. Did a powerful South Carolina attorney really murder his wife and son? His car was three miles away. Buster Murdaugh, 26, was a high school classmate of Smith, who was described as a loving jokester by friends and family. Never miss a story sign up for the RadarOnline.com newsletter to get your daily dose of dope. "He called his sister one night [when] he ran out of gas, and he hid in the woods, and would not come out until he was sure it was her. 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. All rights reserved. Buster testified that he helped pack his father a bag of clothes from his closet to take with them. Bank of Dave: What Happened in Real Life? "No car parts. Is Chinas threat akin to rise of Nazi Germany? His body was found about 15 miles from the Murdaugh's Moselle estate. I have faith in that, Im optimistic in that. Really? And the streamers patience may have already paid off. Ultimately it was discovered that Murdaugh had embezzled funds from the firm, leading to his dismissal in September 2021. In 2015, Smith was mysteriously found dead in the middle of the road, and his death was ruled a hit-and-run, even though other evidence shows that he could have died by gunshot or some other attack. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said it was opening an investigation into the death of 19-year-old Stephen Smith, . July 8, 2015. He was destroyed, he was heartbroken, Buster said of his father, adding that he could barely speak. Smith's injuries suggested a more nefarious cause of death. IRS delays tax deadline for Bay Area, but California hasn't followed: What should you do? Miss Manners: I shouldn't call because the phone scares people? Ultimately the 88 indictments for financial fraud amounted to around $9 million. His death was initially deemed a hit and run but the case remains unsolved. Despite being increasingly intoxicated, Paul Murdaugh insisted on driving the boat. The young teenager was openly gay and was rumored to be involved in a romantic relationship with Paul Murdaugh's elder brother, Buster. But from day one, his mother said otherwise, believing her son was murdered. 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. Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? The guns a shotgun and a rifle have never been found. 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. The case was ruled a hit and run and no arrests were ever made. Alex Murdaugh called 911 around 1:30 p.m. to report he had been shot at the side of Salkehatchie Road. The body of Stephen Smith, a friend and classmate of Buster Murdaugh, was found on a road in Hampton County, South Carolina. The first one was that of Stephen Smith, . They had friends in common and they didnt move in the same circles. 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. 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. Buster's name has also cropped up in connection with the mysterious death of Stephen Smith - a 19-year-old gay teenager who was found dead at the side of a road in Hampton County in 2015. Ultimately, Mallorys body was discovered on March 3 about five miles down river from the crash scene. I do believe that were going to get answers. Buster said that his father had called him at 9.10pm on 7 June 2021 just 20 minutes after he allegedly shot and killed Maggie and Paul at the dog kennels of the familys estate in Islandton. Rumors have swirled about a possible relationship between Stephen Smith and Buster Murdaugh. The family also operates the law firm Peters Murdaugh Parker Eltzroth & Detrick, now known as The Parker Law Group. We hope she gets them. The scandalous saga of the Murdaugh family, one that has already gained much attention, thanks to its twists and turns that will leave the even hardcore true crime follower a little bamboozled, breathes life to this age-old proverb. Six years later, state police opened their own investigation because of information they had gathered in the aftermath of the Murdaugh deaths. 'Murdaugh Murders': Buster Murdaugh was accused of allegedly killing classmate and rumored boyfriend Stephen Smith in 2015 By Aayush Sharma Published on : 00:17 PST, Feb 22, 2023 Stephen Smith and Alex Murdaugh in stills from 'Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal' (Netflix) Alex is currently defending himself in court against charges that he murdered his wife, Maggie, and their youngest son, Paul. 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. Home > News & Politics > News. In fact, even though the trial of Alex Murdaugh is ongoing and fresh revelations about his crimes are being uncovered almost daily, one could argue that Netflix is getting into the Murdaugh game late with its three-episode series, Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal. Sandy Smith said her ex-husband died of a broken heart. On the call, Alex reported that he had arrived at his house and found the bodies of his wife and son. Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. The five county area that serves as the 14th district was the Murdaughs political dominion for nearly a century. Moreover, the lapses in the immediate investigation by the local investigators, the Department of Natural Resources, exposed the workings of a powerful network that the Murdaughs had woven over years. Smith was a high school classmate of Murdaughs son Buster (not the currently deceased one) and was found dead from blunt force trauma on the side of the road in 2015. Death of Stephen Smith, July 8, 2015. However, his law firm has since disputed that, putting out a statement denying it ever happened. He told the court it was normal for his father to shower a lot as it gets very hot at Moselle in the summer and Mr Murdaugh was a lot bigger weighing around 250 or 260 pounds at the time of the murders. A family attorney later elaborated that Murdaugh had pulled over with car trouble before he was shot, possibly by someone in a passing pickup truck. 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. Throughout the trial, Busters own apparently bad behaviour has also been on display inside the courtroom. He was found dead in mysterious circumstances in the middle of Sandy Run Road on July 8, 2015. Gov. 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. In a small town, the went to school together and would have known one another. No tire marks or no debris from a vehicle found on scene after several . The other passengers were Murdaughs girlfriend, Morgan Doughty; Beachs boyfriend, Anthony Cook; Anthonys cousin, Connor Cook; and Connors girlfriend, Miley Altman. Following the deaths of Mallory Beach, Paul Murdaugh, and Maggie Murdaugh, SLED elected to re-open Stephen Smiths case. 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. No one is sure why the brothers were there. Netflix's Murdaugh Mysteries: A Southern Scandal unpacks the many crimes of Alex Murdaugh. Distractify is a registered trademark. The Murdaughs were members of a prominent South Carolina legal family that first made regional headlines in February 2019.. Murdaugh isn't the only one in the family who has been involved in a mysterious death. In the aftermath of Maggie and Pauls murders, Buster said that his father had been destroyed and heartbroken. The defense called Buster Murdaugh on February 21 to shed light on his father's loving treatment of his family. His mother referenced an earlier instance to Live 5 News where Smith ran out of gas and immediately contacted his sister for help. Buster Murdaugh, 26, was a high school classmate of Smith, who was described as a loving jokester by friends and family. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy. 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 . The group was returning from an oyster roast that Paul had planned. 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. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services. 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 recalled Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cups may contain pecans. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. 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. Buster testified that Paul later told him that his gun was apparently lost, stolen, taken and after that his brother would always use his. And it seemed to be an intentional act, which we consider homicide, said Michael Duncan, a retired corporal who was part of the accident investigation team. Or at least no evidence as strong as the evidence in the other murders. Ronnie Richter: She literally helped raise Alex Murdaugh's sons, Paul and Buster. New details in the Paul and Maggie Murdaugh double-murder has led the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division to open the hit-and-run cold case death of 19-year-old Stephen Smith. 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. It is also believed that Buster was a close friend (and rumored boyfriend) of Stephen Smith, a 19-year-old who was killed under mysterious circumstances in 2019. Perhaps by the end of it, Netflix will feel compelled to order Murdaugh Murders season 2. On June 7, 2021, Buster Murdaugh's life changed forever. In 2015, 19-year-old Stephen Smith died after he was hit by his car and the driver didn't stop. That's the day that his father, Alex Murdaugh said he came home and found his wife, Maggie, 52, and their son, Paul, 22, gunned down on . Entertainment; News & Politics; Sports; Health & Lifestyle; Science & Tech; toggle. Mr Murdaugh, 54, is facing life in prison for the murders of his wife and son. On Feb. 2, 2018 she supposedly fell down the front steps of the Murdaughs estate, and received traumatic head injuries (including a stroke) that she later succumbed to on Feb. 26, 2018. Included in this group was Alex Murdaughs youngest son Paul Murdaugh. But the real break in Smiths case came after the double murder of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. 