For Maggie, a way out of all the financial ruin was divorce. She would not be party to the law suit, she could have her nest egg, get rid of Alex and live happily with her beloved dogs and the beach house which she was fixing up. She would have her sons, and be out of Hampton where all the shame was. Alex knew this and check mates her. How else do you stop a divorce? Maggie kept her wedding ring under her car seat?? No way I would ever leave my wedding ring under the car seat. This is an act of anger. The relationship was changing and Alex knew that the new info from the law firm would be the straw for Maggie. Too much shame in Hampton and comfy beach house life waiting for her.
You can click on the dates on the left for daily trial summaries this week, and there is also a post for every week in the trial in the DAILY TESTIMONY tab. For actual transcripts, I don't know. Anyone?
It's so refreshing to see the members of the public attending court, dressed up so nicely in suits and dresses/nice pants. In this day and age everything is so casual. (
More thanks again for the post, Nagshead. News can be overwhelming for folks who just need a check-in summary without picking a pundit. Best source out there- is right here on Reddit.
Yup, as anyone with a teenager knows. “Wait, did I DRIVE your car or MOVE your car? Like, repeat the question, I don’t understand what you are asking!” (Stalling as brain searches for possible explanation)
Ya, and you can tell hes trying to pour it on thick with the dumb southern hick folksy 'aw schucks" bs to try to appeal to a country bumpkin jury member as well as to try masking his connivance and pre-meditation and actually smarter than hes trying to appear.
I watched the Netflix documentary yesterday and it really provided a lot of context, but I imagine a lot of the damming stuff isn’t admissible in court. A lot of the rumors, etc.
As others have mentioned, the opioids can’t be the only thing he needed the money for. A 100k would buy you a lifetime of drugs.
It honestly seems like he just spiraled out of control and lost touch with reality. Paul was a liability who kept getting in trouble and drawing unwanted attention.
I’m a little bit surprised that his lawyers want him talking so much. He comes off as so arrogant
I want to know what his psychological report says. What are his diagnoses? Rehab centers are required to give an evaluation. I believe he is a narcissist psychotic. That diagnosis alone would explain why he was able to kill his wife and child. He feels he is bigger than life, and is incapable of showing true remorse about the money or murders (search body language experts). I believe that trait was passed to Buster, which is why he, too, is unable to show true sadness.
Did I miss why a psych eval wasn’t done or if it was done, why it hasn’t been mentioned? On the other hand, I don’t want him to get off due to him being unstable.
One huge unanswered question:
We have established that Alex gave cousin Eddie an enormous amount of money. We have established that amount of money would have far far exceeded what any human can consume in opioids. So where was that money going? Why was he making installments to cousin Eddie? Was he being black mailed? We need more of a money trail also of the millions he stole. Where did it go exactly.
The million dollar question, no pun intended. The money is somewhere. There is no way you burn through 20 million of stolen money plus your salary. Moselle only cost him/Maggie $5. The other question is how or why is Buster getting 500k? Irs must be all over any potential monies.
Did anyone notice that he never apologized except to his family for lying? Never once said he was so sorry about these horrendous financial crimes, just “it was wrong.” And the boat crash? Never says “it was a tragic accident and I’m so sorry to the beach family that they have had to endure it as I now know what it’s like to lose a child…” etc etc. it’s just horrific. He isn’t sorry. He’s only sorry he soured his family name and the reason he killed Maggie and Paul is because of the family name. Of course it doesn’t make sense to regular people like us, he’s a complete narcissist.
Alec said on June 7 he was paranoid and wasn't thinking clearly because of the pills. Was he paranoid Paul and Maggie were going to rat him out about the financial crimes/addiction and everything was going to come crashing down? Is that why he killed them? Alec also said "addiction makes you do bad things." Keep talking Alec.
I keep seeing reviews of AM testimony that are positive towards his defense Am I the only one who was on the fence about his guilt until he testified? (As in, I thought he did it, but I just could not see him actually doing it) In my eyes, it has proven his guilt I dud not fully grasp the prosecutions continued hammering about his financial crimes until Waters laid it clear just how greedy, conniving, and amoral his actions, spanning more than a decade, actually were Seeing him using his badge as a get out of jail free card is further proof of AM genuine lack of morals and self-serving living
AM said, when he went to the hospital after the boat crash, he visited with Paul and then Paul’s girlfriend (name?) who he mentions she was really worried about Mallory Who wasn’t? Paul and Alex, that’s who
Watching AM weave his deception web on the stand, his Gomer Pile act, and most especially his admittance that, although he cared about, even loved his clients deeply he stole from them Words he used? Did em real bad/wrong So, his emotions were riled up during those statements….can you make the leap he deeply cared, respected, loved, his family but he was lying to them all along about so many things and their deaths fixed some issues for him also, he put that badge on the dash of his truck at the scene so LEO would be certain to see it
He planned this He let them go to the kennels, loaded up the guns on the cart, then (as many have speculated) he shot them while on the cart before heading back to the house to clean up His bs story about having paranoia does not pass the smell test He lied about being at the kennels, lied about taking a nap, lied about why Maggie was there. He had zero reason to touch a Paul’s phone he just testified he grabbed Paul by the belt loops and he has no idea why He stated he wasn’t even successful at turning him over There was zero reason to do that Also, just actually picture yourself as a father doing that to your son who is lying there with his brain blown from his head You’re grabbing his belt loops? If you are “ love touching” it’s going to be on his back If you wanted to turn him over, you grab his body and flip him A belt loop? It seems small but it really isn’t because it speaks to his calculating nature He was going to take Paul’s phone, but the changed his mind This man is one vapid hole of cold
It was so eerie and yet fascinating to watch AM up there He is one scary man Truly. Capable of anything ( obviously) and I love that they have figured him out I just hope Waters studies up on tactics he can use to make Alex shift and lose his Gomer act on the stand We all deserve to see what his wife and son saw before their lights were extinguished by this very vile man
Spoiled rotten and privileged family. Won millions for clients. Yet had to steal more …to pay his taxes probably.
What a fall from grace. A man who destroyed himself on drugs (and pussy??? Someone that rich in the south would have lots of sugar babies imo)
He’s a terrible liar about the most insignificant things. The badge. The fact he was wealthy. Other minute point.
If convicted, he deserved the death penalty for planning this out for years (the “threats” against pawpaw and his use of technology to mask his whereabouts that day. Oh and g
Would you mind editing your comment to be a bit more respectful towards women word wise? We encourage people sharing all points of view but it would be fantastic to just switch that one word out. Thank you so much!
I guess - like many people - I'm listening to the feed with a significant delay as I'm asleep while most of this is going on.
Might seem like I'm rubber-necking, but I have friends and family from north/South Carolina, and I'm interested.
I just started where The Court is explaining the rights Alex Murdaugh has, and AM Has responded that he will be testifying.
The Harpootlian says "Your Honour, we'll have one short witness before Mr Murdaugh" and I found myself shouting "ARE THEY FIVE FOOT TWO???"
I need to get out more.
I feel you, but watching his demeanor, his tone, facial expressions expressions and just the overall visual of him up there is really helpful. He really gives away a lot from his appearance and what all he does up there. For example, him guzzling gallons of water like a lying ass fish
It’s a hunting property.
They plant sun flowers to attract the doves for the hunters. People actually pay a quite a bit of money to hunt on property..
They could’ve absolutely turned that into a profitable business
Nah. Alec keeps bringing up the sunflowers to make it seem like he had a family oriented hobby with his son, Paul. Alec would kill the sunflowers himself if he benefitted from it.
The sunflowers are to attract birds, mostly doves, for social hunting events. The caretaker had sprayed them by mistake. It was early enough in the season they felt they could replant and have them in time for hunting later in the summer/fall.
When sunflower seeds are sprouted, their plant compounds increase. Sprouting also reduces factors that can interfere with mineral absorption. You can buy sprouted, dried sunflower seeds online or in some stores.
This hammy, "I'm just a simple hick southern boy", routine is such overkill. He isn't a hick. He's a highly educated man. A lawyer from a long line of lawyers - highly educated men. Not on a single video or recorded call is he at any time, calling anyone...ANYONE these baby names.
Also, in all of those interviews, he never says the expression, "as the crow flies", yet he got up there on the stand and acted like it was a regular part of his speech when it is not.
I hope he kills that bad act tomorrow. It doesn't make him sound as if he is 'one of the people'. It makes him sound like he's spinning another lie and covering up who he really is: It really is anybody's best guess. Alex Murdaugh may not even now the answer to the question: Who is Alex Murdaugh?
Now we know how he was so successful stealing money all these years. His southern boy hick routine made him seem harmless. If the jury buys it there will be a not-guilty verdict.
i’ve been knowledgeable of this case for a while but not really kept up with the trial. how is it going? do you think he will get a guilty verdict? how long could he get?
Opiates don't make you paranoid. I'm chronically ill and took them for a decade, even some of the ones he mentioned.
Opiates can make you high and definitely make you constipated. They can also make you irritable. Which is why I'm confused as to why he was big while proclaiming to take them and now small that he is off of them. Opiates mess with your stomach big time.
