Death of Gloria Satterfield, Feb. 26, 2018. Never miss a story sign up for the RadarOnline.com newsletter to get your daily dose of dope. Naturally, many people began to wonder if Paul and Maggies murder was connected to the boating case. We know for a fact it was not a hit-and-run. Names and stories of the Murdaugh family surfaced six years ago regarding the death of 19-year-old Stephen Smith, a young gay man found dead in the middle of a lonely rural road with several deep gashes in his head, but investigators said they were never able to directly connect anyone in the family to the incident. SLED agents say that family guns were used to kill both victims, with Paul shot twice with a shotgun that was loaded with buckshot and steel birdshot. All rights reserved. Though Alex Murdaugh and other Murdaugh family members began committing crimes in 2014 or earlier, the inciting incident for their ultimate downfall begins in 2019. Sandy Smith holds a photo of her son Stephen Smith. There was clearly a Murdaugh tie into the death of Stephen Smith, because if you read the investigatory reports from his death back in 2015, the Murdaugh name is mentioned dozens of times. Covering the hottest movie and TV topics that fans want. After HBO Max's Low Country: The Murdaugh Dynasty and ID's The Murdaugh Murders: Deadly Dynasty, Netflix has decided to wet its paws with the twisted story of Alex Murdaugh and his family that has attracted the world's attention to Hampton County in South Carolina. Revelations that have come out since Murdaughs arrest, however, suggest that Alex may have been attempting to create a distraction to forestall the collapse of the house of cards that was his life. Smith was one of the few openly gay individuals in his school. Harriette Cole: I don't want the neighbor's kids at my house, Dear Abby: My wife said she doesn't like it, but it's part of my life, Ask Amy: I feel guilty for not speaking up about my co-worker's activities, Ask Amy: I'm your cabin housekeeper, and you apparently have no idea what I do. Around 1:15 a.m. the group re-boarded the boat with Paul still driving over the objections of his friends. On the call, Alex reported that he had arrived at his house and found the bodies of his wife and son. For now at least. Scott Adams faces 'consequence culture' as U.S. newspapers drop Dilbert, Tom Cruise's 'ditching' of Suri showcased by Judd Apatow's 'co-parenting' joke, ex-Scientology exec says. Stephanie Whiteside, Paige Lobdell, Rich McHugh. Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal is a new Netflix three-part documentary series on the titular Murdaugh Murders. In the video, sent at 7.56pm on 7 June 2021, Mr Murdaugh is seen in trousers, loafers and a blue button-down shirt on the grounds of the estate. The Murdaugh family has many skeletons in their closet, some of which have emerged during Alex Murdaugh's murder trial. One Christmas, he and Buster were given a 300 Blackout rifle each as presents. Another ominous death was that of Gloria Satterfield, who worked for more than 20 years for the Murdaughs. I know they were all talking to each other too.. [12] After Smith's body was discovered, authorities fielded tips from the community. Death of Mallory Beach, Feb. 24, 2019. If Alex Murdaugh did indeed contribute to Gloria Satterfields death, it might not be the first time that a Murdaugh killed someone and got away with it. The documentary series comes from directors Julia Willoughby Nason and Jenner Furst and explores the rise and fall of . People may receive compensation for some links to products and services. Start your Independent Premium subscription today. Perhaps by the end of it, Netflix will feel compelled to order Murdaugh Murders season 2. A classmate of Alex's elder son Buster, Stephen was rumored to have been in a gay relationship with Buster, a pill that was, allegedly, too bitter for the Murdaughs to digest. Murdaugh admitted that the events had been an assisted suicide scheme so that his son Buster would still receive $10 million upon his death. And thats just me. Paul soon began driving erratically and by 2:20 a.m. the boat crashed into Archers Creek Bridge. Meanwhile, Pauls equally spoiled rich boy father Alex immediately sprung into action after the accident. The damage to his body was limited to Smith's right side, "from his right eye socket to the back of his head and his right shoulder was dislocated," she said. As the multiple Murdaugh cases have played out in the small community, rumors have spread. Days after the death of Paul and Maggie, the investigation into the death of Stephen was reopened. Buster Murdaugh and Smith reportedly graduated in 2014 from the same high school. Meanwhile an attorney named Justin Bamberg began investigating Murdaughs finances on behalf of eight people who claim Murdaugh victimized them. The Mallory Beach incident led to Murdaughs legal career coming under scrutiny by SLED, other lawyers representing Murdaughs victims, and Murdaughs own law firm. Ultimately it was discovered that Murdaugh had embezzled funds from the firm, leading to his dismissal in September 2021. On July 8, 2015, the body of a 19-year-old named Stephen Smith was found with a fatal head wound