Many media entities have already tried their hand at explaining this shifty saga of murder, corruption, and cover-up from HBO Maxs Low Country: The Murdaugh Dynasty to IDs The Murdaugh Murders: Deadly Dynasty. No autopsy was performed. Recently, Smith's family friend, Susanne Andrews, revealed "progress" has been made since Paul and Maggie's 2021 murders. Copyright 2023 Distractify. Durch Klicken auf Alle akzeptieren erklren Sie sich damit einverstanden, dass Yahoo und unsere Partner Ihre personenbezogenen Daten verarbeiten und Technologien wie Cookies nutzen, um personalisierte Anzeigen und Inhalte zu zeigen, zur Messung von Anzeigen und Inhalten, um mehr ber die Zielgruppe zu erfahren sowie fr die Entwicklung von Produkten. 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. I do believe that were going to get answers. Personally, I think there was some type of pressure or just lack of investigation upon other agencies to do anything, he told NewsNation. Dear Abby: Why do they imply my husband is a freak? It was clear that this case was not handled correctly. But inconsistencies in the initial investigation have left many wondering why his death was never investigated as a homicide. The first to appear at the scene was Alex, who called 911 to report the shocking homicide. Evidence was not gathered and testimonies were not recorded properly. His mother referenced an earlier instance to Live 5 News where Smith ran out of gas and immediately contacted his sister for help. He sounded odd and then he told me that my mom and brother were shot, he recalled. The charges against him had varying effects on Paul as per varying accounts of his friends. 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. Death of Gloria Satterfield, Feb. 26, 2018. 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. 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. Eric Bland, an attorney involved in several cases connected to Alex Murdaugh, said the scene didnt fit with what Smiths family knew about him. Police later determined that both had been shot multiple times with multiple guns. On Feb. 23, 2019, a group of South Carolina teenagers decided to spend the Saturday night drinking. Here is everything you need to know about the true story. Jurors previously heard from Mr Murdaughs mothers carer Muschelle Shelly Smith, who testified that the disgraced attorney showed up at his parents home at around 6.30am one morning days after the murders. 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. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, also known as SLED, told NewsNation they have made progress in the death investigation of Stephen Smith, however, the investigation is active and ongoing. 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 family believes he was murdered. Really? In September 2021, the state police opened an investigation into her death. 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. Then he and his girlfriend Brooklynn grabbed some stuff and drove down to Moselle, reaching the property in the early hours of 8 June. On June 7, 2021, Buster Murdaugh's life changed forever. In an eerie fashion, the docuseries also explores the other deaths scattered over the years that were connected with the Murdaughs. The same month, Alex is disbarred by the South Carolina Supreme Court. 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. 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. DAILY. 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. The judge has warned that he and other family members could be removed from court altogether if there are any further wrong moves. Following the deaths of Mallory Beach, Paul Murdaugh, and Maggie Murdaugh, SLED elected to re-open Stephen Smith's case. In a small town, the went to school together and would have known one another. 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. 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. In September of 2021, things werent going well for Alex Murdaugh. 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. 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 . According to Sandy Smith, Randy Murdaugh called the family following Stephen Smiths death, offering to help however he could. CELEBRITY NEWS. Buster Murdaugh, 26, was a high school classmate of Smith, who was described as a loving jokester by friends and family. Ultimately the 88 indictments for financial fraud amounted to around $9 million. The Murdaughs also ran a big law firm in the area. At the time of his death more than two years later, Paul Murdaugh was out on bail and awaiting trial on felony charges of boating under the influence. This is in line with Alex Murdaugh's history of financial crimes. 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. Additionally, the teenager had injuries to his left hand and arm. South Carolina investigators say they are picking up steam in the reopened investigation into the death of 19-year-old Stephen Smith who reportedly was close with Alex Murdaugh's oldest son, RadarOnline.com has learned. While Mallory's boyfriend Anthony stayed back at the scene of the incident to wait for his girlfriend to be found, the others in the group witnessed Alex's manipulation at work as he tried to pin the blame on Paul's friend, Connor. Perhaps thats why Murdaugh apparently attempted suicide in a roundabout way. Sandy Smith holds a photo of her son Stephen Smith. Before we continue on to all the death and human suffering, it might be helpful to know that, due to their Low Country origin, both Alex and Murdaugh are not pronounced how you probably think theyre pronounced. He has pleaded not guilty. 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 . The guns a shotgun and a rifle have never been found. No member of the Murdaugh family. He had been struck by a blunt object on his right temple, killing him. Entertainment; News & Politics; Sports; Health & Lifestyle; Science & Tech; toggle. It was updated with the events of the week of Sept. 12, 2021: Alex Murdaughs alleged confession that he hired someone to shoot him, and the opening of an investigation into Gloria Satterfields death. 8. People said that Smith and Murdaugh were dating, which made the circumstances of his death even more controversial. Buster Murdaugh took the witness stand in his fathers murder trial on Tuesday morning. In 2015, Stephen Smith was killed in a hit-and-run accident, in which Buster Murdaugh was reportedly involved. 