A defense expert in the double murder trial of Alex Murdaugh says he thinks two different shooters killed the disgraced lawyer’s wife and son
A defense expert in the double murder trial of disgraced South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh testified Monday that he believes two separate shooters killed Murdaugh’s wife and son.
While the idea hovered over the trial as to whether two different weapons were used and no evidence was presented that the victim tried to defend herself, testimony from crime scene expert Tim Palmback suggested a two-murderer theory. The witnesses were the first to give.
Investigators have said Maggie Murdaugh, 52, was shot four or five times with a rifle, while Paul Murdaugh, 22, was killed by two shotgun blasts near the kennel on the family’s sprawling Colleton County property on June 7, 2021.
Also on Monday, one of Murdaugh’s brothers ended the defense’s case by saying that he had promised his nephew that he would find his killer and he has not yet been found.
Murdo, 54, is accused of murdering his wife and son. If convicted, he faces 30 years to life in prison
Palmbach testified that the two shooters were likely mostly common knowledge. All evidence so far indicated that the two men killed were shot at close to the same time. They stopped using their cellphones within seconds of each other. Both victims were surprised, their hands were down and there was no evidence that either of them tried to come to the other’s aid or that they were running away.
The second, fatal shotgun blast to Palmardo’s head was at close range, meaning blood, skull fragments, other substances and possibly shrapnel would have been launched back at the shooter, Palmback said.
That shooter “was at least dazed — he probably had blood and material in his eyes and was probably injured and would have taken some time to recover,” Palmback said.
Furthermore, carrying two long guns would have been cumbersome and awkward as the rifle used to kill Maggie Murdo could have held 20 to 30 bullets. “You can’t both handle and shoot,” he said.
A key part of Alex Murdo’s defense is to show that investigators failed to fully assemble the crime scene evidence and to raise doubts about the expert testimony the prosecution used to find the killer. Tried everything possible.
The defense also used Monday’s testimony to point out that neither the weapon used in the shootings was found, nor did state agents at the scene look for footprints or fingerprints and blood, brain matter or other material evidence from the murders was found. Alex was found on Murdo or his clothing.
Palmbach said, “Shooter” literally would have included all of that material.
Only 16 minutes elapsed between the time the victims stopped using their cellphones and the time Alex Murdaugh left his home to visit his sick mother, about 1,100 feet (335 m) from the crime scene. Was. He called 911 when he found the body shortly after returning home.
In cross-examination, prosecutors focused on Pambach’s analysis that the fatal shotgun blast was fired from above Paul Murdo’s head, even though hair, blood, and other material had been found in a storage closet on the ceiling upstairs known as the family feed room. Used to say
Palbach theorized that the force of the gases from the shotgun blast was like a bomb inside the enclosed skull, from the same hole the particles were made in the shot.
Alex Murdaugh cried several times during the graphic testimony. Courtroom spectators may have access to viewing the evidence as if it were covered because they are covered whenever crime scenes and autopsy photographs are shown.
Murdaugh’s brother, John Marvin Murdaugh, was the final defense witness. He testified that state agents told him he had a bloodied shirt that proved his brother was the killer.
That evidence has not been presented at trial, although Alex Murdo’s attorneys said in pre-trial motions that a state agent claimed to have found the blood. Subsequent trials disproved the claim and the trial destroyed the garment before the defense could see it.
John Marvin Murdaugh said state agents released the crime scene less than 12 hours after the murders. When he went to look around that morning, he saw blood, brains, and a piece of Paul Murdaugh’s skull. He said he felt compelled to clean up.
“No mother or father or aunt or uncle needs to see or do what I had that day,” he said.
She also spoke to her dead nephew that day, telling the court: “In my mind and out loud I told Paul I loved him. I promised him I would find out who did this to him.”
“Have you found out?” defense attorney Jim Griffin asked.
“I didn’t,” she replied.
Also on Monday, Judge Clifton Newman agreed to let the jury tour the family’s property and view the crime scene. The visit was scheduled for when prosecutors will wrap up their response to the case, likely on Wednesday.
Defense attorney Dick Harpootlian told the judge that it was important for the jury to visit the Middoff property to see “how small the feed room is” and “where the feed room compared to Maggie’s body.”
Prosecutors said they did not want the jury to come because in the 20 months since the murders, trees had been planted between Murdaugh’s house – where Alex Murdaugh has said he napped during the murders – and the kennel where the crimes took place. Was born, has become tall and fat.
Newman said he usually allows a visit if either party requests it. The jury, lawyers, Newman, and police and security personnel will be allowed to travel.
The judge agreed to Harpootlian’s request for Colton County representatives to provide additional security on the property, which is under contract to be sold for $3.9 million.
Defense attorneys said at the weekend that several trespassers were found taking selfies outside the feed room where Paul Murdo died.
“It’s the most distasteful thing ever,” Harpootlian said.