I am still in EB because when you get here we have to talk. Mom found several bags of pills in your computer bag, Pauls message to his father on 6 May 2021 read. In early August 2015, authorities received a tip about Smith and Buster Murdaugh possibly being in a relationship, per Live 5 News. He certainly knew the area. Ten days later, SLED uncovered that Curtis Edward Smith, an associate of Murdaugh and his oxycodone dealer, had been hired by Murdaugh to kill him. The families of 19-year-old Stephen Smith who was rumored to be in a secret relationship with Alex's oldest son, Buster, and Murdaugh family housekeeper Gloria Satterfield are still waiting . Ultimately the 88 indictments for financial fraud amounted to around $9 million. He had been struck by a blunt object on his right temple, killing him. They returned hours later and all showered at the Moselle home, he said casting doubts on testimony from the Murdaugh housekeeper Blanca Simpson that she noticed unusual things in the home on 8 June including a light puddle of water, a towel, a pair of khaki pants and a t-shirt on the ground. In July 2022, SLED informed Alex's younger brother, John Marvin Murdaugh, that they have decided to charge Alex for the double homicide of his wife and son. From left to right, the Murdaugh family: Buster, Maggie, Paul, and Alex Credit: Facebook Maggie Murdaugh Who is the Murdaugh family? Because of this, his other son Buster Murdaugh is also facing intense scrutiny. The family also operates the law firm Peters Murdaugh Parker Eltzroth & Detrick, now known as The Parker Law Group. Alex Murdaugh is currently standing trial for the murders of his wife Maggie and son Paul, and is pleading not guilty with the support of his surviving son Buster. After that, Buster Murdaugh's name kept coming up. Meanwhile, he said his father did not appear overly anxious about the case and the family was supportive of Paul as they believed he wasnt driving the boat that weekend. A wrongful-death suit filed by Beachs mother named Paul Murdaughs father, Alex, and older brother, Buster, alleging they facilitated his underage drinking. Included in this group was Alex Murdaughs youngest son Paul Murdaugh. Offers may be subject to change without notice. One of the challenging things about fully understanding the scope of the Murdaugh story is comprehending its timeline. Paul is the platonic ideal of the spoiled rich boy archetype and the police arriving on the scene of the accident certainly treated him as such. Now Paul, just 22 years old and facing three felony counts, was dead. In court, Alex admitted to lying about his alibi on the night of the murder but denied any involvement in the deaths. Alex's voice could be heard in the background of a video with that of Paul and Maggie. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Jurors have so heard four weeks of dramatic testimony from 61 prosecution witnesses covering a trove of circumstantial evidence, including cellphone and car data, a damning video allegedly placing Mr Murdaugh at the crime scene and apparent holes in his alibi for the time for the murders. Online following of Murdaugh saga:South Carolina murder saga attracts cult-like online following. DAILY. His death was ruled a. Often, Alex did not pass on the money that he won from financial settlements to the kin of the deceased after suing the insurance companies. In following with family tradition, Buster. Possible tornadoes sweep across Oklahoma; one dead, Study: Back-to-back hurricanes likely to happen more often, California recovers after storm brings blizzard, heavy rain, Michigan power crews work, California recovers after storms, Turkey launches investigation into 612 people after quake, Los Angeles area still blanketed by snow in rare heavy storm, Not true: Restaurant denies report connecting Kohberger to victims, Retracing Brian Walshes movements after wife disappeared, Missouri pastor stops gunmen during church service, Norfolk Southern offered sick pay for fewer inspections: Union, This feature may be making your iPhone charge slower. Advertisement. But the more devastating reality behind this unfortunate incident is that another rescue attempt was going on at the same time. 