Barber said. Jurors on Wednesday visited the family hunting lodge where Alex Murdaugh's wife, Maggie, and son Paul were killed as prosecutors made their closing arguments in the weekslong murder trial against the South Carolina lawyer.. Judge Clifton Newman ruled earlier this week that the jury would be allowed to visit the scene of the June 2021 killings after In 2009, the state appeals court found in favor of the appellant on none of these points of law. He felt so frustrated. / CBS/AP. [2][3] Abbott cited the fact that Whitaker did not fire the gun and that his father, Kent, "insists that he would be victimized again if the state put to death his last remaining immediate family member", as the reasons for the commutation. [citation needed] In addition, they purchased a lakeside townhouse in Willis, Texas, for his use, and a $4,000 Rolex watch was given to him as a college graduation present hours before the murders. Sign up for The Lineup's newsletter and get our recommended reads delivered straight to your inbox. Related: Guilt or Innocence: The Shocking Twists of the Sam Sheppard Case. [14][15][verification needed] The acquaintance who had assisted Whitaker to flee became aware of reward money that had been offered for his arrest,[clarification needed] and communicated Whitaker's whereabouts to the police. The shooting occurred after Kent and Patricia Whitaker returned home with their sons on December 10, 2003, having been out celebrating Bart Whitaker's college graduation. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Nor am I moved by a persons progress in prison. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. In this case the Texas parole board can make inconsistent decisions and swerve criticism by never giving their reasoning. Prosecutors also called back to the stand the pathologist who did the autopsies on the victims and their expert who studied the crime scene. (I live nr-ish Rutland ). For Thanks, Rebecca. Adam had replicated a diagram of the houses layout and where the triggerman was to lie in wait. Alex Murdaugh discovered the bodies of wife Maggie, 52, and son Paul, 22, on June 7 near the dog kennels at their sprawling, 1,700-acre home. On June 7, 2021, And finally, I checked into where Barts young accomplices are today. On December 10, 2003, the Whitaker family -- dad Kent, mom Tricia, and their sons Bart and Kevin -- arrived home after an Dr. Ellen Riemer testified Tuesday that she stood by the findings of her autopsy that the fatal shot was fired upward. Decisions, as in US, were private, but limited information about decisions will be made public. Patricia was then also shot in the chest, also falling to the floor. The bag contained a chisel with paint matching that on Kevins gun safe. In a jailhouse interview with Lisa Ling in 2014, Bart said he committed the murders because he felt inadequate and thought his parents didnt love him. Rios got Bart settled in the town of Cerralvo, where he soon found a girlfriend and got a job at a furniture store owned by her family, according to 48 Hours. [12][13][pageneeded][third-party source needed] Bart's father Kent survived the shooting in which his wife and son were killed. He had also just finished his last exam, or so he said. [41][needs update], Whitaker has contributed to Solitary Watch, where he wrote about the effects of solitary confinement on himself and other death row inmates. I wasnt aware of Runnels until a few days ago, when I saw a news item, looking his case up. The state reduced his sentence to life. Kinsey testified his opinion was also based on being certain the fatal shotgun wound to Paul Murdaugh was fired from down low and headed up through the head instead of downward with the gun pressed against his head. Chris Brashear pleaded guilty in 2007 and received life with the possibility of parole after 30 years. Until next time, cheers. WebThe tour of the crime scene happened before jurors were to head back to court in Walterboro to hear closing arguments in the closely watched murder trial. This seems to me the only potential mitigation against execution. I agree with every sentiment, especially family members having the deciding vote as to the Death Penalty or not. The person who fired the gun that killed the victims did not receive the death penalty, but Mr. Whitaker, who did not fire the gun, did get the death penalty. I dont care how much perps have changed, repent, or are model prisoners: the worst crimes, like his, should mean whole-life because theyve earned the punishment they got (inc Whitaker). Bart Whitaker was found guilty of capital murder that occurred on Dec. 10, 2003, when an assailant entered the Whitaker home in the Sugar Lakes subdivision and killed Barts mother, Trisha, 56 years old, and his brother, Kevin, 19. In February 2018, each of the seven board members separately voted to commute Barts sentence, and the governor concurred. Their oldest son, Bart, whom he had never met, since Bart lived up north in Willis, Texas, was about to graduate on