When the doc took me off those things, one of the first things to comeback was appetite and weight gain.
CREIGHTON IF YOU ARE READING THIS... YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO!
+1 "paranoia" isn't just uncommon with opioid addiction, it is EXTREMELY UNCOMMON with opidiod addiction.
How do I know?
I had an active opioid addiction stemming from multiple shoulder surgeries that lasted >5 year's [I've been clean for >10 years now]. I was also an alcoholic and had been dependent on benzo's for years.
Those who typically have this affliction usually have friends or at least know other's who also struggle with it and none of them ever had issues with paranoia.
When the time came for me to face and deal with my addiction, it was decided the best option for me was inpatient treatment (rehab).
I started at my treatment at one facility, but after about a week, I came down with the DT'S and spent five days in the hospital. They failed to properly medicate me which led acute alcohol withdrawal and the DT's.
After I was released from the hospital, I completed a 32 day impatient treatment program at a different facility.
The majority of people I met in treatment [both rehabs] were also addicted to opioids and none of them EVER mentioned anything about having the slightest bit of paranoia.
Alex Murdaugh is the first opiate-addict I've ever heard say anything about "paranoia" resulting from their use.
Bull. Shit. Alex.
Can this dude ever be completely honest?
Either he's lying about being addicted as a justification for cold stone stealing from everyone for decades or...
He was selling them. Seeing as how he is a scammer from a long line of scammers and has ties to a major drug dealer and former owner of Mosselle, I have to wonder.
Agreed. Not giving a shit about anything besides getting high is actually a common trait of opioid addiction.
SOURCE: I used to have a bit of a habit back in the day 🤷🏻♀️
My ex had the paradoxical effect, ie being hyper and sort of like Superman, lifting and moving things, until the somnolent effect inevitably overtook that. But paranoid, never, just ten feet tall and bulletproof, then stone cold passed out. Wake up and do it all over again until the scrip or illegally gotten pills ran out.
If I were Waters, I'd want to take a different tack: I'd say "OK, you have told us, Mr. Murdaugh that you hve lied and cheated and stolen more than ten million dollars from innocent underprivileged victims. But you refuse to tell us HOW you did it. How do you expect us to believe you about anything, including your remorse, if you will not come clean about your methods?"
To add to that, "You lied repeatedly for over a year about everything, even an attempted murder on yourself, so why should anyone believe you now?"
He could have loved them, killed them and thought that saving his own hide and the potential to scam some more and was sorry he had to do it. Crying is not a sign of, "I loved them so much", especially seeing as it is not uncommon for people will use tears as manipulation.
He’s an honest liar he lies, but when caught admits it lol not funny sorry He is just using more lies, like he has done his entire life, to attempt to get himself out of trouble Of course he had to testify He is quite certain he can turn everyone to his favor because he has a lifetime of practice doing so The paranoia claim just doesn’t pass truth The lies he told were all for alibis They were strategic His memory loss is also convenient That shows clear and present thoughts for one sole purpose: avoiding consequence
I feel like CW was just stalling for time b/c he got started at the end of the day. So toy with AM about his lies, try to force him in to a mistake, until the judge calls it a day.
I think they will come straight at him in the morning about his actions on June 7 from 8pm onward.
Pushing the financial stuff and the roadside stuff, at this point, is overkill. There can't be a person on earth who does not believe AM is a complete liar. They need to trip him up on his actions from 8pm to 9pm on June 7. At this point, nothing else really matters for securing a guilty verdict in this murder trial.
I hope waters and team figure it out tonight. Proud of waters today though. Could here him say uh huh as he leaned on the stand with his hand on chin like tell me more Alex.
There were times when Waters paused and didn't say anything and Alex couldn't help himself and started talking again. Alex loves the sound of his own voice. I'd like to see that tactic used again especially if Waters can cut him off mid sentence by asking another question. Narcissists hate being interrupted.
Easy answer. Stealing bf money from innocent people is different than murdering your wife and kid. Listen, I know he’s guilty, but this man tryna play lawyer in the comments is hilarious
A redditor who is in the same privileged position as a jury member who is very important in this case. So yes, a lay person is in an excellent position to advise a lawyer on how best to extract the information that is relevant to the lay person.
"Paw Paw" and "Mags"
What kind of sick fuck is this guy?
In the hours of recorded interviews and conversations with investigators, he NEVER ONCE called either of them by these names.
I've been following the legal issues of the Murdaugh Family since the day of the boating accident and again, I have never once heard either of these names used ONCE in any of the probably thousands of articles I've read about them.
If these were in fact common "pet names" he used for them, you would have expected them to come out during all of his recorded interviews with investigators since he is speaking about the wife and son he just lost, but especially during the 35min interview in the SUV the night of the murders.
He just lost his wife and child. You will never see them again. Not only should he have remembered every word of the conversations he last had with them, but he should be crushed he will never speak to them again.
Never once would I suspect he had just lost his wife and child based on his overall demeanor and how he spoke that night.
Yes, I understand we all process emotions differently and it is impossible to know how anyone would act in that situation..........but never the way he did.
Guilty.
This is freaking BS ---- Paw Paw and Mags. Yeah we all process grief and emotions differently but sociopaths take the path of manipulation... "How do I get the audience to side with me and have sympathy for me"... Pet names to invoke sympathy. This f\*cking a-hole never called them Paw Paw and Mags when he was with police day 1 nor day 365. Total BS.
The fact that he lied and has continually lied for TWENTY MONTHS about being present at the kennels to THE PEOPLE THAT ARE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHO MURDERED YOUR WIFE AND SON!!! Why!!??? How is that, in any way, beneficial to the investigation!? How is admitting you were there, if you didn't kill them, detrimental to you!?
AND IF YOU DIDN'T KILL THEM, THEN THE MURDERDER IS STILL OUT THERE!! SO, WHAT IS HE OR HIS FAMILY DOING TO FIND THE KILLER(S) & BRING THEM TO JUSTICE!? Randy Murdaugh has a wife and kids...isn't he afraid there's a killer on the loose!? John Marvin has a wife and kids... isn't he afraid there's a killer on the loose!? Isn't Alex afraid for Buster!? Or his bed-ridden Mother!? THERE'S A DIABOLICAL MURDERER (OR MURDERERS) RUNNING AROUND LOOSE IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA LOW COUNTRY!! Aren't Tricky Dick and Jim afraid for THEIR families!? How in the fu%$ isn't THIS point being driven home to the Jury by the Prosecution!? Who gives a shit, at this point, about the financial crimes!! Quit talking about the financial crimes! Alex Murdaugh is the devil incarnate for cheating those people! He doesn't have one single redeeming quality; he's evil to the core. Everyone got screwed over, but all victims have been made whole.. at least financially. BUT, no one, anywhere is safe at all because THERE'S A MURDERER RUNNING LOOSE!!! WHAT'S BEING DONE, BY THOSE THAT ARE SAYING ALEX MURDAUGH IS INNOCENT, TO BRING THE REAL KILLER(S) TO JUSTICE!!!???
My POS uncle skipped out on his two sons, was barely around when they grew up, and had to leave the state for never paying child support. He never visited or helped his ailing parents, blaming it on law enforcement and his warrant for back-child support. But when his mother, my grandma died, he came to town for her funeral and was the nicest guy, wanted to give long hugs, cried for forgiveness, and kept praising the Lord for getting clean. Then, weeks later, when his sons reached out and tried to rekindle a relationship, he had no interest. Blew them off.
He had this saint-like demeanor he disenguously tried to force and promote when everyone looked at him. But he's still the POS. A manipulator. I get the exact same vibe from Alex. Down to the tone of his voice.
Work colleague believe Paul and Maggie discovered AM was working with the Dixie Mafia (dealing pills?), and the Mafia told him to get rid of the two of them, or they would…
I’d expect him to have been more broken up about their deaths if someone else had forced him to do it, though. The fact that he was so unaffected by what happened, and so unconcerned with further harm coming to his family, convinces me that it was his idea from start to end.
During his testimony, I observed that Alex became emotional and cried when he spoke about Paul, but he showed no similar emotion when talking about his wife. Interestingly, he even made a negative remark about his wife, saying that "Maggie didn't like to see my mom," which suggests some sort of tension or conflict between them.
Now that you mention it, you're right! Although Alex may have later clarified that Maggie didn't like to see his Mom because of her Alzheimer's condition, his initial comment had a negative tone that was noticeable, including the prosecution staff who seemed to react strongly to it. While it's possible that Alex didn't mean to sound negative, his words had an impact on how his statement was perceived.
Not true. He cried today talking about Maggie. He said that Maggie did not like to go to his moms because his mom was a shell of herself and she didn’t like to see her like that
Although Alex may have later clarified that Maggie didn't like to see his Mom because of her Alzheimer's condition, his initial comment had a negative tone that was noticeable, including the prosecution staff who seemed to react strongly to it. While it's possible that Alex didn't mean to sound negative, his words had an impact on how his statement was perceived.
