn't do it.

Add the fact that he will serve time for his admitted law breaking on the other stuff, thereby some type of 'justice' will still be served, I predict that the thought "if we don't convict him on the murders, he'll still be punished" - will unfortunately allow him to get away with this heinous crime. :(

[Caymus]

That was the plan, did you notice how the prosecutor let him ramble on and spin more lies. the man has diarrhea of the mouth! Guilty!!!

Well, he is a lawyer.

[conman5652@aol.com]

Reasonable doubt. Innocent until state make case. So far they havent

[RiderOnTheStorm]

I watched the cross-examination of Alex Murdaugh today. The prosecutor was able to prove that Murdaugh was a liar, he stole money from his clients, and he was a drug addict. Murdaugh openly admitted to these things. But, all of that is totally irrelevant to the murder case. He never proved that Murdaugh killed his wife and son. What a waste of time. He better come up with a more convincing case than he has so far. My opinion.


Why is this posted on TOTV?

[retiredguy123]

Why is this posted on TOTV?
It was posted under one of the standard TOTV forum threads, which is described as follows:

The Villages, Florida, Non Villages Discussion
If you want to post a topic that doesn’t pertain to The Villages at all, this is the thread for you. Celebrity birthdays, ufo sightings, alligators in Florida, and more!

[jimbo2012]

One theory, revenge killing by two people (because two types of guns were used)

for Mallory's accidental death on the boat hitting the bridge.

Paul was killed his mother she realized he was dead then tried to run away from the killers and was shot in the back.

He had to admit to lies, stealing and drug use, everyone knew it anyway since he opted to take the stand (which is rare) he just wanted to put it out there to avoid a bunch of prosecutions questions about all that and focus on his innocence.

Which he did

The prosecution needs to go back to law school to learn how to ask questions.

He walks

[La lamy]

I watched the cross-examination of Alex Murdaugh today. The prosecutor was able to prove that Murdaugh was a liar, he stole money from his clients, and he was a drug addict. Murdaugh openly admitted to these things. But, all of that is totally irrelevant to the murder case. He never proved that Murdaugh killed his wife and son. What a waste of time. He better come up with a more convincing case than he has so far. My opinion.
I disagree. Since I didn't know all the evil this man had done, I needed to hear all that he was capable of doing to "people he thought the world of". He clearly showed Murdaugh used his badges to get "friendlier" treatment from law enforcement either when stopped in his car, or at the hospital after the boat wreck. He demonstrated Murdaugh was willing to kill himself when he got caught about all the stealing he did. He IS CAPABLE OF KILLING!!! But the best argument was the LYING ABOUT HIS WHEREABOUTS AT THE TIME OF THE MURDER!!!! I didn't buy his BS about drug induced paranoia, he was paranoid because he KILLED HIS WIFE AND KID. And the fact that his clothes from the time of the murder were never found. Clorox bottle found in the truck on his property. No doubt about it in my mind. He has been a monster for decades.

[Kahiland]

Having worked in the area where this craziness happened, I know several families who have been affected by this idiot, including the sister of the housekeeper. I have been shaking my head, though...I have believed he is gulity as sin, but now I don't know what to think.

After watching Murdaughs testimony, I am not so convinced he will be found guilty of the murders. He will probably go to Federal Prison for all of his financial crimes. That aside, in my opinion, putting him on the stand has helped his case and I believe he will walk on the murders. Why?
1. Murdaugh claims the "they" he was referring to when he said they got him was tied to when he found Maggie and Paul...referring to the boat accident in which Paul was driving and a 19 year old female was killed. Murdaugh said Paul had received death threats regarding the accident in which Paul was intoxicated.
2. Murdaugh sang like a bird about his drug addiction and financial crimes. When he was asked if he killed Maggie and Paul he gave a strong "no", obviously under oath.
3. The prosecutor was played by Murdaugh.

Is he guilty of the murders? Only Murdaugh and the Good Lord can say for sure. Did Murdaugh taking the stand bring about the possibility of a Not Gulity verdict help?Probably.

[mkjelenbaas]

I watched the cross-examination of Alex Murdaugh today. The prosecutor was able to prove that Murdaugh was a liar, he stole money from his clients, and he was a drug addict. Murdaugh openly admitted to these things. But, all of that is totally irrelevant to the murder case. He never proved that Murdaugh killed his wife and son. What a waste of time. He better come up with a more convincing case than he has so far. My opinion.
I golfed the last couple of days - I suspect that was more exciting!!

