Attorneys within the double-murder trial of disbarred legal professional Alex Murdaugh are getting ready for closing arguments as early as Wednesday after 4 weeks of trial. Arguments will start as quickly because the prosecution finishes their rebuttal case and the jury visits the Moselle property the place the murders occurred – a go to requested by the protection this week. 

Highlights of the State’s Case

A criminal offense scene investigation knowledgeable, Kenny Kinsey, tried to reveal the angles at which Paul and Maggie Murdaugh have been shot to demise on their looking property on June 7, 2021, in Colleton County, South Carolina.

The prosecution launched a Snapchat video taken by Paul on the night time of the murders. Regardless of Murdaugh’s insistence that he was not dwelling when the homicide came about, Murdaugh’s voice will be heard within the background of the video, displaying that he was along with his spouse and son simply minutes earlier than the murders allegedly came about.

Murdaugh Household Housekeeper Notes Oddities

The Murdaugh household housekeeper additionally testified. She stated that Maggie Murdaugh advised her that she was involved about funds because of the lawsuit after Paul Murdaugh allegedly triggered the demise of Mallory Seashore in a boating accident – an accident generally known as “the boat case” all through the trial. Seashore’s household was in search of roughly $30 million in damages, cash that Maggie stated the Murdaughs didn’t have.

The housekeeper additionally testified that, when she entered the house the day after the murders, the home was not in its traditional order. Pots from dinner the night time earlier than have been within the fridge, which was uncommon because the Murdaughs often left them out for her to handle. Maggie’s pajamas and underwear have been additionally laid out, which was out of the odd since Maggie didn’t put on underwear together with her pajamas. 

Murdaugh’s Monetary Crimes Allowed as Proof

Decide Clifton Newman allowed the admission of proof about Murdaugh’s alleged monetary crimes to show motive. Mark Tinsley, who represents the Seashore household and others in “the boat case,” testified in regards to the data he anticipated can be uncovered after a scheduled movement listening to on Murdaugh’s financials  – a listening to scheduled for simply three days after the homicides. 

A number of members of Murdaugh’s former legislation agency and former purchasers testified about settlement funds that Murdaugh allegedly stole throughout his tenure on the agency.    

Newman additionally allowed testimony a couple of September 2021 capturing after which Murdaugh known as 911, claiming somebody tried to kill him. The incident was allegedly a murder-for-hire plot to which Murdaugh later confessed. The plan was that Curtis “Cousin Eddie” Smith would kill Murdaugh so his surviving son Buster would inherit $10 million from a life insurance coverage coverage.

Highlights of the Protection Case

Murdaugh took the stand in his personal protection. Nearly instantly, Murdaugh admitted that the voice heard within the Snapchat video was his. Murdaugh stated he didn’t inform legislation enforcement that he was there that night time as a result of he had “paranoid considering” stemming from his $50,000-per week opioid habit. His seller was allegedly the identical man accused of capturing Murdaugh within the failed insurance coverage scheme.

Murdaugh testified that he and his spouse had a great relationship, regardless of studies that she had spoken to a divorce legal professional. He additionally testified that his relationship with Paul was very shut and that he believes that somebody who had seen “the boat case” on social media killed the victims.

Murdaugh additionally admitted to taking cash from his former agency and purchasers. He tried to keep away from discussing the main points of every case, as a substitute repeating that he admitted he “stole from folks.” On cross-examination, the prosecutor peppered him with questions in regards to the specifics of every incident, repeatedly asking Murdaugh if he appeared his purchasers within the eye when he stole their cash.

Regardless of his admissions, Murdaugh remained adamant all through his direct testimony and cross-examination that he didn’t kill his spouse and son. He repeatedly stated that he would “by no means deliberately” harm them.

What To Count on Subsequent

Prosecutors are presently ending up their rebuttal case. A couple of witnesses stay. After the rebuttal, the jury is anticipated to go to the scene of the murders to get a greater concept of the area. The attorneys may have arguments exterior the presence of the jury in regards to the directions the jury will obtain. Closing arguments will start by the tip of the week.

Deliberations might take anyplace from hours to days. The jury will not be sequestered, which means they will go dwelling every night time. For a responsible or not-guilty verdict, the jury have to be unanimous. If the jury can’t agree on a verdict, the trial might end in a mistrial. The decision can be extremely anticipated because of the high-profile nature of the case, particularly in South Carolina, the place the Murdaugh household has been distinguished for generations.

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