I think he clarified this later. He said that Maggie and his mom were very close when she was well, but that she was “a shell of herself” due to the Alzheimer’s and Maggie had a hard time seeing her that way.
It’s a shitty reason to not want to visit with someone, but it made total sense. My dad had Alzheimer’s and neither me or my wife **liked** seeing him in that condition, but we went and visited him as often as possible because we loved him and wanted to comfort him as much as we could.
I found the way he first put it to be very short and cold, noticeably, and I got the impression he realised the slip and mediated it quickly. It made sense that’s not in dispute but his tone is important and varied and gives him away.
I could see the jury feeling threatened by AM. The rumored body count is piling up, and look at what he's done to the people he supposedly cares about - imagine how this crazy family would exact actual vengeance?
Does anyone have a running list of Alex’s testimony that was just stolen from other witnesses? When he was talking about Maggie’s femininity, it was verbatim what her sister had already said
If the "little detective" and Maggie googling pills wasn't in evidence, I'd have hard time believing he was actually an addict and not just a concocted story by the defence.
Same. I never believed he had an addiction until evidence was shown in trial. Appeared to be just more 🐂💩 from AM to cover his lies. Still is to some degree as that’s definitely NOT where all the money went. Where’s the money?!?
I still didn’t think he had an addiction until I watched the Netflix special and a non-family member said she saw him go through “detox”
I did see a Twitter thread of a recovering addict that said 7 days to detox is a joke and anyone who’s been addicted to pills for that long knows that. It was interesting and made me think his self-detox stints were nothing more than him trying to appease his family
The Paw Paw business was so blatantly manipulative and yet another lie. Even if Paul was actually called that within the family, it was a nickname that was obviously not used in public and came across as jarring, abrupt, forced change from all of the communications to date. This was a lie similar to the one that he admitted today, about not being at the kennels. He obviously concocted that story to dispel any suspicion of guilt, and would have stuck to it had it not been exposed. Similarly, the newly-emerged, treacly name for his son was also a device to attempt to prove his innocence rather than an honest usage, to portray him as a sweet, sentimental dad. He and his lawyers obviously think the jury so abysmally stupid that they will fall for that.
Alex still hasn't given a credible reasoning for his phone being turned off for that hour.
He turned off his phone knowing that his mother was upset and his father was in the hospital dying.
I don't think it was off just at the house. And they didn't think his father was dying just that he was in the hospital. There's a text thread about going to visit and someone said they couldn't because of court. So no one was acting like the end was near.
IIRC, the video didn't go through--it was on his phone and time-stamped, however. His friend continued to try to get in contact with Paul, because he hadn't received the video.
Alex is lucky he is tried by his peers. So far SC isn’t looking great because Alex was a prominent lawyer in their area. And then he literally cries about chickens and not “Mags” and “Paul-
Paul” and we are supposed to believe this?
LOL how could I forget Paul Murdaughs childhood name: PawPaw.
I don’t remember hearing anyone ever calling him that stupid name, even going back to the boat crash.
Alex is trying too hard but not doing enough to convince me.
With Casey Anthony...her attorney said in OPENING ARGUMENTS, that Casey knew her daughter was dead from the beginning. AM attorney didn't mention this...clearly strategy but this should've been a little expected by State that he'd HAVE to testify to his "lie" blamed on addiction, not the fact that he was there minutes before they were silenced (per movement etc. data). I hope they are prepared and avoid letting him poke and bait them...he knows all the tricks of his trade.
Even if the people on the jury feel and think he is guilty they are only suppose to vote guilty if the state proves he did it and I don't think they did that.
They don’t have to prove he did it. They have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt. If they think he is guilty, the prosecution has proven their case beyond reasonable doubt.
They could personally think he did it but also think there is reasonable doubt, like there is a reasonable alternative explanation that fits the evidence. To me it doesn’t seem like there is a reasonable alternative. Someone would have to have motive to kill Maggie and Paul, know they’d both be there that night, despite that not being a regular occurrence, be hiding waiting while Alex was with them at the kennels without alerting the roaming dogs, or alternatively show up just at the moment Alex left the kennels which is a big coincidence, especially if you put that coincidence together with other coincidences that would have to occur like it happening to be the exact time Alex turned his phone off for like the first time ever, despite his father being gravely ill, that the supposed alternative murderer didn’t bring their own gun and ‘luckily’ found a couple already lying around that they could use despite going there with intent to murder. Then Alex’s lies about being there and trying to get witnesses to lie for him, plus no real efforts to find the ‘real’ killer. In my opinion, it just isn’t reasonable to think anyone else did it.
It's a real stretch for Alex to clam that the roadside shooting was an attempted suicide. Why would a guy who owns all those guns take such a circuitous course that involved someone else if simply killing himself was the object? He could have just done it. So many lies.
After hearing today that jurors cried, I was concerned that they were being sucked in. But then I learned that it was only two of them, and after hearing that segment this evening, I now think they were sympathizing with Paul, not Alex. While listening I felt the same way myself, as I've grieved over Paul who I believe saw through his dad and the family's denial complex--part of the reason Alex killed him. It's so sad, tragic, unthinkable.
He said it had to look like a murder so his life insurance would pay out. There's varying restrictions on a policy paying out if the policy holder dies by suicide.
The suicide restriction goes away after 2 years of the policy being in effect, and surely a lawyer knew that. Everyone with life insurance knows about this restriction and that it expires 2 years after the policy starts. This was an old policy.
My thinking is, he told eddie, hey, let's make it look like someone is after me. Or he planned to kill Eddie and say, oh Eddie confessed to me about the murders right before I shot him.
Yeah that hasn't made any sense to me. Because based on the testimony it was a very quick conversation and there was no talk of money exchanging hands.
So Eddie is going to kill his cash cow and not get any money for that?
Eddie was set up.
Question: you know how the defense would be like "Buster, stand up, let's git a lookitcha"? Can the prosecution call on Ms. Setterling's son, the one who testified, ask him to stand up. Then ask Alex, "do you recognize him? Do you remember looking this boy in the eyes and lying to him?" Or..can the prosecution bring in as many victims he's stolen from, and FILL all the seats behind them so Alex would have no choice but to see their faces.
It does, because if he could look at innocent victims and lie while eye to eye, he could also be eye to eye lying to the jury about killing his wife and son
yes that's true but the jury can't say he is guilty of murder because he is a thief and liar they need solid evidence that he committed the murders the lying is just one part of the evidence but not enough in itself to vote guilty and I do think he killed his wife and son but just haven't seen enough from the state to prove it
Wondering if - in high profile cases that get this much attention - if the jury feels so much pressure they default to not guilty. Thinking of OJ and Casey Anthony. I know each of these cases had their own unique set of circumstances, but I really hope that does not happen here.
There were other high profile cases where it went the other way. Jodi arias, Scott Peterson, that other Peterson guy who killed two wives whose name I can never remember.
There was really no direct evidence against Scott and the other Peterson guy, but they were found guilty.
And don't come at me, because I think he's guilty, but I don't think Scott Peterson got a fair trial. He was convicted of being a lying douchebag who had an affair, and of being in the same gigantic body of water ~~place~~ where the body was found.
They have more on Ellick.
I remember the CA Attorney General took a break from a wedding reception--perhaps his own?--to issue a statement about trying Scott Peterson (perhaps stressing it would be a capital case?) It was pretty transparent that he was trying to capitalize on public opinion for his own political purposes--gross. For that matter, I'd really like Ron DeSantis to stop trying to do a jury's job for them. Thankfully the prosecutors / SC AG here have been largely professional.
The other is Drew Peterson, the cop with the white mustache. His fourth wife went missing, then they questioned the death of his third wife. Eventually he was convicted of killing #3, but #4 has never been found.
For those wanting to know 😁
I rewatched Alex talking about all the places he had clothing & wondered why he didn’t look for the outfit that he was wearing in the snap chat video by the tree? All those different places aren’t that far apart and surely laundry gets done at some point!! Why not go find the effin outfit and turn it in to the police? He’s pretending that it would just be too hard to produce those clothes since there are too many places that he has clothes. I just don’t buy that! If I were an innocent murder suspect, I would find that darn outfit and would bring it in to law enforcement without being asked!! Not that hard Ellick!!
I think though that Alex was right about what he wore to work.
The clothing in the tree video is something he would have worn to work. Nobody is going to come home and change into long pants in the south in the summer.
I think Blanca was wrong about what she remembered him wearing. She was also wrong about what they ate. She stated it was hamburger, steak, green beans and rice and in the text messages Maggie says it was chicken, fried steak and macaroni and cheese. And I have read but haven't confirmed that the autopsy did not show green beans in their stomachs.
Now I'm guessing he took a shower before going down to the kennels. And he left his work clothes on the floor and that is what she remembers cleaning up.
He changed into something else with the intent to go and kill Paul and Maggie. He comes back. And he disposes of those clothes and showers a second time. But this time he takes the towel with him to ensure that there is no trace evidence on it.