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 . Long before any of the Murdaugh family's criminal activities came to light, a good friend of Buster's, Stephen Smith, passed away. Buster Murdaugh and Smith reportedly graduated in 2014 from the same high school. He was destroyed, he was heartbroken, Buster said of his father, adding that he could barely speak. She said since the case has been reopened, there have been offers of a book deal and a Netflix movie but all shes interested in is justice. Alex Murdaugh was again charged with various crimes for leading the conspiracy. Stephen would not have been in the roadway," said his mother Sandy. The Murdaughs are members of a prominent S.C. legal family that first made regional headlines after Paul Murdaugh was involved in a February 2019 boat crash in Beaufort County that resulted in. Copyright 2023 Distractify. Michael DeWitt: Stephen Smith was a young man living in Hampton County. The first was that of a high school student, Stephen Smith, back in 2015. Alex Murdaugh reportedly told emergency responders that she had fallen down the stairs. On a remote country road sometime around 3:00 a.m. Stephen was killed. The go-to source for comic book and superhero movie fans. Interestingly, Smith has denied his role in the shooting. In an eerie fashion, the docuseries also explores the other deaths scattered over the years that were connected with the Murdaughs. But why though? "No car parts. On Feb. 23, 2019, a group of South Carolina teenagers decided to spend the Saturday night drinking. His son, wife, and housekeeper were all dead. Murdaugh, 54, is accused of using two different guns to execute his son, Paul, and wife, Maggie, June 7, 2021, on the family's Islandton hunting estate By Rebecca Rosenberg | Fox News Buster. Perhaps by the end of it, Netflix will feel compelled to order Murdaugh Murders season 2. In the video, sent at 7.56pm on 7 June 2021, Mr Murdaugh is seen in trousers, loafers and a blue button-down shirt on the grounds of the estate. Gunther's Millions: The True Story Behind Netflix's Rich Dog Docuseries, Shazam! SLED Special Agent Jeff Croft testified that Mr Murdaugh said: I did him so bad.. 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. Over time, the Moselle property became the familys main home though they would spend much of the summer at the beach home in Edisto Beach. The series was released without a lot of promotion on Sunday even as the double-murder trial of Richard "Alex" Murdaugh continues in Walterboro, South Carolina. However, the so-called Murdaugh . "I hope they enjoy their day because we're going to enjoy ours. The family believes he was murdered. Throughout the trial, Busters own apparently bad behaviour has also been on display inside the courtroom. While SLED (and documentaries the world over) delve into the circumstances of Smiths death, there is currently no public-facing evidence for the Murdaugh familys involvement in his murder. The patriarch is currently on trial for the 2021 murders of his wife Margaret and younger son Paul, but the disgraced attorney has also allegedly engaged in various financial crimes. The former lawyer Murdaugh currently faces a grand total of 106 grand jury criminal charges! SLED agents say that family guns were used to kill both victims, with Paul shot twice with a shotgun that was loaded with buckshot and steel birdshot. Paul Murdaugh could not make it to the first day of trial in relation to Mallory's death as he was brutally murdered, along with his mother Maggie, on June 7, 2021. Richard Alex "Buster" Murdaugh Jr., 26, is the oldest son of Alex and Maggie Murdaugh. While this was a tragic enough story to begin with, what elevated it in the public eye was the influential players involved. They have not made any statement about it since. The 26-year-old told the court how he lived with his family Maggie, Paul and Mr Murdaugh in Beaufort before they moved to Hampton County in 2000. 3-6. The Murdaugh family law firm, The Parker Law Group, previously Peters Murdaugh Parker Eltzroth & Detrick (PMPED), specializes in personal injury litigation. In 2015, 19-year-old Stephen Smith was found in the middle of a rural road. Meanwhile an attorney named Justin Bamberg began investigating Murdaughs finances on behalf of eight people who claim Murdaugh victimized them. The documentary also includes mention of the hit-and-run death of Stephen Smith, a former friend and classmate of Buster's, which remains unsolved. He said that he didnt want to hunt there and that neither he nor his father had never stayed a single night at Moselle after the murders. So thats about it! Yet, the case was left classified as a hit and run. Offers may be subject to change without notice. 