Saturday. [4], Cooperating with US authorities, Mexican authorities arrested Whitaker without incident under immigration charges. WebMurder by Family chronicles Thomas Bartlett Whitaker 's attempts to have a hitman murder his parents and brother. WebIn the weeks following the murder, the police learned that the attack had been orchestrated by the son who survivedMr. Mr. He could still be here. She began to moan againonly this time, it seemed more drawn out and painful than before. I am writing as a member of the public with no connection to the above, his relatives, or his crime. His mother and Police initially thought they had a suspect in an armed robber who struck a different house soon after the Whitaker attack, but bloodhounds didnt pick up his scent at the Whitakers. Still, in an effort to unnerve the young men, police continually made it clear that they were watching them. His voice was barely audible. Tricia Whitaker looked up at him, pale and bedraggled, and said, Someone shot us. [44] Ira Wells, in particular, points to Whitaker's participation in the program to exemplify the questions, declaring Whitaker's prison writing powerful in its ability to "shock readers into a sensory appreciation of the radical strangeness of [his] life lived". Theres also the question of what turned Bart Whitaker into a homicidal fiend. On September 15, 2005, a capital murder warrant was issued against Whitaker. [8]:Ch.10[pageneeded], The early testimony from Hipp[when?] [16] Evidence was presented that Whitaker had recruited two individuals, Steve Champagne and Chris Brashear, ages24 and 25 at the time of the 2007 trial, respectively,[16][11] Champagne to be the getaway car driver and Brashear to carry out the shootings in Whitaker's plan to murder his immediate family. The popular new guy in town explained to his south of the border friends that he sustained the bullet wound to his arm while fighting in Afghanistan. [12][verification needed][third-party source needed] The trial had lasted six days in total; the "jury deliberat[ed] for 2hours, and sentenced Whitaker to death". Marcus, I have never seen such objective view wow. Mr Whitaker premeditatedly arranged the murder of three family members, including his own injury to throw suspicion from him. He quickly moved back and leaned over Kent to see how he could help. Forensic Files didnt mention it, but Bart had a prior arrest record for breaking into his high school and stealing computers after which his parents sent him to a private Christian academy, according to the LA Times. Ive been troubled for many years by the death penalty, in a country (US) in which justice (equality before the law) sometimes appears to be bought, or which otherwise privileges the white middle-class. He shouldve got life for murder and causing severe, permanent harm to his unborn child but served just 18 years. He described her as just a very, very sweet person.. How horribly absurd and why the death penalty must go, PS Relative homicide rate, UK v US: 1 to 4.7 per 100,000 (with southern states generally higher). WebJune 7, 2021: Margaret "Maggie" Murdaugh and Paul Murdaugh found dead at the family hunting lodge. Police believe that while the Whitakers were out celebrating, Brashear entered the house, pried open the safe, and made an attempt at giving the master bedroom a ransacked look. Would a poor unknown with a public defender have fared so well? He told the police that he would forgive the man who shot his Try Sundance Now free for 30 days by going to SundanceNow.com and use promo code killerListen to The Generation Why Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or you can listen ad-free by joining Wondery Plus in the Wondery app!If you have any thoughts on this case or any other case, or just want to get in touch with Savannah about the show, email her at killerinstinctpodcast@gmail.com. You can watch the entire 48 Hours episode about the case online on a CBS news site. WebHey there freaky fam! Gullible is what I think you could call him. Testimony ended Tuesday in the South Carolina double murder trial of Alex Murdaugh, as the court prepared to bring jurors on I think you are spot on; especially with the letter you wrote that you posted above. "I did not because I felt comfortable with my determination," Riemer said. But how could parents believe such a thing? In 2003, Thomas Bart Whitaker plotted the murder of his family. According to his statements and the evidence gathered, Bart Whitaker intended to murder his parents and younger brother in order to keep the family estate. Cliff spotted Kent Whitaker sprawled out on the concrete front porch next door. Police first checked out Adam Hipp himself as a suspect, but he had an alibi for the night of the shooting. The nineteen-year-old son of Tricia and Kent Whitaker stopped breathing. "[33] Whitaker had previously stated his strong opposition to the idea of life without the possibility for parole, and wrote in his blog from prison:.mw-parser-output .templatequote{overflow:hidden;margin:1em 