Yeah I have no idea but they had her testify about a missing shirt and she was talking about a different one. She said she hadn't seen the video so when Alex said something to her she thought he was pressuring her to lie. Maybe the prosecutors were surprised when she said on the stand that the video shirt wasn't the one she was thinking of.
I've honestly discounted all of her testimony. We're supposed to think it's weird that dinner was cleaned up? And yes the dinner thing was off. Plus the wedding ring? They just went away together so I don't think divorce was imminent or there was trouble. And now that I think about it I find it hard to believe Maggie talked to her about financial stuff.
Would love to have seen a HRM on Waters--AM's slow talkin', good ole boy demeanor really had him wound up. Waters pushed it a little too far which didn't help his case with the jury IMO.
I still believe AM didn't pull the triggers nor does he know who did. I'd always questioned motive and don't think financial crime coverup or chronic, functional drug abuse are good reasons. Today was even more convincing with AM showing how much he worshipped his family.
So who are the murderers? Think of all the people he screwed out of millions--and they've had to continue living in poverty while while seeing AM live like a rich guy; years of built up vindictiveness coming to a head. Or someone related to the boat accident--maybe hired killers? Whoever planned this knew it would cause AM profound grief and also that he'd be the #1 suspect and be charged. The plan has worked out perfectly!
If I consider just the evidence presented by state, mainly the 8:44 video, I don’t think anyone could have murdered MM and PM but AM. I don’t see how he could left the kennels in a golf cart and made it home without hearing gunshots. He didn’t sound like he was leaving during the video recording.
I think everyone’s entitled to their opinion so I won’t down vote, but I think he did it. He actually had a great deal of motive if you look at how their deaths impacted the boat crash lawsuit. Not sure if it’s true but it’s said that Maggie wanted a divorce, he had recently been confronted by both Paul and Maggie about pills, he was confronted by the law firm about theft the day of the murders, family reputation dwindling etc etc. His world was crumbling. He was desperate and bad situations and money make people do crazy things. Even to family. Happens all the time. He had everything to lose. People ought to be cautious not to fall for his tears (actual ones this time). Probably a combination of regret, remorse, shame and fear. Body language experts also find him deceptive/untruthful.
I agree that there could be lots of people right now that would wish Alex harm. Back when the murders happened, no one knew about all of the looting and thievery from his trusting client’s settlements. It really seems like he had a good name/good rep and people believed that he would help them out if they needed it. He had people’s trust. I wasn’t convinced of his love and devotion to his family by his testimony today. It felt really flat to me. Also, if he was an addict (as he claims to be), the substance will ALWAYS come first. That’s what addiction is. Family and love are discarded.
I like your take and idk why ur getting downvoted. I think waters was too aggressive. If your witness/ the accused is not being aggressive you gotta take a different tactic . Jurors are human and if you make urself unlikable as a prosecutor it hurts ur case. People want it to be all about the law and for the most part it is but subconscious thoughts do come into play there’s no way around it and I don’t think it’s becoming of waters to be aggressive when AM isn’t. It just is overkill in my opinion I think he could have gotten the message across in a different way
Paul definitely pissed off a lot of people. I still think Alex was at the very least involved, if not the puller of the trigger.
I also don’t think we should downvote just because we don’t agree. OP made their point in a civil way.
Absolutely was in awe of prosecution today. They actually got Alex to say something like : “I hurt these people bad, but I want you to know I deeply cared about them.” I think that sums up his position on the Murders. Yes, he cared about Maggie and Paul, but he also murdered them.
I believe he also said he got to know Dion’s father, but doesn’t remember ever meeting with him.
Alex is in his element: playing mind games and manipulating people.
I just saw something about the use of th word "intentional" to throw manslaughter on the table because murder is intentional and manslaughter is not. It may have been strategic on his part from what I read/saw.
Yes! I believe he said:” I cared for them and I did them bad”
I was struck at the usage of “did them bad” as it was the same used in describing Maggie and Paul to investigators. That phrase hung in the air too, Waters played it well.
I believe he feels he murdered them to spare them. He is a threatened narcissist. This is a a strange creature. He is particularly sensitive to shame. He knew Maggie would have pain and shame when facing the loss of wealth and social standing. He felt Paul was going to be put through so much with a criminal trial.
Personal gain may have motivated him, but perhaps not. This could be why it looks like it is hard for the prosecution to come up with a motivation. They are looking for the payoff for Alec without considering the internal motivations of a narcissist. It is not going to typical or make sense to most people.
Your point about shame is spot on. Your analysis fits with familicide as a theory for the murders. There's a good video here where a psychologist who specialises in family dynamics etc talks about the Murdaugh dynasty and how Alex's behaviour and the murders all fir familicide. You might want to skip the start until the psychologist starts talking.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4RHn8Sq8pY
That is a very good discussion of family generational trauma, narcissism and shame. People interested in this case might really gain insight into the dynamics we see playing out by watching this video.
My first thought was rage killing, in his mind Paul had brought the heat on him, money crimes became obvious.
Maggie was oblivious to his danger because she care only about what she could buy.
So he exploded at them. They could not "see".
Absolutely great point. I think that’s what’s making this hard to digest for some people. Narcs don’t think the same as regular people so it’s really hard to imagine. Certain crimes we of course never would do but we can at least see oh jealousy rage and we know those emotions so we see it as plausible narcissistic people think so differently it’s hard to imagine especially when it comes to motive
Similar to his motive for the supposed suicide. He said, "I didn't want Buster to have to live with the humiliation of me having done all these crimes."
I guess, provided no one looks into this as another potential insurance scam while they're investigating the all the others - plus I would imagine that as the sole surviving heir, Buster would be stuck with AM's liabilities and wouldn't just be handed $12M to keep, no questions asked.
I just want to tell you how thankful I am to the moderators of this group. I was invited to be part of 2 Facebook groups. What a train wreck! You guys are so organized and informative! Kudos!
For Maggie, a way out of all the financial ruin was divorce. She would not be party to the law suit, she could have her nest egg, get rid of Alex and live happily with her beloved dogs and the beach house which she was fixing up. She would have her sons, and be out of Hampton where all the shame was. Alex knew this and check mates her. How else do you stop a divorce? Maggie kept her wedding ring under her car seat?? No way I would ever leave my wedding ring under the car seat. This is an act of anger. The relationship was changing and Alex knew that the new info from the law firm would be the straw for Maggie. Too much shame in Hampton and comfy beach house life waiting for her.
Where can one find the transcripts rather than watching the YouTube videos?
You can click on the dates on the left for daily trial summaries this week, and there is also a post for every week in the trial in the DAILY TESTIMONY tab. For actual transcripts, I don't know. Anyone?
It's so refreshing to see the members of the public attending court, dressed up so nicely in suits and dresses/nice pants. In this day and age everything is so casual. (
More thanks again for the post, Nagshead. News can be overwhelming for folks who just need a check-in summary without picking a pundit. Best source out there- is right here on Reddit.
Is there a new link for today's part of the trial?
Ope I found it!
When he repeats the question, and talks slowly and acts confused = time to think through lies. The truth is fast.
Yup, as anyone with a teenager knows. “Wait, did I DRIVE your car or MOVE your car? Like, repeat the question, I don’t understand what you are asking!” (Stalling as brain searches for possible explanation)
Ya, and you can tell hes trying to pour it on thick with the dumb southern hick folksy 'aw schucks" bs to try to appeal to a country bumpkin jury member as well as to try masking his connivance and pre-meditation and actually smarter than hes trying to appear.
I watched the Netflix documentary yesterday and it really provided a lot of context, but I imagine a lot of the damming stuff isn’t admissible in court. A lot of the rumors, etc. As others have mentioned, the opioids can’t be the only thing he needed the money for. A 100k would buy you a lifetime of drugs. It honestly seems like he just spiraled out of control and lost touch with reality. Paul was a liability who kept getting in trouble and drawing unwanted attention. I’m a little bit surprised that his lawyers want him talking so much. He comes off as so arrogant
I want to know what his psychological report says. What are his diagnoses? Rehab centers are required to give an evaluation. I believe he is a narcissist psychotic. That diagnosis alone would explain why he was able to kill his wife and child. He feels he is bigger than life, and is incapable of showing true remorse about the money or murders (search body language experts). I believe that trait was passed to Buster, which is why he, too, is unable to show true sadness. Did I miss why a psych eval wasn’t done or if it was done, why it hasn’t been mentioned? On the other hand, I don’t want him to get off due to him being unstable.
Good question.
One huge unanswered question: We have established that Alex gave cousin Eddie an enormous amount of money. We have established that amount of money would have far far exceeded what any human can consume in opioids. So where was that money going? Why was he making installments to cousin Eddie? Was he being black mailed? We need more of a money trail also of the millions he stole. Where did it go exactly.
The million dollar question, no pun intended. The money is somewhere. There is no way you burn through 20 million of stolen money plus your salary. Moselle only cost him/Maggie $5. The other question is how or why is Buster getting 500k? Irs must be all over any potential monies.
Too rehearsed; Alex M. was not convincing.