[NotGolfer]

Haven't watched the trial....there were a couple of shows on t.v. re: all this before....might have been Dateline or 20-20. The family he's a part of have controlled their county for 100 yrs (alledgedly). ALL of them are crooks. I had heard it goes all the way up to the state and federal level. When those shows were on....they showed the evil this man was capable of. I don't know if he'll get off or convicted but my thoughts are he's guilty. I did see a couple of clips of the trial and he's one slick puppy. VERY confident! Wouldn't be surprised he's got something on all the lawyers plus the judge. Maybe he'll get jail-time for the other crimes and someone will take care of him inside.

[RiderOnTheStorm]

It was posted under one of the standard TOTV forum threads, which is described as follows:

The Villages, Florida, Non Villages Discussion
If you want to post a topic that doesn’t pertain to The Villages at all, this is the thread for you. Celebrity birthdays, ufo sightings, alligators in Florida, and more!


I guess I will never understand the fascination that some people, many people it seems, have with the lives of others. If our own lives are not much more interesting than perhaps a few more hobbies or activities are in order. Much healthier.
Hopefully Murdaugh doesn't become the next Tom Brady.

[New Englander]

I haven't seen any of the trial. But last night I watched the three part Netflix series "Murtaugh Murders". It's a real eye-opener. Money, power, privilege and above the law. The three part series is very well done and if you have interest in this trial, watch the series.

[rustyp]

I haven't seen any of the trial. But last night I watched the three part Netflix series "Murtaugh Murders". It's a real eye-opener. Money, power, privilege and above the law. The three part series is very well done and if you have interest in this trial, watch the series.

The Netflix series gives credence to the proverbial saying absolute power corrupts absolutely. It conveys the opinion that, as a person's power increases, their moral sense diminishes.

[Deden]

It's called motive.

[kkingston57]

I watched the cross-examination of Alex Murdaugh today. The prosecutor was able to prove that Murdaugh was a liar, he stole money from his clients, and he was a drug addict. Murdaugh openly admitted to these things. But, all of that is totally irrelevant to the murder case. He never proved that Murdaugh killed his wife and son. What a waste of time. He better come up with a more convincing case than he has so far. My opinion.

Wonder who did it? 1. He saw them 10-15 minutes before they died. 2. He was on property when they died. 3. He did not see anyone on the property during that time 4. He lied about being on the property. On the other side of the coin. 1. No blood splatter 2. No real good motive. 3. No weapon(s) found. Not a waste of time. He has now admitted to a lot of the other crimes. Might not be found guilty on the murder charges but hope he gets a lot of time for the other charges.

[kkingston57]

The prosecutor gives me the impression that he is ill prepared in his presentation. Lots of fumbling around and notes shuffling. Murdaugh is playing him.

Murdaugh may be "playing him" but jurors should see that he avoids almost all of the ?s

[Jayhawk]

Murdaugh may be "playing him" but jurors should see that he avoids almost all of the ?s


A hung jury is not a good thing for Murdaugh either. It gives the prosecution another chance to find a better prosecutor who won't make the same mistakes in a second trial.

One thing is for sure, this one has not proven guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

[Pairadocs]

Have only watched about 30 minutes of it and know very little about the case. Saw that he admitted numerous times to being a liar and stealing money but vehemently denied killing them.

From what I have seen, it is only a circumstantial case. There is no evidence connecting him to the murder. I don’t think they even found the weapons.

For those who have followed it more closely, do you think the prosecution has proved beyond a reasonable doubt that he did it?

No, I have watched all and do not think the prosecution has proved anything beyond "doubt". Is he a horrendously lost addict, yes ! Desperate, yes ! Paranoid as the addiction progressed, yes ! I would go "out on a limb" and and offer that there is a high likelihood that he had a sociopathic personality even BEFORE the addiction and the personality changes what result from it. WAY out on that limb now, I might surmise he has always been able to get through life by "glad handing", some might call it B.S., and, on family history (previous generations appear to have been stable, honest, people without scandal). He may have (?) had serious doubts about his own self esteem... despite all the trappings of success and wealth ? Sure, that's deep stuff, but he seems a textbook example of "maladjustment" ! I think he may well be found "NOT" guilty, but think he will surely pay with prison time for the financial crimes he has admitted. Frankly, I do not believe that some "outraged" person, angry at the son responsible for boat "accident" that ended in death, would target the mother. The father's faked suicide ? Just a LOT of mental health issues in that family for sure !