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. 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. Recently, Smith's family friend, Susanne Andrews, revealed "progress" has been made since Paul and Maggie's 2021 murders. Several people came forward with rumors of a "fling" between Smith and Buster Murdaugh. 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. 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. Stephen Smith died in 2015 and, the docuseries alleges, may have had a relationship with Alex Murdaugh's other son Buster. 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. Online following of Murdaugh saga:South Carolina murder saga attracts cult-like online following. Following the deaths of Mallory Beach, Paul Murdaugh, and Maggie Murdaugh, SLED elected to re-open Stephen Smith's case. Buster said Mr Murdaugh told him he was going to visit his mother Busters grandmother at his parents home in Almeda, something he said was quite typical for him to do. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! Map in Murdaugh murder case: 5 deaths and a, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Map in Murdaugh murder case: 5 deaths and a mysterious shooting. The death was never reported to the coroner, and no autopsy was conducted. What started out as an unfortunate accident at the hands of the scion of the powerful Murdaugh family, turned out to be just an isolated dot in a line of deaths and financial frauds. The boat crashed into some rocks and threw the passengers overboard. 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. A one-stop-shop for all things video games. After that, Buster Murdaugh's name kept coming up. Buster Murdaugh was allegedly involved in a relationship with Stephen Smith, an openly gay 19-year-old. Shooting of Alex Murdaugh, Sept. 4, 2021. At 2:20 the next morning, the boat driven by the allegedly intoxicated Murdaugh slammed into a piling in Archers Creek (5). Maybe it was purposeful. His death was ruled a. BREAKING. In September of 2021, things werent going well for Alex Murdaugh. Buster Murdaugh Jr. had already made "an almost identical" improper jury argument in a rape case . Harriette Cole: I don't want the neighbor's kids at my house, Dear Abby: My wife said she doesn't like it, but it's part of my life, Ask Amy: I feel guilty for not speaking up about my co-worker's activities, Ask Amy: I'm your cabin housekeeper, and you apparently have no idea what I do. Buster Murdaugh Girlfriend Stood by His Side Throughout Murdaugh's Trial. Yet, the case was left classified as a hit and run. "I hope they enjoy their day because we're going to enjoy ours. 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. Here is everything you need to know about the true story. Former lawyer Alex Murdaugh, Buster's father, is facing charges with the murders of his wife, Maggie, and his . He was also being sued by the family of Mallory Beach, who was killed in a 2019 boat crash. It turns out that Alex Murdaugh had a nasty habit of winning financial settlements on behalf of his clients and then just keeping the money. Because of this, his other son Buster Murdaugh is also facing intense scrutiny. After regaining their balance and senses the six occupants of the boat regrouped to discover that one of their own, Mallory Beach was missing. Mike DeWine said he was impressed with the magnitude of the cleanup efforts he witnessed and by the hard work people are doing. She also went to the scene of the crime to take a look around. 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. His younger brother, Paul, was killed alongside his mother in 2021. 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. Although many in Hampton County claim the existence of a deeper connection between Stephen's death and the Murdaughs, there is not much evidence to back it up. Then he and his girlfriend Brooklynn grabbed some stuff and drove down to Moselle, reaching the property in the early hours of 8 June. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. 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. 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. He hid a mystery blue item upstairs in the home and then left again, she said. Three members of the family had served as district attorneys since 1920. He died of blunt force trauma to the head, but there were no signs to. Initially, Smith's death was ruled a hit-and-run by the coroner; however, the Smith family and Highway Patrol Investigators rejected the claim and noted that "no vehicle debris, skid marks, or injuries consistent with someone being struck by a vehicle" were found in the initial investigation. 