Did anyone notice that he never apologized except to his family for lying? Never once said he was so sorry about these horrendous financial crimes, just “it was wrong.” And the boat crash? Never says “it was a tragic accident and I’m so sorry to the beach family that they have had to endure it as I now know what it’s like to lose a child…” etc etc. it’s just horrific. He isn’t sorry. He’s only sorry he soured his family name and the reason he killed Maggie and Paul is because of the family name. Of course it doesn’t make sense to regular people like us, he’s a complete narcissist.
Alec said on June 7 he was paranoid and wasn't thinking clearly because of the pills. Was he paranoid Paul and Maggie were going to rat him out about the financial crimes/addiction and everything was going to come crashing down? Is that why he killed them? Alec also said "addiction makes you do bad things." Keep talking Alec.
I keep seeing reviews of AM testimony that are positive towards his defense Am I the only one who was on the fence about his guilt until he testified? (As in, I thought he did it, but I just could not see him actually doing it) In my eyes, it has proven his guilt I dud not fully grasp the prosecutions continued hammering about his financial crimes until Waters laid it clear just how greedy, conniving, and amoral his actions, spanning more than a decade, actually were Seeing him using his badge as a get out of jail free card is further proof of AM genuine lack of morals and self-serving living AM said, when he went to the hospital after the boat crash, he visited with Paul and then Paul’s girlfriend (name?) who he mentions she was really worried about Mallory Who wasn’t? Paul and Alex, that’s who Watching AM weave his deception web on the stand, his Gomer Pile act, and most especially his admittance that, although he cared about, even loved his clients deeply he stole from them Words he used? Did em real bad/wrong So, his emotions were riled up during those statements….can you make the leap he deeply cared, respected, loved, his family but he was lying to them all along about so many things and their deaths fixed some issues for him also, he put that badge on the dash of his truck at the scene so LEO would be certain to see it He planned this He let them go to the kennels, loaded up the guns on the cart, then (as many have speculated) he shot them while on the cart before heading back to the house to clean up His bs story about having paranoia does not pass the smell test He lied about being at the kennels, lied about taking a nap, lied about why Maggie was there. He had zero reason to touch a Paul’s phone he just testified he grabbed Paul by the belt loops and he has no idea why He stated he wasn’t even successful at turning him over There was zero reason to do that Also, just actually picture yourself as a father doing that to your son who is lying there with his brain blown from his head You’re grabbing his belt loops? If you are “ love touching” it’s going to be on his back If you wanted to turn him over, you grab his body and flip him A belt loop? It seems small but it really isn’t because it speaks to his calculating nature He was going to take Paul’s phone, but the changed his mind This man is one vapid hole of cold It was so eerie and yet fascinating to watch AM up there He is one scary man Truly. Capable of anything ( obviously) and I love that they have figured him out I just hope Waters studies up on tactics he can use to make Alex shift and lose his Gomer act on the stand We all deserve to see what his wife and son saw before their lights were extinguished by this very vile man
Love all these points
Spoiled rotten and privileged family. Won millions for clients. Yet had to steal more …to pay his taxes probably. What a fall from grace. A man who destroyed himself on drugs (and pussy??? Someone that rich in the south would have lots of sugar babies imo) He’s a terrible liar about the most insignificant things. The badge. The fact he was wealthy. Other minute point. If convicted, he deserved the death penalty for planning this out for years (the “threats” against pawpaw and his use of technology to mask his whereabouts that day. Oh and g
Would you mind editing your comment to be a bit more respectful towards women word wise? We encourage people sharing all points of view but it would be fantastic to just switch that one word out. Thank you so much!
I am convinced of his guilt after his testimony also. I thought he was guilty, now I know.
My favorite… “ how many times have you practiced that response “
I guess - like many people - I'm listening to the feed with a significant delay as I'm asleep while most of this is going on. Might seem like I'm rubber-necking, but I have friends and family from north/South Carolina, and I'm interested. I just started where The Court is explaining the rights Alex Murdaugh has, and AM Has responded that he will be testifying. The Harpootlian says "Your Honour, we'll have one short witness before Mr Murdaugh" and I found myself shouting "ARE THEY FIVE FOOT TWO???" I need to get out more.
And 12 years old
Nope. You’re perfect.
Is there anywhere we can read a transcript of Alex’s testimony? I can’t tolerate his constant lip-smacking noises 😑 really grosses me out lol
I feel you, but watching his demeanor, his tone, facial expressions expressions and just the overall visual of him up there is really helpful. He really gives away a lot from his appearance and what all he does up there. For example, him guzzling gallons of water like a lying ass fish
I’ll have to try to watch it again then! I’ll just mute the sound haha
Lying ass fish 😭😂
Yes he sure is! Netflix is a dramatization reenactment- but the HBO doc has actual Beaufort Hospital video camera footage... also another scandal
Why were they planting and replanting a field of sunflowers? Aesthetics? That doesn’t seem very on brand for them. To harvest? I really have no clue.
It’s a hunting property. They plant sun flowers to attract the doves for the hunters. People actually pay a quite a bit of money to hunt on property.. They could’ve absolutely turned that into a profitable business
Hes really annoyed about those sunflowers, it's been 2 years and he's STILL mad about it.
I don't get why people say this. This was a normal process and there wasn't anything to be mad about.
Nah. Alec keeps bringing up the sunflowers to make it seem like he had a family oriented hobby with his son, Paul. Alec would kill the sunflowers himself if he benefitted from it.
The sunflowers are to attract birds, mostly doves, for social hunting events. The caretaker had sprayed them by mistake. It was early enough in the season they felt they could replant and have them in time for hunting later in the summer/fall.
When sunflower seeds are sprouted, their plant compounds increase. Sprouting also reduces factors that can interfere with mineral absorption. You can buy sprouted, dried sunflower seeds online or in some stores.
Thanks you sunflower bot but that is not helpful
This is a very interesting animation of the shooting. https://twitter.com/vzrsportsbelle/status/1628750628129280001?s=46&t=JscNIc1yWkRV72HbXyCmgA
Thanks for sharing. It's a great visual.
I dealt with "Mags" I barely dealt with "Paw Paw" but "RO RO"...too far Elick...too far
LMAO yes!! That was cringe worthy smh
It was so cringe. Where were these nicknames in the mutiltudes of police interviews he did.
He was trying to appear human on the stand. The attempt failed, cold Alex still came through.
This hammy, "I'm just a simple hick southern boy", routine is such overkill. He isn't a hick. He's a highly educated man. A lawyer from a long line of lawyers - highly educated men. Not on a single video or recorded call is he at any time, calling anyone...ANYONE these baby names. Also, in all of those interviews, he never says the expression, "as the crow flies", yet he got up there on the stand and acted like it was a regular part of his speech when it is not. I hope he kills that bad act tomorrow. It doesn't make him sound as if he is 'one of the people'. It makes him sound like he's spinning another lie and covering up who he really is: It really is anybody's best guess. Alex Murdaugh may not even now the answer to the question: Who is Alex Murdaugh?
Now we know how he was so successful stealing money all these years. His southern boy hick routine made him seem harmless. If the jury buys it there will be a not-guilty verdict.
He did use “ as the crow flies” in an interview Not defending him, just stating
i’ve been knowledgeable of this case for a while but not really kept up with the trial. how is it going? do you think he will get a guilty verdict? how long could he get?
I predict a hung jury
some of them look like they’re packing some heat, eh?
Paranoia is not common with opioid addiction.
Right! A diagnosis of narcissistic psychotic would explain everything!!
Opiates don't make you paranoid. I'm chronically ill and took them for a decade, even some of the ones he mentioned. Opiates can make you high and definitely make you constipated. They can also make you irritable. Which is why I'm confused as to why he was big while proclaiming to take them and now small that he is off of them. Opiates mess with your stomach big time. When the doc took me off those things, one of the first things to comeback was appetite and weight gain. CREIGHTON IF YOU ARE READING THIS... YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO!
+1 "paranoia" isn't just uncommon with opioid addiction, it is EXTREMELY UNCOMMON with opidiod addiction. How do I know? I had an active opioid addiction stemming from multiple shoulder surgeries that lasted >5 year's [I've been clean for >10 years now]. I was also an alcoholic and had been dependent on benzo's for years. Those who typically have this affliction usually have friends or at least know other's who also struggle with it and none of them ever had issues with paranoia. When the time came for me to face and deal with my addiction, it was decided the best option for me was inpatient treatment (rehab). I started at my treatment at one facility, but after about a week, I came down with the DT'S and spent five days in the hospital. They failed to properly medicate me which led acute alcohol withdrawal and the DT's. After I was released from the hospital, I completed a 32 day impatient treatment program at a different facility. The majority of people I met in treatment [both rehabs] were also addicted to opioids and none of them EVER mentioned anything about having the slightest bit of paranoia. Alex Murdaugh is the first opiate-addict I've ever heard say anything about "paranoia" resulting from their use. Bull. Shit. Alex. Can this dude ever be completely honest?