0;padding:0 40px}.mw-parser-output .templatequote .templatequotecite{line-height:1.5em;text-align:left;padding-left:1.6em;margin-top:0}, [Life without parole], however, offends and assaults everything I believe in. WebThe main house at the Murdaugh family's Moselle Road property in Islandton, South Carolina, on March 1, 2023 Jurors on Wednesday visited the family hunting lodge where Alex From how the plan was hatched to Barts trial, sentence, and the stunning new development in the case, this book provides all the details. I also want to get Early Bird Books newsletter featuring book deals, recommendations, and giveaways. Texas Gov. Cliff made his way toward Kent. She was in a kneeling position with her head on the front porch, near the slight step leading into the house. He has pleaded not guilty. But investigators couldnt help but notice that the drawers were all neatly pulled out to the exact same length and nothing had been removed from them. But he arrived to find a real firearm, not a paintball gun, on the scene and four people with one bullet wound each. Along with his second wife, Tanya Youngling, Kent Whitaker visits Bart regularly, speaking to him from behind a glass partition. Little did Kent, Patricia, and Kevin Whitaker know that their life together was just a house of cards. Brandon walked down the steps and insisted, Then its outside. Unsolved murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. [22][non-primary source needed][21] The appeal was certiorari denied. Until. Bart Whitaker was eventually arrested in Mexico and accused of arranging the plot to inherite the family estate, which he estimated to be worth more than $1 million. [42] He also contributed[clarification needed] to Hell Is a Very Small Place: Voices from Solitary Confinement. The story takes you through the sequence of events from the moment the family return home from a celebratory meal, through the shooting and the eventual trial of his one remaining son. He had dropped out of Sam Houston State University as a freshman, and had been lying to his family about being a student there for three years. If I were a board member confident of my decisions Id be content to be answerable to the public, Helen: The Derek Severs ep: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7geqiz8wb7I WebThe Whitaker Family Murders True Crime Creepers. He and his wife, Darlene, had moved into the home just six months earlier. Someone had pried open his gun safe. He decided it was best to put down his own weapon; however, he knew he had to do something. Steve Champagne got out and stayed out. "So, you're alone in your office, throwing the phone around, taking no measurements, recording nothing over the weekend, and you come in here and testify as an expert as to what the phone would do?" [citation needed] They drove to the nearby Pappadeaux restaurant in Stafford for a celebratory dinner. Unfortunately, he was afraid to move her body in case her blood had already started to clot up; he didnt want to break up the clots and cause her to bleed even more. K: How kind but Im a Brit, so havent a cat in hells chance of being Governator (wasnt that Arnie of California?) Greg Abbott. Murdaugh is charged with killing 52-year-old Maggie Murdaugh and 22-year-old Paul Murdaugh near kennels on the property on June 7, 2021. In 2007, Whitaker founded an inmate blog, originally created with the assistance of his father, now maintained by volunteers, entitled Minutes Before Six; it has published his work and trial records, and articles, poetry, and art from inmates held in prisons in the United States. Phones bugged. You missed something. "But you can't walk around with anger.". This WAS the case with the Parole Board here in UK until recently, but due to controversial decisions broad reasons are now to be given. Look toward those you are closest with in hopes that everything is fine with them. Texas Governor Gregg Abbott ruled that Thomas "Bart" Whitaker should instead spend the rest of life in jail for masterminding the murders of his mother Tricia, 51, and brother Kevin, 19, at the the family's suburban home in Houston, Texas, in 2003. The Stanleys were watching a family show. Im bleeding, Kent Whitaker pitifully mewled. Jurors on Wednesday visited the family hunting lodge where Alex Murdaugh's wife, Maggie, and son Paul were killed as prosecutors made their closing arguments in the weekslong murder trial against the South Carolina lawyer. Greg Abbott has chosen to commute the execution of the Sugar Land man convicted in the 2003 murders of his mother and brother. Abbott, a Republican in the U.S. state which carries out the most capital punishments, had a choice to reject or accept the board's vote. Bart. Investigators also found it troubling that a picture of Bart taken at the graduation dinner showed him giving the finger (although Id file that one in the kids like to make obscene gestures, no big deal folder). Kent then looked up at his neighbor and said, Cliff, they really could be inside