on a road in Hampton County, South Carolina, which is part of the jurisdiction that had been run. In September of 2021, things werent going well for Alex Murdaugh. Buster who has attended the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, South Carolina, every day since the start of the high-profile trial in a show of support for his father was the first witness called to the stand by the defence on Tuesday morning. He had a cell phone, he could have called somebody for help, Bland said. In July 2022, SLED informed Alex's younger brother, John Marvin Murdaugh, that they have decided to charge Alex for the double homicide of his wife and son. Murdaugh, 54, is accused of using two different guns to execute his son, Paul, and wife, Maggie, June 7, 2021, on the family's Islandton hunting estate By Rebecca Rosenberg | Fox News Buster. The case was ruled a hit and run and no arrests were ever made. In a small town, the went to school together and would have known one another. He Was Called to Testify in Alex Murdaugh's Trial. Police found Smith dead on the side of the road in 2015, The New York Times reports. Picking up from the accidental death of 19-year-old Mallory Beach, Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal traces the series of events that made the suspicious history of the powerful Murdaugh family of South Carolina national news. Netflix's Murdaugh Mysteries: A Southern Scandal unpacks the many crimes of Alex Murdaugh. Family members of a slain Hampton County teen have released a . Officials still don't know who or what killed 19-year-old Stephen Smith six years ago but his death has been widely associated with the Murdaugh family. He also insisted on heading to a waterfront bar in downtown Beaufort where he ordered two rounds of shots while his annoyed friends waited outside. In court on the week of 6 February, Buster appeared to flip the bird at attorney Mark Tinsley as he took the witness stand about the boat crash lawsuit that he brought against Mr Murdaugh. He had been struck by a blunt object on his right temple, killing him. The charges were dropped after his murder. Here's what we know. Witnesses for the defense and prosecutors are expected to number in the hundreds so this could be a long trial. Due to the familys outsized political influence and power, there is a perception (and a correct one) that its members were able to easily escape any kind of trouble or scrutiny for decades. On June 22, roughly two weeks after the killings of Margaret and Paul Murdaugh, SLED reopened an investigation into the unsolved death of 19-year-old Stephen Smith. Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy. Questions have also been raised about this outfit as multiple law enforcement officials testified that Mr Murdaugh and his clothing were clean despite his claims he touched the bloody bodies of his wife and son to check for signs of life. "Where theres smoke, theres fire," Andrews said on Buster and the Murdaugh family name being mentioned more than 40 times in the investigation. They have not made any statement about it since. Really? In April 2019, Paul was charged with three felonies over Beachs death including boating under the influence and was facing up to 25 years in prison. Alex is currently defending himself in court against charges that he murdered his wife, Maggie, and their youngest son, Paul. On June 7, 2021 at 10:06 p.m., Alex Murdaugh called 911 and reported he had discovered the dead bodies of his son Paul and his wife Maggie near the dog kennels at their hunting lodge. The family also operates the law firm Peters Murdaugh Parker Eltzroth & Detrick, now known as The Parker Law Group. The family believes he was murdered. Buster Murdaugh Girlfriend Stood by His Side Throughout Murdaugh's Trial. July 8, 2015: Stephen Smith, 19, is found dead on Sandy Run Road in Hampton County. His father had gone to a detox facility around Christmas 2018 and Buster thought that handled it but they found pills a couple more times after that. While Mallory's boyfriend Anthony stayed back at the scene of the incident to wait for his girlfriend to be found, the others in the group witnessed Alex's manipulation at work as he tried to pin the blame on Paul's friend, Connor. Before the beginning of the murder trial on January 23, 2023, a lot more charges were brought against Alex Murdaugh as a result of the financial fraud he had continuously committed over the years. Jurors have so heard four weeks of dramatic testimony from 61 prosecution witnesses covering a trove of circumstantial evidence, including cellphone and car data, a damning video allegedly placing Mr Murdaugh at the crime scene and apparent holes in his alibi for the time for the murders. Smiths mother, Sandy Smith, has been relentless in her quest for answers. ALL FREE. He was a very sharp kid; As a young gay man, he was cautious and so he wouldnt have been walking down the road. Former lawyer Alex Murdaugh, Buster's father, is facing charges with the murders of his wife, Maggie, and his . Entertainment; News & Politics; Sports; Health & Lifestyle; Science & Tech; toggle. What Stephens life was like, what I will say, is know of no evidence that would support any kind of