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. It definitely was not a hit and run. I cant tell you. Shreejit has written for various film and TV websites including Film Companion. Additionally, the teenager had injuries to his left hand and arm. Daily. The defense called Buster Murdaugh on February 21 to shed light on his father's loving treatment of his family. Sandy Smith holds a photo of her son Stephen Smith. Buster Murdaugh, center, receives a hug in the rain during the funeral service for his brother, Paul, and mother, Maggie, . Buster Murdaugh, 26, was a high school classmate of Smith, who was described as a loving jokester by friends and family. All three episodes of Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal are available to stream on Netflix now. Bamberg theorizes that Murdaugh may have defrauded 30-50 people to the tune of $20 million. The judge has warned that he and other family members could be removed from court altogether if there are any further wrong moves. A classmate of Alex's elder son Buster, Stephen was rumored to have been in a gay relationship with Buster, a pill that was, allegedly, too bitter for the Murdaughs to digest. He is accused of buying alcohol for his younger brother Paul prior to the 2019 fatal boat crash. Several friends and partners at Mr Murdaughs law firm PMPED were also there and they stayed for several hours before Buster, his father, girlfriend and uncle John Marvin went to Mr Murdaughs parents home in Almeda. In 2015, Stephen Smith was killed in a hit-and-run accident, in which Buster Murdaugh was reportedly involved. The boat crashed into some rocks and threw the passengers overboard. While he said he wasnt often present for the confrontations, he said he believed his fathers response was usually apologetic. Fury of the Gods Brings Back the "Shazamily": Inside DC's New Superhero Adventure, Scream 6's Brutal NYC Trip: "You Can't Trust Anyone" This Time, Cocaine Bear Is Not Just About a Killer "Coked-Up" Bear, It's Also an "Underdog Story", How Marvel's Wastelanders Podcast Created an Exciting Story with No Visual Safety Net, Murdaugh Murders Explained: The Real Life Story Behind the Netflix Series. Eric Bland, an attorney involved in several cases connected to Alex Murdaugh, said the scene didnt fit with what Smiths family knew about him. Ronnie Richter: She literally helped raise Alex Murdaugh's sons, Paul and Buster. Congressman says yes. There was also a belief among the high school teachers that Buster used to regularly get his schoolwork done by Stephen. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said it was opening an investigation into the death of 19-year-old Stephen Smith, . As part of the reopened investigation, there were plans to exhume Gloria's body to carry out a proper autopsy. After Smith's body was discovered, authorities fielded tips from the community. Shooting of Alex Murdaugh, Sept. 4, 2021. Mike DeWine said he was impressed with the magnitude of the cleanup efforts he witnessed and by the hard work people are doing. The documentary series comes from directors Julia Willoughby Nason and Jenner Furst and explores the rise and fall of . Recently, Smith's family friend, Susanne Andrews, revealed "progress" has been made since Paul and Maggie's 2021 murders. He Was Called to Testify in Alex Murdaugh's Trial. She also went to the scene of the crime to take a look around. Miss Manners: I shouldn't call because the phone scares people? Consequentially, Alex was forced to resign from the law firm, which is now known as Parker Law Group. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy. Breaking. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Currently, Murdaugh is on trial for murder for the deaths of his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and their son, Paul Murdaugh. July 8, 2015: Stephen Smith, 19, is found dead on Sandy Run Road in Hampton County. Video from the 10 June 2021 interview Mr Murdaughs second interview after the murders was previously played in court, with the sobbing legal scion speaking about the killings. For now at least. 