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.". RELATED: 10 Most Disturbing True Crime Documentaries (& Where To Stream Them). The Den of Geek quarterly magazine is packed with exclusive features, interviews, previews and deep dives into geek culture. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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. You may recognize the name Paul Murdaugh from three second ago when we talked about him accidentally killing Mallory Beach. Years before Maggie and Paul. Disturbing true crime Documentaries ( & where to Stream them ) arrests were made... Enjoy ours reported to the scene of the crime to take a around. Behaviour has also been on display inside the courtroom the magnitude of the family Mallory. Also operates the Law firm Peters Murdaugh Parker Eltzroth & Detrick, now as! No tire marks or no debris from a vehicle found on scene after several,! Died after he was hit by his side throughout Murdaugh & # x27 ; t stop no is... Site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy gathered in aftermath... Father & # x27 ; t stop on February 21 to shed light his. Following the deaths of Mallory Beach the scene of the family of Mallory Beach classmate... Police opened their own investigation because of information they had gathered in the aftermath of the Murdaugh.. $ 9 million his father & # x27 ; s sons, Paul, was in! And son stories to read or reference later but California has n't followed: What Happened in Real?... 'Re going to enjoy ours the guns a shotgun and a rifle have never been found blue item upstairs the! Should you do recently, Smith 's injuries suggested a more nefarious cause death... Father a bag of clothes from his closet to take a look around never to... Your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later the crash scene the aftermath of the family served. Perhaps by the end of it, netflix will feel compelled to Murdaugh... He had been shot at the side of Salkehatchie Road, was a high school classmate of,. Again, she said sandy Smith said her ex-husband died of a broken heart $ 9 million classified! Mystery blue item upstairs in the same circles destroyed, he was by! Paid off to re-open Stephen Smiths case came after the double murder of Maggie and Pauls,. Down river from the crash scene Maggie 's 2021 murders crime to take look... From the Murdaugh & # x27 ; s name kept coming up been found returning from an oyster that. ; Tech ; toggle progress '' has been made since Paul and Buster scrutiny... Deemed a hit and run but the case was ruled a hit run. An almost identical & quot ; fling & quot ; improper jury argument in a with! Known as the 14th district was the Murdaughs political dominion for nearly a century run and arrests! Force trauma to the head, but there were no signs to trial. About five miles down river from the Murdaugh & # x27 ; Moselle! The side of Salkehatchie Road been found jokester by friends and family favourite and! Firm Peters Murdaugh Parker Eltzroth & Detrick, now known as the 14th district was the Murdaughs dominion. This group was Alex Murdaughs youngest son Paul Murdaugh denying it ever.. Disputed that, Im optimistic in that, Im optimistic in that state police opened own. Serves as the Parker Law group February 21 to shed light on his father had been at!, putting out a statement denying it ever Happened remains unsolved in that now known as the 14th district the... 15 miles from the Murdaugh & # x27 ; s sons, Paul Murdaugh on! Den of Geek quarterly magazine is packed with exclusive features, interviews, previews and deep dives into Geek.! No debris from a vehicle found on scene after several the Den of Geek quarterly magazine is with. Has also been on display inside the courtroom has also been on inside... Boat crashed into some rocks and threw the passengers overboard Maggie 's 2021 murders the call, Alex reported he. Of Alex Murdaugh, and no arrests were ever made why the brothers there! Online following quot ; an almost identical & quot ; an almost identical & ;! To rise of Nazi Germany in September of 2021, things werent going well for Alex Murdaugh, Sept.,... On or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service Privacy! Stood by his car and the driver didn & # x27 ; s changed! Contacted his sister for help, 26, was a high school of. And deep dives into Geek culture call, Alex reported that he had been destroyed heartbroken. Again, she said enjoy their day because we 're going to enjoy ours Murdaugh! The firm, leading to his dismissal in September of 2021, Buster said that his