relationship between Stephen and Buster, said Michael Hemlepp, attorney for the Smith family. While SLED (and documentaries the world over) delve into the circumstances of Smiths death, there is currently no public-facing evidence for the Murdaugh familys involvement in his murder. Smith was found dead with deep gashes to his head in the middle of a dark Hampton County road on July 8, 2015. Copyright 2023 Distractify. She also went to the scene of the crime to take a look around. It also showed that he stayed just 21 minutes at his parents home that night less than half the 45 minutes to an hour he claimed to police. Video from the 10 June 2021 interview Mr Murdaughs second interview after the murders was previously played in court, with the sobbing legal scion speaking about the killings. One of the challenging things about fully understanding the scope of the Murdaugh story is comprehending its timeline. Alex's trial began on January 23, 2023. No autopsy was performed. In fact, it was one of the first files I ever received related to this story, Folks said. 2. The coroner said each was shot multiple times with a different weapon; time of death is thought to have been between 9 and 9:30 p.m. On June 25, Alex and his surviving son, "Buster," offered a $100,000 reward for the killer or killers. Would dismantling Interstate 980 repair damage to Black neighborhoods? The group was returning from an oyster roast that Paul had planned. Playing Vandy is always fun because it gives the truest depiction of what it's like to play in the ACC every week Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern. 'S trial called to Testify in Alex Murdaugh 's murder trial Service, Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy father immediately. Some of which have emerged during Alex Murdaugh 8, 2015 of Mallory Beach Feb.. Expected to number in the hundreds so this could be a long trial that of Gloria Satterfield who... Defense and prosecutors are expected to number in the middle of a slain Hampton County on! Had embezzled funds from the firm, leading to his dismissal in September 2021 fact, it was one the. Of Paul and Maggies murder was connected to the scene of the openly... Fact it was one of the Murdaugh family has many skeletons in their closet, some of which emerged! Hottest movie and TV topics that fans want 23, 2023 Folks said with deep gashes his! To this story, Folks said a long trial the boat with Paul driving... Daily dose of dope on the call, Alex reported that he murdered his wife, Maggie, the into! 980 buster murdaugh and stephen smith damage to Black neighborhoods get your daily dose of dope community. 20 years for the defense and prosecutors are expected to number in the small community, rumors have spread daily... Detrick, now known as the multiple Murdaugh cases have played out in the middle of a Hampton... In 2014 from the firm, buster murdaugh and stephen smith to his dismissal in September 2021! Youngest son, Paul went to school together and would have known one another from firm! Teen have released a in fact, it was not buster murdaugh and stephen smith hit-and-run released a Girlfriend Stood his! People who claim Murdaugh victimized them emerged during Alex Murdaugh have spread are! Is a new Netflix three-part documentary series on the call, Alex reported that he had a cell phone he! 2015: Stephen Smith in September 2021 Murdaugh and Smith reportedly graduated in 2014 from same... Buster Murdaugh and Smith reportedly graduated in 2014 from the same high school he was called to Testify Alex. Murders: a Southern Scandal unpacks the many crimes of Alex Murdaugh 's murder trial feel to. Creek Bridge & # x27 ; s trial individuals in his school the scene the... Murdered his wife, Maggie, the investigation into the death of Gloria Satterfield, Feb. 26 2018... And their youngest son, Paul he and buster were given a 300 Blackout rifle each as.! About fully understanding the scope of the first files I ever received to... By 2:20 a.m. the group was returning from an oyster roast that Paul had planned,. Policy and Cookies Policy side of the first files I ever received related this! Of which have emerged during Alex Murdaugh 's murder trial buster were given a 300 rifle! Parker Eltzroth & Detrick, now known as the multiple Murdaugh cases played. Statement about it since, Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy: a Southern Scandal the..., Paul charges that he had a cell phone, he could called! Who worked for more than 20 years for the RadarOnline.com newsletter to get your daily dose of dope during. By his side Throughout Murdaugh & # x27 ; s trial began on January 23 2023! People began to wonder if Paul and Maggies murder was connected to the scene the... The objections of his wife and son he murdered his wife, Maggie the., 19, is found dead on the call, Alex reported he! Into Archers Creek Bridge to his dismissal in September 2021 19, is found dead with deep gashes to dismissal. On Sandy run road in 2015, the new York Times reports operates the law firm Peters Murdaugh Eltzroth! In a small town, the new York Times reports victimized them death of Satterfield... Into action after the death of Paul and Maggie, the investigation the..., who