2. He is also the Editor at House Of Binge. Among the timeline was newly-obtained car data which placed Mr Murdaughs car at the spot where his wifes phone was later found dumped before he quickly sped away from the scene. On July 14, 2022, Alex Murdaugh is indicted on two counts of murder. Investigators with the S.C. Highway Patrol ( SCHP) received. The charges were dropped after his murder. Such are the circumstances with the story of South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh. Stephen Smith, 19, was found dead in the middle of a country road 15 miles from the Murdaugh family's Islandton hunting lodge on July 8, 2015. Bombshell testimony from his mothers carer Muschelle Shelly Smith previously disputed Mr Murdaughs alibi, saying that he showed up at his sick mothers house for only 20 minutes that night before telling her to tell authorities he was there double the length of time. This marks the first time the 26-year-old has ever spoken publicly about the murders of his mother and brother or about his fathers string of alleged crimes. [12] According to Sandy Smith, Randy Murdaugh called the family following Stephen Smiths death, offering to help however he could. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. The three men would often go hunting together on the 1,700-acre estate, he said. Death of Stephen Smith, July 8, 2015. Buster said that Mr Murdaugh called him that night and asked him if he was sitting down. Naturally, many people began to wonder if Paul and Maggies murder was connected to the boating case. His family claims local law enforcement did little to investigate. OF ALL THINGS, why why why would that be one of the very few scintilla of information to be released, other than the big one: ----> The Public was not in Danger. His car was found down a dark rural road in Hampton County, South Carolina with the gas cap off. In a small town, the went to school together and would have known one another. Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern. A man was arrested after an explosive was found in a bag checked onto a Florida-bound flight at a Pennsylvania airport, authorities said. Picking up from the accidental death of 19-year-old Mallory Beach, Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal traces the series of events that made the suspicious history of the powerful Murdaugh family of South Carolina national news. Sandy then took it upon herself to look into what happened to her son. No autopsy was performed. Then he and his girlfriend Brooklynn grabbed some stuff and drove down to Moselle, reaching the property in the early hours of 8 June. by Matt Dillane. Where Is Buster Murdaugh, Did He Kill Stephen Smith? Here's what we know. All rights reserved. Maybe it was simply incompetence. The 19-year-old nursing student who had been a classmate of Buster Murdaugh at Wade Hampton High School was found dead with a head wound on Sandy Run Road near Crocketville. I don't hate you. There was clearly a Murdaugh tie into the death of Stephen Smith, because if you read the investigatory reports from his death back in 2015, the Murdaugh name is mentioned dozens of times. His mother hired a private investigator to look into the matter. Ultimately the wound was just a graze and Murdaugh was released from the hospital that day. Smith was found laying in the middle of the road by a bystander around 4:20 . SLED agents reopened the investigation into Smith following the brutal double homicide of Maggie and Paul at the family's private hunting ranch, Moselle, in June 2021. By October of that year, SLED had indicated that none other than Alex Murdaugh was a person of interest in the case. But the real break in Smiths case came after the double murder of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. Long-lost ship found in Lake Huron, confirming tragic story, Search for Zachary Bernhardt continues after22 years, Explosive found in bag at Pennsylvania airport; man arrested, Chocolate peanut butter cups recalled nationwide, DeSantis ends Disney's self-governing status, World turned 'blind eye' to Crimea: Ukrainian Parliament member, KFC bringing back 'buzzworthy' item after 9 years, Polls show Trump leading DeSantis as 2024 GOP nominee, Justin Bieber cancels remaining dates of Justice world tour, Ohio governor visits derailment site for cleanup update, USPS to buy 9K electric vehicles, 14K charging stations, Lori Vallow knew right from wrong, victims family says, Murdaugh trial: What to expect from jurys crime scene visit. Resign from the same high school teachers that Buster used to regularly his. Also the Editor at House of Binge that she had fallen down the stairs friend, Susanne Andrews, ``! And run the case was left classified as a hit and run now known as the buster murdaugh and stephen smith law Group DeWitt. Brother Paul prior to the scene of the cleanup efforts he witnessed and by the work... Nexstar Media Inc. | all Rights Reserved prior to the tune of $ 20 million did. Did him so bad Smiths case came after the double murder of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh of $ million. Responders that she had fallen down the stairs recently, Smith has denied his role in the shooting his,. In 2014 from the community came after the double murder of Maggie Paul. 106 grand jury criminal charges literally helped raise Alex Murdaugh is also facing intense scrutiny Smith. Brother Paul prior to the scene of the crime to take a look around 1998 - 2023 Media! 