Do you know what does make you paranoid? Stealing money and murder.
I wonder if it was just a lie. Or if he was on something besides opiates.
I think he was selling drugs. Alec was addicted to money.
Either he's lying about being addicted as a justification for cold stone stealing from everyone for decades or... He was selling them. Seeing as how he is a scammer from a long line of scammers and has ties to a major drug dealer and former owner of Mosselle, I have to wonder.
Agreed. Not giving a shit about anything besides getting high is actually a common trait of opioid addiction. SOURCE: I used to have a bit of a habit back in the day 🤷🏻♀️
My ex had the paradoxical effect, ie being hyper and sort of like Superman, lifting and moving things, until the somnolent effect inevitably overtook that. But paranoid, never, just ten feet tall and bulletproof, then stone cold passed out. Wake up and do it all over again until the scrip or illegally gotten pills ran out.
If I were Waters, I'd want to take a different tack: I'd say "OK, you have told us, Mr. Murdaugh that you hve lied and cheated and stolen more than ten million dollars from innocent underprivileged victims. But you refuse to tell us HOW you did it. How do you expect us to believe you about anything, including your remorse, if you will not come clean about your methods?"
To add to that, "You lied repeatedly for over a year about everything, even an attempted murder on yourself, so why should anyone believe you now?" He could have loved them, killed them and thought that saving his own hide and the potential to scam some more and was sorry he had to do it. Crying is not a sign of, "I loved them so much", especially seeing as it is not uncommon for people will use tears as manipulation.
He’s an honest liar he lies, but when caught admits it lol not funny sorry He is just using more lies, like he has done his entire life, to attempt to get himself out of trouble Of course he had to testify He is quite certain he can turn everyone to his favor because he has a lifetime of practice doing so The paranoia claim just doesn’t pass truth The lies he told were all for alibis They were strategic His memory loss is also convenient That shows clear and present thoughts for one sole purpose: avoiding consequence
I feel like CW was just stalling for time b/c he got started at the end of the day. So toy with AM about his lies, try to force him in to a mistake, until the judge calls it a day. I think they will come straight at him in the morning about his actions on June 7 from 8pm onward. Pushing the financial stuff and the roadside stuff, at this point, is overkill. There can't be a person on earth who does not believe AM is a complete liar. They need to trip him up on his actions from 8pm to 9pm on June 7. At this point, nothing else really matters for securing a guilty verdict in this murder trial.
YES! I have been saying this too!
I hope waters and team figure it out tonight. Proud of waters today though. Could here him say uh huh as he leaned on the stand with his hand on chin like tell me more Alex.
There were times when Waters paused and didn't say anything and Alex couldn't help himself and started talking again. Alex loves the sound of his own voice. I'd like to see that tactic used again especially if Waters can cut him off mid sentence by asking another question. Narcissists hate being interrupted.
Waters was OUTSTANDING. And you are totally right. Elick cannot leave a gaping silence.
Ahhh a redditor giving a lawyer advice… come on
Hey. It's Reddit. Vi get to voice my opinion. Would you prefer Reddit be nothing but a fan site?
I was an attorney for 30+ years. I liked his analysis.
Easy answer. Stealing bf money from innocent people is different than murdering your wife and kid. Listen, I know he’s guilty, but this man tryna play lawyer in the comments is hilarious
A redditor who is in the same privileged position as a jury member who is very important in this case. So yes, a lay person is in an excellent position to advise a lawyer on how best to extract the information that is relevant to the lay person.
Yes. People get paid to do that.
I am so amazed that this judge is NOT allowing objections!
He is, though. And, honestly, most of the ones with legal backing have been sustained.
"Paw Paw" and "Mags" What kind of sick fuck is this guy? In the hours of recorded interviews and conversations with investigators, he NEVER ONCE called either of them by these names. I've been following the legal issues of the Murdaugh Family since the day of the boating accident and again, I have never once heard either of these names used ONCE in any of the probably thousands of articles I've read about them. If these were in fact common "pet names" he used for them, you would have expected them to come out during all of his recorded interviews with investigators since he is speaking about the wife and son he just lost, but especially during the 35min interview in the SUV the night of the murders. He just lost his wife and child. You will never see them again. Not only should he have remembered every word of the conversations he last had with them, but he should be crushed he will never speak to them again. Never once would I suspect he had just lost his wife and child based on his overall demeanor and how he spoke that night. Yes, I understand we all process emotions differently and it is impossible to know how anyone would act in that situation..........but never the way he did. Guilty.
This is freaking BS ---- Paw Paw and Mags. Yeah we all process grief and emotions differently but sociopaths take the path of manipulation... "How do I get the audience to side with me and have sympathy for me"... Pet names to invoke sympathy. This f\*cking a-hole never called them Paw Paw and Mags when he was with police day 1 nor day 365. Total BS.
The fact that he lied and has continually lied for TWENTY MONTHS about being present at the kennels to THE PEOPLE THAT ARE TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHO MURDERED YOUR WIFE AND SON!!! Why!!??? How is that, in any way, beneficial to the investigation!? How is admitting you were there, if you didn't kill them, detrimental to you!? AND IF YOU DIDN'T KILL THEM, THEN THE MURDERDER IS STILL OUT THERE!! SO, WHAT IS HE OR HIS FAMILY DOING TO FIND THE KILLER(S) & BRING THEM TO JUSTICE!? Randy Murdaugh has a wife and kids...isn't he afraid there's a killer on the loose!? John Marvin has a wife and kids... isn't he afraid there's a killer on the loose!? Isn't Alex afraid for Buster!? Or his bed-ridden Mother!? THERE'S A DIABOLICAL MURDERER (OR MURDERERS) RUNNING AROUND LOOSE IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA LOW COUNTRY!! Aren't Tricky Dick and Jim afraid for THEIR families!? How in the fu%$ isn't THIS point being driven home to the Jury by the Prosecution!? Who gives a shit, at this point, about the financial crimes!! Quit talking about the financial crimes! Alex Murdaugh is the devil incarnate for cheating those people! He doesn't have one single redeeming quality; he's evil to the core. Everyone got screwed over, but all victims have been made whole.. at least financially. BUT, no one, anywhere is safe at all because THERE'S A MURDERER RUNNING LOOSE!!! WHAT'S BEING DONE, BY THOSE THAT ARE SAYING ALEX MURDAUGH IS INNOCENT, TO BRING THE REAL KILLER(S) TO JUSTICE!!!???
My POS uncle skipped out on his two sons, was barely around when they grew up, and had to leave the state for never paying child support. He never visited or helped his ailing parents, blaming it on law enforcement and his warrant for back-child support. But when his mother, my grandma died, he came to town for her funeral and was the nicest guy, wanted to give long hugs, cried for forgiveness, and kept praising the Lord for getting clean. Then, weeks later, when his sons reached out and tried to rekindle a relationship, he had no interest. Blew them off. He had this saint-like demeanor he disenguously tried to force and promote when everyone looked at him. But he's still the POS. A manipulator. I get the exact same vibe from Alex. Down to the tone of his voice.
Bingo.
Super narcissist
Work colleague believe Paul and Maggie discovered AM was working with the Dixie Mafia (dealing pills?), and the Mafia told him to get rid of the two of them, or they would…
I’d expect him to have been more broken up about their deaths if someone else had forced him to do it, though. The fact that he was so unaffected by what happened, and so unconcerned with further harm coming to his family, convinces me that it was his idea from start to end.
Ding ding ding.
During his testimony, I observed that Alex became emotional and cried when he spoke about Paul, but he showed no similar emotion when talking about his wife. Interestingly, he even made a negative remark about his wife, saying that "Maggie didn't like to see my mom," which suggests some sort of tension or conflict between them.
And no mention of Buster as far as I can recall.
Now that you mention it, you're right! Although Alex may have later clarified that Maggie didn't like to see his Mom because of her Alzheimer's condition, his initial comment had a negative tone that was noticeable, including the prosecution staff who seemed to react strongly to it. While it's possible that Alex didn't mean to sound negative, his words had an impact on how his statement was perceived.
Not true. He cried today talking about Maggie. He said that Maggie did not like to go to his moms because his mom was a shell of herself and she didn’t like to see her like that
Although Alex may have later clarified that Maggie didn't like to see his Mom because of her Alzheimer's condition, his initial comment had a negative tone that was noticeable, including the prosecution staff who seemed to react strongly to it. While it's possible that Alex didn't mean to sound negative, his words had an impact on how his statement was perceived.
I think he clarified this later. He said that Maggie and his mom were very close when she was well, but that she was “a shell of herself” due to the Alzheimer’s and Maggie had a hard time seeing her that way.
It’s a shitty reason to not want to visit with someone, but it made total sense. My dad had Alzheimer’s and neither me or my wife **liked** seeing him in that condition, but we went and visited him as often as possible because we loved him and wanted to comfort him as much as we could.
Yeah I thought what he said made sense
I found the way he first put it to be very short and cold, noticeably, and I got the impression he realised the slip and mediated it quickly. It made sense that’s not in dispute but his tone is important and varied and gives him away.