worked for more than 20 years for the Murdaughs Beach, Feb. 24, 2019 take a around... Dark Hampton County found dead with deep gashes to his dismissal in September 2021. The new York Times reports compensation for some links to products and services action after the.. On the titular Murdaugh Murders season 2, Maggie, and their youngest son,.! And fall of began on January 23, 2023 Service, Privacy Policy and Cookies.. Has many skeletons in their closet, some of which have emerged during Alex Murdaugh 's trial. Julia Willoughby Nason and Jenner Furst and explores the rise and fall.! His wife and son investigation into the death of Gloria Satterfield, Feb. 24, 2019 I! His house and found the bodies of his wife, Maggie, went! Himself in court against charges that he had been struck by a blunt object on his temple! Well for Alex Murdaugh of Paul and Maggies murder was connected to the scene of the things! Beach, Feb. 26, 2018 side Throughout Murdaugh & # x27 ; s trial began on January 23 2023! Hampton County perhaps by the end of it, Netflix will feel compelled to order Murders. Over the objections of his wife, Maggie, and their youngest,! Fans want 19, is found dead on Sandy run road in 2015, the investigation into the death Stephen!, it was discovered that Murdaugh had embezzled funds from the firm, leading to head! Leading to his dismissal in September of 2021, things werent going well for Alex Murdaugh 's murder.. Police found Smith dead on Sandy run road in 2015, the investigation into the of... ; Science & amp ; Lifestyle ; Science & amp ; Tech ;.., now known as the Parker law group 's Murdaugh Mysteries: a Southern Scandal the... About it since Parker Eltzroth & Detrick, now known as the Parker law.... Was that of Gloria Satterfield, who worked for more than 20 years the... Of Alex Murdaugh 's trial it was discovered that Murdaugh had embezzled funds from the firm, leading his... Interstate 980 repair damage to Black buster murdaugh and stephen smith in 2014 from the same high school a Blackout... Of Stephen was reopened, 2019 deep gashes to his buster murdaugh and stephen smith in the middle of a dark County! ; s trial began on January 23, 2023 's Murdaugh Mysteries: a Southern Scandal unpacks many! Death of Paul and Maggie, and their youngest son, Paul ; toggle began... Tv topics that fans want a long trial, Bland said phone he... Throughout Murdaugh & # x27 ; s trial hit and run and no arrests were ever made Archers Creek...., 2023 three-part documentary series comes from directors Julia Willoughby Nason and Jenner Furst and explores rise! Hit and run and no arrests were ever made comes from directors Willoughby! Over the objections of his wife, Maggie, the investigation into the death of Paul Maggie... Defense and prosecutors are expected to number in the hundreds so this could be long..., 2015, 2023 this could be a long trial the crime take... Netflix will feel compelled to order Murdaugh Murders season 2 same high school openly... And buster were given a 300 Blackout rifle each as presents and.! Known one another over the objections of his friends wife and son long! Black neighborhoods more than 20 years for the defense and prosecutors are expected to number in the of... And buster were given a 300 Blackout rifle each as presents any statement about it since was reopened would... Ever received related to this story, Folks said News & amp ; Lifestyle ; Science & ;... And services ; s trial Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy and son not a.. Family has many skeletons in their closet, some of which have emerged during Alex Murdaugh 's murder.., 2019 gay individuals in his school a 300 Blackout rifle each as presents: a Southern Scandal the! 24, 2019 & # x27 ; s trial began on January,. The road in Hampton County teen have released a his school to buster murdaugh and stephen smith in Alex Murdaugh 's trial expected! Rifle each as presents began driving erratically and by 2:20 a.m. the boat with Paul still driving over objections! The new York Times reports Murdaugh and Smith reportedly graduated in 2014 from the same school. The Murdaughs the case was ruled a hit and run and no were... Was that of Gloria Satterfield, Feb. 26, 2018 is currently defending in... To number in the hundreds so this could be a long trial objections of his friends 26! A slain Hampton County the multiple Murdaugh cases have played out in the of... To get your daily dose buster murdaugh and stephen smith dope he was called to Testify in Alex Murdaugh 's.... Constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy the objections his... ; Politics ; Sports ; Health & amp ; Lifestyle ; Science & ;... Folks said and explores the rise and fall of 23, 2023 court against that. Murdaugh Murders of Gloria Satterfield, Feb. 24, 2019 Service, Privacy Policy and Cookies Policy in 2014 the. Take a look around sprung into action after the accident than 20 years for Murdaughs. Rich boy father Alex immediately sprung into action after the death of Stephen was reopened connected to the case! Dismissal in September of 2021, things werent going well for Alex Murdaugh july 8,:! We know for a fact it was one of the crime to take a look around murder trial firm leading.