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. However, his law firm has since disputed that, putting out a statement denying it ever happened. And thats just me. Gloria Satterfield was the Murdaugh familys longtime housekeeper. He was destroyed, he was heartbroken, Buster said of his father, adding that he could barely speak. Around 1:15 a.m. the group re-boarded the boat with Paul still driving over the objections of his friends. "Where theres smoke, theres fire," Andrews said on Buster and the Murdaugh family name being mentioned more than 40 times in the investigation. Based in Cleveland, Ohio. Alex Murdaugh called 911 around 10 p.m. to say he had arrived at the familys Islandton home and found his wife and 22-year-old son fatally shot in the driveway. Following the deaths of Mallory Beach, Paul Murdaugh, and Maggie Murdaugh, SLED elected to re-open Stephen Smiths case. Later, Connor's father was also contacted by Alex in an act of intimidation. The charges were dropped after his murder. One of the cases now being re-examined is the death of Stephen Smith, 19, whose body was found on a rural road in 2015. 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. He Was Called to Testify in Alex Murdaugh's Trial. Interestingly, Smith has denied his role in the shooting. Her death, which occurred in 2018, was attributed initially to a trip-and-fall incident while working at the Murdaughs' home. 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 April 2019, Paul was charged with three felonies over Beachs death including boating under the influence and was facing up to 25 years in prison. Buster Murdaugh, center, receives a hug in the rain during the funeral service for his brother, Paul, and mother, Maggie, . As part of the reopened investigation, there were plans to exhume Gloria's body to carry out a proper autopsy. He had a sister. But the real break in Smiths case came after the double murder of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. Smith was a high school classmate of Murdaugh's son Buster . 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? Nobody knows. 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. In early August 2015, authorities received a tip about Smith and Buster Murdaugh possibly being in a relationship, per Live 5 News. Yet, the case was left classified as a hit and run. Doctors prescribe Ozempic 'off label': Is that OK? Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy. On July 14, 2022, Alex Murdaugh is indicted on two counts of murder. One Christmas, he and Buster were given a 300 Blackout rifle each as presents. Stephanie Whiteside, Paige Lobdell, Rich McHugh. July 15th 2022, 11:14 AM PDT. 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. 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. Mr Murdaugh, 54, is facing life in prison for the murders of his wife and son. His son, wife, and housekeeper were all dead. He had blunt force trauma. Covering the hottest movie and TV topics that fans want. Occurring roughly one year before the death of Mallory Beach, Gloria Satterfields case presents the perfect example of how the powerful Murdaugh family often received the benefit of the doubt, whether warranted or not. She also went to the scene of the crime to take a look around. Stephen Smith's family reacts to Murdaugh indictment in killings of wife, son. 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Murdaugh murders: Cops clueless about motive, refuse to release 911 call details Another deceased person's name has reemerged in the case - Stephen Smith, a gay man from Hampton who died in 2015. In July 2015, Stephen Smith's death on Sandy Run Road in Hampton County was ruled a homicide and then a hit-and-run before finally being closed as an "accidental death." There were no tire or skid marks at the scene or blood on Smith's clothes. I walked from where his car was, all the way to where his body was and found nothing at all," Sandy shared. Duncan said the Murdaugh family name came up in the initial accident investigation but didnt go anywhere. Alex Murdaugh is indicted on two counts of murder. Smith's body was found in . Then people started asking questions about Stephen Smiths case. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said it was opening an investigation into the death of 19-year-old Stephen Smith, . He said they did them so bad, he said. Celebrity news. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Death of Stephen Smith, July 8, 2015. He was a known associate and occasional friend of Buster and several interviews in Murdaugh Murders mention cite rumors that the pair had a romantic relationship. 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. However, when authorities reopened the case in June 2021 and looked into Buster's potential involvement, police were "never able to formally tie Buster Murdaugh to the case nor track down the original source of the rumors.". Advertisement. Prosecutors claim that Mr Murdaugh wrapped the murder weapons in the jacket and intially hid them at his parents home. The mystery surrounding the fatal shootings at the home of a prominent South Carolina family connects to the deaths of three people and a roadside shooting. A coroner ultimately ruled Smith's death as accidental, involving a car that hit him. All rights reserved. ABC News 4 also reported that "case files indicated 10 of 18 people interviewed by Highway Patrol had mentioned [Buster] Murdaugh possibly being involved, with some indicating Stephen and Buster may have been in a relationship." She asked the FBI, the governor and others to keep investigating but the case went nowhere until Mallory Beach was killed on the Murdaugh boat four years later. In prestige terms, it all translated into unparalleled authority for the Murdaughs, who were sometimes even above the law if the interviewees of the Netflix series are to be believed. 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. The coroner said each was shot multiple times with a different weapon; time of death is thought to have been between 9 and 9:30 p.m. Several of these clients were deceased victims of vehicular accidents who Murdaugh sued on behalf of and then never delivered the winnings to their next of kin. Buster who has attended the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, South Carolina, every day since the start of the high-profile trial in a show of support for his father was the first witness called to the stand by the defence on Tuesday morning. 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