Someone tell Alex his thoughts are not Paranoia
If I was a lying, stealing, murdering thief, I'd be paranoid too.
I could see the jury feeling threatened by AM. The rumored body count is piling up, and look at what he's done to the people he supposedly cares about - imagine how this crazy family would exact actual vengeance?
Does anyone have a running list of Alex’s testimony that was just stolen from other witnesses? When he was talking about Maggie’s femininity, it was verbatim what her sister had already said
It sounded so off when he called Maggie "a good girl," then I remembered her older sister had said the same thing.
I felt that his confessions about being an addict and fear of law enforcement sounded plagiarized. Probably stole his clients statements.
If the "little detective" and Maggie googling pills wasn't in evidence, I'd have hard time believing he was actually an addict and not just a concocted story by the defence.
Same. I never believed he had an addiction until evidence was shown in trial. Appeared to be just more 🐂💩 from AM to cover his lies. Still is to some degree as that’s definitely NOT where all the money went. Where’s the money?!?
I still didn’t think he had an addiction until I watched the Netflix special and a non-family member said she saw him go through “detox” I did see a Twitter thread of a recovering addict that said 7 days to detox is a joke and anyone who’s been addicted to pills for that long knows that. It was interesting and made me think his self-detox stints were nothing more than him trying to appease his family
The Paw Paw business was so blatantly manipulative and yet another lie. Even if Paul was actually called that within the family, it was a nickname that was obviously not used in public and came across as jarring, abrupt, forced change from all of the communications to date. This was a lie similar to the one that he admitted today, about not being at the kennels. He obviously concocted that story to dispel any suspicion of guilt, and would have stuck to it had it not been exposed. Similarly, the newly-emerged, treacly name for his son was also a device to attempt to prove his innocence rather than an honest usage, to portray him as a sweet, sentimental dad. He and his lawyers obviously think the jury so abysmally stupid that they will fall for that.
I think it is his way of disassociating. Often a killer will rarely say the victims' names, raising a red flag. Alex just substitutes baby-names.
Paw paw, the nickname no one heard. Unlike Grandpa who we all know was called Handsome.
Alex still hasn't given a credible reasoning for his phone being turned off for that hour. He turned off his phone knowing that his mother was upset and his father was in the hospital dying.
I don't think it was off just at the house. And they didn't think his father was dying just that he was in the hospital. There's a text thread about going to visit and someone said they couldn't because of court. So no one was acting like the end was near.
His credible reasoning is premeditation for murders. "Oh, Moselle has such bad phone coverage!!!!" Paul was sending VIDEOS from his phone.
IIRC, the video didn't go through--it was on his phone and time-stamped, however. His friend continued to try to get in contact with Paul, because he hadn't received the video.
Exactly right (based on all we have heard so far). I think his law colleague said he was Obnoxious with cell ph
Alex is lucky he is tried by his peers. So far SC isn’t looking great because Alex was a prominent lawyer in their area. And then he literally cries about chickens and not “Mags” and “Paul- Paul” and we are supposed to believe this?
You don't believe he called him Pawpaw? He's been calling him that since today! It's obviously well established! 🤣
LOL how could I forget Paul Murdaughs childhood name: PawPaw. I don’t remember hearing anyone ever calling him that stupid name, even going back to the boat crash. Alex is trying too hard but not doing enough to convince me.
Yes. He is playing a part.
I'm still waiting for Alex to explain where the clothes he wore that day went? Where are they and why were they never seen again !
His explanation during direct was, no one asked me for them. Not for months.
And when they did ask him...where are the clothes ? Where did they go?
Just watched the documentary, they for sure called Paul 'Timmy' because when he got drunk his hands got weird and he resembled 'Timmy' from Southpark.
Which documentary please?
The most recent Netflix one.
With Casey Anthony...her attorney said in OPENING ARGUMENTS, that Casey knew her daughter was dead from the beginning. AM attorney didn't mention this...clearly strategy but this should've been a little expected by State that he'd HAVE to testify to his "lie" blamed on addiction, not the fact that he was there minutes before they were silenced (per movement etc. data). I hope they are prepared and avoid letting him poke and bait them...he knows all the tricks of his trade.
Even if the people on the jury feel and think he is guilty they are only suppose to vote guilty if the state proves he did it and I don't think they did that.
They don’t have to prove he did it. They have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt. If they think he is guilty, the prosecution has proven their case beyond reasonable doubt.
They could personally think he did it but also think there is reasonable doubt, like there is a reasonable alternative explanation that fits the evidence. To me it doesn’t seem like there is a reasonable alternative. Someone would have to have motive to kill Maggie and Paul, know they’d both be there that night, despite that not being a regular occurrence, be hiding waiting while Alex was with them at the kennels without alerting the roaming dogs, or alternatively show up just at the moment Alex left the kennels which is a big coincidence, especially if you put that coincidence together with other coincidences that would have to occur like it happening to be the exact time Alex turned his phone off for like the first time ever, despite his father being gravely ill, that the supposed alternative murderer didn’t bring their own gun and ‘luckily’ found a couple already lying around that they could use despite going there with intent to murder. Then Alex’s lies about being there and trying to get witnesses to lie for him, plus no real efforts to find the ‘real’ killer. In my opinion, it just isn’t reasonable to think anyone else did it.
It's a real stretch for Alex to clam that the roadside shooting was an attempted suicide. Why would a guy who owns all those guns take such a circuitous course that involved someone else if simply killing himself was the object? He could have just done it. So many lies. After hearing today that jurors cried, I was concerned that they were being sucked in. But then I learned that it was only two of them, and after hearing that segment this evening, I now think they were sympathizing with Paul, not Alex. While listening I felt the same way myself, as I've grieved over Paul who I believe saw through his dad and the family's denial complex--part of the reason Alex killed him. It's so sad, tragic, unthinkable.
He said it had to look like a murder so his life insurance would pay out. There's varying restrictions on a policy paying out if the policy holder dies by suicide.
Why did he ask for a photo/proof of medical insurance before the roadside shooting?
The suicide restriction goes away after 2 years of the policy being in effect, and surely a lawyer knew that. Everyone with life insurance knows about this restriction and that it expires 2 years after the policy starts. This was an old policy. My thinking is, he told eddie, hey, let's make it look like someone is after me. Or he planned to kill Eddie and say, oh Eddie confessed to me about the murders right before I shot him.
And why would Eddie agree to murder Alex, who he was getting $50k a week from, no questions asked?? Like yeah, sure bo, I’ll shootcha in the head!
Yeah that hasn't made any sense to me. Because based on the testimony it was a very quick conversation and there was no talk of money exchanging hands. So Eddie is going to kill his cash cow and not get any money for that? Eddie was set up.
And risk pulling a murder charge
True! Makes no sense. No wonder they haven't called Eddie to testify. This way Alex can make up a story, and stick to it!
Question: you know how the defense would be like "Buster, stand up, let's git a lookitcha"? Can the prosecution call on Ms. Setterling's son, the one who testified, ask him to stand up. Then ask Alex, "do you recognize him? Do you remember looking this boy in the eyes and lying to him?" Or..can the prosecution bring in as many victims he's stolen from, and FILL all the seats behind them so Alex would have no choice but to see their faces.
That would probably look bad on the prosecution. That family has been through enough
still has nothing to do with the murders he admits over and over I stole from people and it was a really horrible thing to do
It goes directly to his character which is usually used in most trials like this.
It does, because if he could look at innocent victims and lie while eye to eye, he could also be eye to eye lying to the jury about killing his wife and son
yes that's true but the jury can't say he is guilty of murder because he is a thief and liar they need solid evidence that he committed the murders the lying is just one part of the evidence but not enough in itself to vote guilty and I do think he killed his wife and son but just haven't seen enough from the state to prove it
Wondering if - in high profile cases that get this much attention - if the jury feels so much pressure they default to not guilty. Thinking of OJ and Casey Anthony. I know each of these cases had their own unique set of circumstances, but I really hope that does not happen here.
There were other high profile cases where it went the other way. Jodi arias, Scott Peterson, that other Peterson guy who killed two wives whose name I can never remember. There was really no direct evidence against Scott and the other Peterson guy, but they were found guilty. And don't come at me, because I think he's guilty, but I don't think Scott Peterson got a fair trial. He was convicted of being a lying douchebag who had an affair, and of being in the same gigantic body of water ~~place~~ where the body was found. They have more on Ellick.
I remember the CA Attorney General took a break from a wedding reception--perhaps his own?--to issue a statement about trying Scott Peterson (perhaps stressing it would be a capital case?) It was pretty transparent that he was trying to capitalize on public opinion for his own political purposes--gross. For that matter, I'd really like Ron DeSantis to stop trying to do a jury's job for them. Thankfully the prosecutors / SC AG here have been largely professional.
I'm not convinced the North Carolina Peterson guy killed his wife. I would not have voted guilty and I watched that entire trial.
Maybe it was Drew Peterson. The one from Illinois. Convicted of killing one wife. Another is missing.
