Bodycam shows Alex Murdo as first officers arrive at scene of wife and son’s murders
During a day of graphic and emotional testimony, the double murder trial Alex Murdoff heard from the pathologist who examined his wife and son; their dog’s caretaker; and Maggie’s sister Marion Proctor.
The defendant accused of shooting victims at the family’s dog kennel in June 2021 weeps as testimony confirms Paul was first shot in the chest and then fatally shot in the head, which took his mind. Magee was shot four times, suffering injuries to his kidneys, chest, and finally the back of his head. They were executed by shotgun and rifle respectively.
Tremendous evidence about a hose in the kennels from employee Dale Davis was seemingly overturned during cross-examination, although he also noted that the dogs were in separate pens after the murders.
Meanwhile, Ms. Proctor talks fondly about her sister and nephew, the shock of the murders, and how she picked up on the awkwardness of Murdaugh’s aftermath.
When he is shot in a failed hit in September 2021, he becomes aware of his financial problems, and his perception of things changes. While leaving the court, he was seen hugging his surviving son, Buster Murdo.
Court resumed at 9.30 am on Wednesday.
Buster Murdaugh hugs his aunt after her emotional testimony
oliver o’connell14 February 2023 22:00
WATCH: Maggie Murdoff’s sister gives emotional testimony during trial
The Murdaugh trial: Emotional testimony from Maggie Murdaugh’s sister
oliver o’connell14 February 2023 22:30
Prosecutors want to play a recorded statement from Murdaugh in which he admits that his cousin Eddie shot him in the head on the side of the road and that he wanted to die so Buster could get life insurance in case it was suicide. So the insurance company will not pay.
oliver o’connell14 February 2023 21:56
The defense tells Judge Newman that the defendant has admitted to the circumstances of the roadside shooting – Cousin Eddie being asked to shoot him in the head so that Buster could get $10m in insurance money.
Prosecutors counter-argued, saying that Murdo had lied that day, which proves intent.
Harpootlian replied: “He didn’t want to do it to garner sympathy. He did it because he wanted to die.
He says that Cousin Eddie has given “no less than” six versions of the events of that day.
“I look forward to cross-examining Eddie Smith.”
oliver o’connell14 February 2023 21:54
The prosecution says it has no further witnesses to call today as one has been delayed due to circumstances beyond its control.
The jury is sent home early.
After a brief back-and-forth, Judge Newman ordered the jury to return tomorrow at 10.30 a.m. During additional hours tomorrow morning, he will hear arguments on the admissibility of evidence of a September 2021 roadside shooting.
oliver o’connell14 February 2023 21:37
New witness: Barton Proctor, Marion’s husband
In brief testimony, Barton Proctor, Marianne’s husband and Maggie’s brother-in-law, identifies the voices of Paul, Maggie and Alex on the kennel video.
On cross-examination he is asked whether he was shown the photograph of the blue raincoat. He says it was shown to him but he had never seen it before.
oliver o’connell14 February 2023 21:32
Ms. Proctor’s testimony ends with her saying that after the roadside shooting the story Alex initially told turned out not to be true and that it changed her perception of what happened.
oliver o’connell14 February 2023 21:28
Switching tack, Mr. Cretton asks if Maggie was concerned about Alex’s opioid use prior to the murders.
She says she is not sure how long this was going on but it was for a while.
Ms. Proctor is then asked if Maggie had a nickname for Paul.
She replies, yes and it was “Little Detective”. The nickname came about because he was always keeping an eye on whether his father was behaving and not abusing opioids.
He will try to find any pain pills Alex has in the house to make sure his father can’t take them.
oliver o’connell14 February 2023 21:26
Ms. Proctor testifies in September 2021 about information about Alex being shot on the side of the road.
Initially, she was concerned that he might be dead and felt the family was being targeted and worried for Buster.
She calls Buster, who says Alex was taken to the hospital.
Ms. Proctor calls Jim Griffin and learns that he has been fired.
oliver o’connell14 February 2023 21:22
Judge Newman rules that Ms Proctor cannot testify about allegations that Alex Murdo had an affair 15 years ago because it is too misleading.
She can testify about how she found out Alex was fired because he was stealing, and had a problem with opioids.
The defense team says there may be hearsay objections to his testimony.
The jury is brought back.
oliver o’connell14 February 2023 21:19