[Jayhawk]

I guess I will never understand the fascination that some people, many people it seems, have with the lives of others. If our own lives are not much more interesting than perhaps a few more hobbies or activities are in order. Much healthier.
Hopefully Murdaugh doesn't become the next Tom Brady.

So, why did you click on the thread, read the posts, and make one of your own, given your statement above?

[Carla B]

I haven't watched any of the trial and haven't seen any of the TV shows pertaining to Alex Murdaugh. But I did read this thread and became interested in the case. Something must have changed with the prosecution or maybe Alex Murdaugh's own defense, to result in such a quick guilty verdict. Any thoughts on this? By the way, La Lamy was right on in saying she thought he would be found guilty.

[blueash]

I haven't watched any of the trial and haven't seen any of the TV shows pertaining to Alex Murdaugh. But I did read this thread and became interested in the case. Something must have changed with the prosecution or maybe Alex Murdaugh's own defense, to result in such a quick guilty verdict. Any thoughts on this? By the way, La Lamy was right on in saying she thought he would be found guilty.

Interestingly the judge in a statement from the bench attacked our two tier system of charging and justice. He said that given the crimes of which Murdaugh was accused he felt that those charges under the state laws should have been brought with a death penalty specification. He suggested that the privilege of whiteness and dollars played a role in that not being on the table.
He pointed out that Murdaugh's family as prosecutors in those courts had invoked the death penalty in cases less heinous than this case. Murdaugh's father, grandfather, and great-grandfather held the office of head prosecutor in that county for 86 years.

[Keefelane66]

I haven't watched any of the trial and haven't seen any of the TV shows pertaining to Alex Murdaugh. But I did read this thread and became interested in the case. Something must have changed with the prosecution or maybe Alex Murdaugh's own defense, to result in such a quick guilty verdict. Any thoughts on this? By the way, La Lamy was right on in saying she thought he would be found guilty.
If you caught the juror interview and Procequition interview it becomes very clear.
Feeling sorry for the judge he's been assigned the next 99 fraud, financial theft cases committed by Murdaugh.
His sentencing speech was excellent.

[retiredguy123]

Guilty! Guilty! Guilty!

[manaboutown]

IMHO Murdaugh indeed deserved the death penalty which most likely was off the plate due to money and power. Celebrity status also can play a role. OJ went free. Anyone remember that circus of a trial?

As a seasoned defendant OJ pointed out Murdaugh should not have taken the stand. I agree. He came across as unlikeable. Hubris led him to take the stand.

OJ Simpson's Opinion on Murdaugh Murders Goes Viral - He Thinks Defendant Made Major Mistake in Trial (https://www.westernjournal.com/oj-simpsons-opinion-murdaugh-murders-goes-viral-thinks-defendant-made-major-mistake-trial/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=conservativetribune&utm_content=2023-03-03&utm_campaign=manualpost&fbclid=IwAR3yJHc9h2hmN7BsOaCQG5EZlSMQ6Z7J5QIKdHc2-H-2Ys7Mua6B1H-HaEA)

Frankly I think Murdaugh should have pulled a Ron Jerome, a gifted actor with a BA and MA, and played mentally unfit for trial.
Ron Jeremy - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_Jeremy)

A black local celebrity in St. Louis was given a life sentence and not the death penalty for having his nephew murdered so he could collect the life insurance he took out on the nephew. Former ‘Sweetie Pie’s’ Star Gets Life in Prison for Arranged Killing (https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2023/03/03/former-sweetie-pies-star-gets-life-in-prison-for-arranged-killing/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwAR0u-R8PU6wOomaeXC1mAqjnZr4QjD_JdV1kTGsa3vNyO2UbMFw_ScX 4Bdc)

Capital punishment in Missouri - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_punishment_in_Missouri)

[kkingston57]

Reasonable doubt. Innocent until state make case. So far they havent

Jurors clearly did not agree.

[Taltarzac725]

It surprised me in a very pleasant way. Did not find the prosecution put up a strong case. But also thought he committed the murders.

[Tvflguy]

Glad that all 12 jurors saw right thru this despicable man who slaughtered his wife and son. Apparently his deed was gruesome. So was his embezzlement of his law practice and innocent clients.

I have words to describe this guy. But can’t use here.

Thankfully his arrogance that he could lie he way to acquittal did not pan out.

Three hours of deliberation. I could only hope that I was the 13th juror. It would have been solidly unanimous.

Just a shame that the SC taxpayers will be paying for his care until he finally dies.

[44Apple]

As expected, jury found him guilty. Defense team kept shifting stories because they had nothing credible.