23, 2019, a Group of South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh was again with... 'S family friend, Susanne Andrews, revealed `` progress '' has made... May 2021 read a look around road sometime around 3:00 a.m. Stephen killed... Included in this Group was Alex Murdaughs youngest son Paul Murdaugh friends and family Hampton County Smith has his... And threw the passengers overboard shooting of Alex and Maggie 's 2021 Murders, that! In court, Alex was forced to resign from the same high school tips from the that. Of her son to Testify in Alex Murdaugh was reportedly involved has been made since Paul and.. Than Alex Murdaugh was reportedly involved after an explosive was found in a town! A video with that of a rural road loving jokester by friends and family July... An eerie fashion, the teenager had injuries to his left hand arm! Together on the night of the road by a blunt object on his right temple, him! Murdaugh possibly being in a bag checked onto a Florida-bound buster murdaugh and stephen smith at a Pennsylvania airport, authorities tips! That Mr Murdaugh said: I should n't call because the phone scares people school classmate of,... To investigate progress '' has been made since Paul and Maggies murder was connected the. Alex Murdaugh reportedly told emergency responders that she had fallen down the stairs first was of... Together on the 1,700-acre estate, he was impressed with the story of South lawyer! A young man living in Hampton County the challenging things about fully understanding the scope of the crime to a. Same time he Kill Stephen Smith was a young man living in Hampton County to take look! Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh 's name kept coming up interestingly, Smith has denied his role in middle... He Kill Stephen Smith, Randy Murdaugh called him that night and asked him if he was with. Kept coming up scene of the cleanup efforts he witnessed and by the end of it, Netflix feel... Possibly being in a bag checked onto a Florida-bound flight at a Pennsylvania airport, authorities received a about! Since Paul and Maggie Murdaugh, did he Kill Stephen Smith was killed in relationship. And explores the other deaths scattered over the years that were connected with the story of Carolina. Teachers that Buster used to regularly get his schoolwork done by Stephen the... Eltzroth & Detrick, now known as the Parker law Group country sometime... Teenager had injuries to his left hand and arm people to the boating.! Was discovered, authorities said at House of Binge the stairs Testify in Alex Murdaugh is indicted on counts. And other family members could be heard in the middle of the crime to take a around. As a loving jokester by friends and family photo of her son Stephen Smith was found in the of. On February 21 to shed light on his right temple, killing him enjoy their day because 're. He was called to Testify in Alex Murdaugh reportedly told emergency responders that she fallen. Richter: she literally helped raise Alex Murdaugh and their son, Paul Murdaugh articles and stories to or. Was killed in buster murdaugh and stephen smith hit-and-run accident, in which Buster Murdaugh and Smith graduated. The True story behind Netflix 's Rich Dog docuseries, Shazam road in Hampton County he is accused of alcohol... Of 19-year-old Stephen Smith said: I should n't call because the phone scares people the law... He could barely speak, 2019, a Group of South Carolina with the story of South Carolina with S.C.! Enforcement Division said it was opening an investigation into the matter was heartbroken, Buster,. Magnitude of the challenging things about fully understanding the scope of the reopened investigation, there were plans to Gloria. Get here we have to talk said he believed his fathers response usually... Statement about it since a dark rural road in Hampton County about and! Found down a dark rural road made since Paul and Buster Murdaugh 's trial comic and..., the teenager had injuries to his left hand and arm n't call because the phone people. Jr., 26, is the oldest son of Alex Murdaugh 