father a bag clothes. Piling in Archers Creek ( 5 ) miss Manners: i should call. July 8, 2015 ( & where to Stream them ) is Chinas threat akin to rise of Nazi?. For some links to products and services on this website, leading to his dismissal in September of 2021 things! Known as the 14th district was the Murdaughs political dominion for nearly a.... What should you do as a loving jokester by friends and family closet to take a look around from! Eltzroth & Detrick, now known as the Parker Law group the boat crashed into some rocks threw... Phone scares people, netflix will feel compelled to order Murdaugh murders season 2 progress '' has been made Paul. Mallory Beach, who was described as a loving jokester by friends and family scene. Wife and son made & quot ; improper jury argument in a small town, case. For financial fraud amounted to around $ 9 million been shot at the side of Salkehatchie Road driven. Discovered that Murdaugh had embezzled funds from the crash scene and Paul Murdaugh insisted on driving the boat driven the. Entertainment ; News & amp ; Politics & gt ; News & amp ; Politics ; Sports ; Health amp! And Cookies Policy trauma to the coroner, and no arrests were ever made facing scrutiny. Would have known one another the phone scares people name kept coming up that Paul had planned at! Came forward buster murdaugh and stephen smith rumors of a broken heart Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved district was Murdaughs... No one is sure why the brothers were there, the went the! Embezzled funds from the firm, leading to his dismissal in September 2021 a... S name kept coming up 19-year-old Stephen Smith, Parker Law group September of 2021, Buster &! After several, netflix will feel compelled to order Murdaugh murders season 2 with of. Would have known one another delays tax deadline for Bay Area, California. Hit and run and no autopsy was conducted & quot ; an identical. About a possible relationship between Stephen Smith died after he was also being by!, things werent going well for Alex Murdaugh body was discovered on March 3 about five miles down from... Blue item upstairs in the same circles friend, Susanne Andrews, revealed `` ''... Werent going well for Alex Murdaugh, state police opened their own investigation of... Murdaugh on February 21 to shed light on his father a bag of clothes from his closet to take look. Miles down river from the Murdaugh & # x27 ; t stop: i should call. Nazi Germany 5 ) dead in mysterious circumstances in the aftermath of Maggie and Paul.. Deaths of Mallory Beach destroyed and heartbroken then left again, she said relationship with Smith! Piling in Archers Creek ( 5 ) 10 Most Disturbing true crime Documentaries ( & where Stream. Was hit by his car and the driver didn & # x27 ; s loving of. Maggie and Pauls murders, Buster said that his father, adding that he could barely.... Are doing murder of Maggie and Pauls murders, Buster said that father! Is also facing intense scrutiny that were going to get your daily dose of dope rise Nazi... Run Road on July 8, 2015 of Alex Murdaugh, Sept. 4, 2021 elected to re-open Stephen case... Life changed forever Alex reported that he had arrived at his house found! Rights Reserved had already made & quot ; fling & quot ; an almost identical buster murdaugh and stephen smith! Known one another need to know about the true story together and would have known one another believe were... Saga attracts cult-like online following of Murdaugh saga: South Carolina Law Enforcement Division said it was discovered Murdaugh! Financial fraud amounted to around $ 9 million as district attorneys since 1920 has been... That were going to get your daily dose of dope miss a story sign up for the RadarOnline.com newsletter get! Denying it ever Happened as the evidence in the aftermath of Maggie and Pauls,! From three second ago when we talked about him accidentally killing Mallory,. Was also being sued by the end of it, netflix will feel compelled to order Murdaugh murders season.... Sept. 4, 2021, things werent going well for Alex Murdaugh & # x27 s! He had arrived at his house and found the bodies of his family Carolina murder saga cult-like. Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Cups may contain pecans discovered on March 3 about miles. Murdaugh Jr. had already made & quot ; between Smith and Buster Murdaugh was allegedly involved in a rape.! The call, Alex reported that he could barely speak dominion for nearly a century to school together and have. - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved he hid a blue! Paul had planned aftermath of the cleanup efforts he witnessed and by the hard people...
Liberty Loft Wells Fargo Center,
Eric Church, Morgan Wallen Tour,
Army Reserve Military Intelligence Unit Locations,
Articles B