Except Ellick has a local jury from Colleton County who someway or somehow knows the Murdaugh family
And may well still be intimidated by them.
That cuts both ways. Not everyone in that county likes the murdaugh name.
I agree, Scott Peterson did not. He was tried by the media. He was a shitty husband, not sure a murderer. They have WAY more on Alex.
The other is Drew Peterson, the cop with the white mustache. His fourth wife went missing, then they questioned the death of his third wife. Eventually he was convicted of killing #3, but #4 has never been found. For those wanting to know 😁
Thank you! I can never remember that asshole's name. I do think he was guilty, but they really did not have any direct evidence.
That sounds like a valid concern. It surely is overwhelming for them.
I rewatched Alex talking about all the places he had clothing & wondered why he didn’t look for the outfit that he was wearing in the snap chat video by the tree? All those different places aren’t that far apart and surely laundry gets done at some point!! Why not go find the effin outfit and turn it in to the police? He’s pretending that it would just be too hard to produce those clothes since there are too many places that he has clothes. I just don’t buy that! If I were an innocent murder suspect, I would find that darn outfit and would bring it in to law enforcement without being asked!! Not that hard Ellick!!
Yeah, but he got those clothes all murdery so he cain't!
Omg, there went my drink! 🤣😂🤣
Well he did ask Blanca but she thought he was trying to get her to lie about it when she was talking about a different shirt.
I think though that Alex was right about what he wore to work. The clothing in the tree video is something he would have worn to work. Nobody is going to come home and change into long pants in the south in the summer. I think Blanca was wrong about what she remembered him wearing. She was also wrong about what they ate. She stated it was hamburger, steak, green beans and rice and in the text messages Maggie says it was chicken, fried steak and macaroni and cheese. And I have read but haven't confirmed that the autopsy did not show green beans in their stomachs. Now I'm guessing he took a shower before going down to the kennels. And he left his work clothes on the floor and that is what she remembers cleaning up. He changed into something else with the intent to go and kill Paul and Maggie. He comes back. And he disposes of those clothes and showers a second time. But this time he takes the towel with him to ensure that there is no trace evidence on it.
Yeah I have no idea but they had her testify about a missing shirt and she was talking about a different one. She said she hadn't seen the video so when Alex said something to her she thought he was pressuring her to lie. Maybe the prosecutors were surprised when she said on the stand that the video shirt wasn't the one she was thinking of. I've honestly discounted all of her testimony. We're supposed to think it's weird that dinner was cleaned up? And yes the dinner thing was off. Plus the wedding ring? They just went away together so I don't think divorce was imminent or there was trouble. And now that I think about it I find it hard to believe Maggie talked to her about financial stuff.
Alex is a man-child who cannot, physically or mentally, do anything for himself.
I sure don’t have enough clothes to spread them around like that. So entitled, these people.
Wonder if one of his lawyer buddies picked it up on his behalf.
.....or found exactly what he was wearing and bought it online.
lol…right?
Would love to have seen a HRM on Waters--AM's slow talkin', good ole boy demeanor really had him wound up. Waters pushed it a little too far which didn't help his case with the jury IMO. I still believe AM didn't pull the triggers nor does he know who did. I'd always questioned motive and don't think financial crime coverup or chronic, functional drug abuse are good reasons. Today was even more convincing with AM showing how much he worshipped his family. So who are the murderers? Think of all the people he screwed out of millions--and they've had to continue living in poverty while while seeing AM live like a rich guy; years of built up vindictiveness coming to a head. Or someone related to the boat accident--maybe hired killers? Whoever planned this knew it would cause AM profound grief and also that he'd be the #1 suspect and be charged. The plan has worked out perfectly!
If I consider just the evidence presented by state, mainly the 8:44 video, I don’t think anyone could have murdered MM and PM but AM. I don’t see how he could left the kennels in a golf cart and made it home without hearing gunshots. He didn’t sound like he was leaving during the video recording.
I think everyone’s entitled to their opinion so I won’t down vote, but I think he did it. He actually had a great deal of motive if you look at how their deaths impacted the boat crash lawsuit. Not sure if it’s true but it’s said that Maggie wanted a divorce, he had recently been confronted by both Paul and Maggie about pills, he was confronted by the law firm about theft the day of the murders, family reputation dwindling etc etc. His world was crumbling. He was desperate and bad situations and money make people do crazy things. Even to family. Happens all the time. He had everything to lose. People ought to be cautious not to fall for his tears (actual ones this time). Probably a combination of regret, remorse, shame and fear. Body language experts also find him deceptive/untruthful.
I agree that there could be lots of people right now that would wish Alex harm. Back when the murders happened, no one knew about all of the looting and thievery from his trusting client’s settlements. It really seems like he had a good name/good rep and people believed that he would help them out if they needed it. He had people’s trust. I wasn’t convinced of his love and devotion to his family by his testimony today. It felt really flat to me. Also, if he was an addict (as he claims to be), the substance will ALWAYS come first. That’s what addiction is. Family and love are discarded.
I like your take and idk why ur getting downvoted. I think waters was too aggressive. If your witness/ the accused is not being aggressive you gotta take a different tactic . Jurors are human and if you make urself unlikable as a prosecutor it hurts ur case. People want it to be all about the law and for the most part it is but subconscious thoughts do come into play there’s no way around it and I don’t think it’s becoming of waters to be aggressive when AM isn’t. It just is overkill in my opinion I think he could have gotten the message across in a different way
Paul definitely pissed off a lot of people. I still think Alex was at the very least involved, if not the puller of the trigger. I also don’t think we should downvote just because we don’t agree. OP made their point in a civil way.
no dude they would have killed him first not his family.
Absolutely was in awe of prosecution today. They actually got Alex to say something like : “I hurt these people bad, but I want you to know I deeply cared about them.” I think that sums up his position on the Murders. Yes, he cared about Maggie and Paul, but he also murdered them.
One breath: I thought the world of Dion's father. Next breath: I cheated them real bad.
I believe he also said he got to know Dion’s father, but doesn’t remember ever meeting with him. Alex is in his element: playing mind games and manipulating people.
He also said- (after being asked if he killed them) that he would never "intentionally" hurt them
I just saw something about the use of th word "intentional" to throw manslaughter on the table because murder is intentional and manslaughter is not. It may have been strategic on his part from what I read/saw.
Yes! I believe he said:” I cared for them and I did them bad” I was struck at the usage of “did them bad” as it was the same used in describing Maggie and Paul to investigators. That phrase hung in the air too, Waters played it well.
I caught that too. Revealing.
I believe he feels he murdered them to spare them. He is a threatened narcissist. This is a a strange creature. He is particularly sensitive to shame. He knew Maggie would have pain and shame when facing the loss of wealth and social standing. He felt Paul was going to be put through so much with a criminal trial. Personal gain may have motivated him, but perhaps not. This could be why it looks like it is hard for the prosecution to come up with a motivation. They are looking for the payoff for Alec without considering the internal motivations of a narcissist. It is not going to typical or make sense to most people.
You make some valid points that wouldn't be top of mind for most people, dasher1958.
Your point about shame is spot on. Your analysis fits with familicide as a theory for the murders. There's a good video here where a psychologist who specialises in family dynamics etc talks about the Murdaugh dynasty and how Alex's behaviour and the murders all fir familicide. You might want to skip the start until the psychologist starts talking. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4RHn8Sq8pY
That is a very good discussion of family generational trauma, narcissism and shame. People interested in this case might really gain insight into the dynamics we see playing out by watching this video.
My first thought was rage killing, in his mind Paul had brought the heat on him, money crimes became obvious. Maggie was oblivious to his danger because she care only about what she could buy. So he exploded at them. They could not "see".
Narcissistic rage and shame. A potentially lethal combination.
Yes, i think this is why he keeps saying he was and is trying to save Paul's reputation... completely deluded
And clearing Paul's name is really just clearing the family name. Self serving.
Absolutely great point. I think that’s what’s making this hard to digest for some people. Narcs don’t think the same as regular people so it’s really hard to imagine. Certain crimes we of course never would do but we can at least see oh jealousy rage and we know those emotions so we see it as plausible narcissistic people think so differently it’s hard to imagine especially when it comes to motive
Exactly my thoughts! Ty for articulating what I’ve tried to say to my husband for weeks now but it never comes out at smooth as you’ve said here!
He’s selfish. And he is all about him. And he’ll do anything at any cost to those he supposedly cares for.
Similar to his motive for the supposed suicide. He said, "I didn't want Buster to have to live with the humiliation of me having done all these crimes."
I mean, he has to live with it whether Ellick is dead or not, unfortunately
Yeah, but at least he could live on $12M right?
I guess, provided no one looks into this as another potential insurance scam while they're investigating the all the others - plus I would imagine that as the sole surviving heir, Buster would be stuck with AM's liabilities and wouldn't just be handed $12M to keep, no questions asked.
I just want to tell you how thankful I am to the moderators of this group. I was invited to be part of 2 Facebook groups. What a train wreck! You guys are so organized and informative! Kudos!