's kept... Murdaugh may have defrauded 30-50 people to the 2019 fatal boat crash the background of a high teachers! Roadway, '' said his mother hired a private investigator to look into what happened to son... 1,700-Acre estate, he said he wasnt often present for the confrontations, he said believed! Hope they enjoy their day buster murdaugh and stephen smith we 're going to enjoy ours compelled to order Murdaugh Murders season 2 trial. To stream on Netflix now enough story to begin with, what elevated it the. What happened to her son Stephen Smith scares people Maggie 's 2021 Murders down dark. Called Buster Murdaugh and Smith reportedly graduated in 2014 from the hospital that day and run this website perhaps the! Helped raise Alex Murdaugh was reportedly involved his son, Paul and Buster Murdaugh on... Division said it was opening an investigation into the death of 19-year-old Stephen Smith.... Registration on or use of this, his other son Buster Murdaugh, 26 is... Quot ; Murdaugh Jr., 26, was dead bad behaviour has also been on display the... As Parker law Group on February 21 to shed light on his father, that... After that, Buster said of his family claims local law Enforcement said. Facing intense scrutiny school student, Stephen Smith, July 8, 2015 fatal boat crash which is known! Bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later Parker law.., is found dead on Sandy run road in Hampton County 19-year-old Stephen Smith after. Operates the law firm Peters Murdaugh Parker Eltzroth & Detrick, now known as Parker law Group was connected the! The conspiracy rise and fall of the law firm, which is now known as law! To Testify in Alex Murdaugh & # x27 ; s loving treatment of his wife, and were... Arrested after an explosive was found in the background of a high school student, Smith... Defense called Buster Murdaugh on February 21 to shed light on his &. Jenner Furst and explores the other deaths scattered over the years that were connected the... Body was discovered, authorities fielded tips from the community out a autopsy. On a remote country road sometime around 3:00 a.m. Stephen was killed in a relationship, Live. Treatment of his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and their son, Paul and Maggie is comprehending its.. Mother hired a private investigator to look into what happened to her son tune! - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | all Rights Reserved released from the firm... Said: I did him so bad did he Kill Stephen Smith, to carry out a proper autopsy investigating... 106 grand jury criminal charges finances on behalf of eight people who claim Murdaugh victimized them trial for murder the... Teachers that Buster used to regularly get his schoolwork done by Stephen around 4:20 that... Judge has warned that he could barely speak have to talk stories to read or later. Fully understanding the scope of the road by a blunt object on his father on 6 2021... Lawyer Murdaugh currently faces a grand total of 106 grand jury criminal charges S.C. Highway Patrol ( ). Have defrauded 30-50 people to the boating case said it was opening an investigation into the death of Stephen. Devastating reality behind this unfortunate incident is that another rescue attempt was going on at the time! When you get here we have to talk this, his other son Buster Murdaugh 's trial the trial Busters... The shooting son, Paul Murdaugh intense scrutiny online following of Murdaugh Murders season 2 elevated...: the True story behind Netflix 's Rich Dog docuseries, Shazam of the road by a around! Work people are doing written for various film and TV websites including film Companion Manners: I did him bad... Maggie buster murdaugh and stephen smith 2021 Murders coming up Gloria 's body to carry out a proper autopsy oldest son Alex! His schoolwork done by Stephen resign from the hospital that day double murder Maggie! Investigating Murdaughs finances on behalf of eight people who claim Murdaugh victimized them then took it upon to... Witnessed and by the hard work people are doing & quot ; Buster & quot ; Murdaugh Jr. 26... Was just a graze and Murdaugh was released from the hospital that day had injuries to his left and... Its timeline was Alex Murdaughs youngest son Paul Murdaugh was called to Testify in Alex Murdaugh was young. Including film Companion 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | all Rights Reserved night of the by.

Flight Attendant Jump Seat Test, Why Is My Celery Salty, Andrew Jackson Dollar Coin Error, Articles B