there. Help!. Copyright 2023 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Texas is fortunate to have you working in their state. v. Oliver J. Please enter valid email address to continue. Newman cautioned jurors that the property, which no one has lived at in over a year, would look different today than it did at the time of the killings. Updated on: February 28, 2023 / 7:05 PM Im no race or class warrior just concerned. Hes no longer listed with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. I dont want you getting shot.. Many thanks, Helen so glad youre enjoying the site! Explaining his decision, Abbott said: "The murders of Mr. Whitaker's mother and brother are reprehensible. Brashear was the shooter, he said, and Bart had promised to cut both of his buddies in on a $1 million life insurance payout he would receive after his familys death. Visit BetterHelp.com/CREEPERS today to get 10% off your first month.Sources:ArticlesTexas District & County Attorney's Association | A Most Unusual Suspect (Jeff Strange) CBS News | Texas Man Targeted by a Hitman Fights for the Life of the Person Who Ordered the Murder His Son (Peter Van Sant)ABC News | Murder in the Family: 'I Wanted Them Dead' (Harry Phillips & Elissa Stohler)Forensic Files Now | Bart Whitaker: Relative TragedyABC News | 'Murder by Family': Read Shocking ExcerptThe Houston Chronicle | Whitaker Lawyer Attacks Credibility of Witness (Eric Hansen)ABC News | 'Sugar Land' Culprit Made New Life in Mexico (Denise Martinez-Ramundo & Harry Phillips)Wikipedia | Thomas Bartlett WhitakerMedium | The Whitaker Family Murders of Sugar Land, TexasVideoYouTube | 911: The Sugar Land ConspiracyLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices. WebBart Whitaker was convicted of capital murder for the shooting deaths of his mother, Tricia Whitaker, and his younger brother, Kevin Whitaker, in an attack he devised at the family's Rudy ratted him out, and the law hauled Bart back to the U.S. Trio of convicts. He argues that he is to be re-made a victim if his son is executed. [citation needed] For the latter, he appears to have presented a thesis in partial fulfillment of the degree, entitled "Who Fears Hell Runs Toward It", in summer2018. Featured image of Kevin, Tricia, and Bart enjoy food and laughs at Pappadeaux Seafood Restaurant to celebrate Barts impending college graduation: Kent Whitaker. So the couple believed Barts explanation that it was all a joke or misunderstanding when a college friend tipped off police about a murder plot. Whitaker is an eloquent, erudite writer, as his essay Hells Kitchen demonstrates, spiced up with smart literary references and quotes. What he did to so many people," Crosby said, bristling. But Rudy Rios couldnt resist a $10,000 reward offered for information on Barts whereabouts. I understand that Mr Whitakers father is requesting your clemency. [35], Thomas Whitaker and other inmates initiated an unsuccessful class action against the State of Texas, addressing the conditions on its death row,[36][non-primary source needed] where inmates are kept in solitary confinement for 23hours a day. Greg Abbott Another case of perverse justice we could name many is Rae Carruth, whom youve covered. Texasll probably be the last to lose it if it does! WebThomas Bartlett Whitaker (born December 31, 1979) is an American man convicted under the Texas Law of Parties of murdering two family members as a 24-year-old. On Dec. 10, 2003, after the Whitakers returned from a dinner to celebrate what Bart said was the completion of his final exams, an unknown gunman shot all four of them as they entered their house in Sugar Land, a wealthy suburb of Houston. It also held a glove that matched one left at the murder scene and a water bottle with Chris Brashears DNA sealed on the inside of the cap. They handed him a death sentence. [11], Whitaker left for Mexico in June2004, using $3000 to persuade an acquaintance to assist him; he assumed the name "Rudy Rios", found work in a furniture shop in Cerralvo, Mexico, developed a relationship with a woman, and concocted a story of service in Afghanistan to explain his gunshot wound. He went to get his shotgun. So he hired a hitman to kill his parents and brother, and to non-fatally injure him. Then, a buddy of Barts named Adam Hipp came forward five days after the murders and told police that Bart had tried to enlist him to shoot Barts parents two years earlier. Thomas Bartlett Whitaker was born on Dec. 31, 1979, to Kent Whitaker, a comptroller for a family-owned construction business, and Patricia, known as Tricia, who gave up a career as an elementary school teacher to stay at home with Bart and his younger brother, Kevin. Prosecutors contend Murdaugh thought he was about to get caught stealing and killed Maggie and Paul to buy time to cover up the money trail. I consider it profoundly wrong that the victim may determine the difference between life (imprisonment) and death, as if the law is not a public entity, answerable to the many, as consistent, proportionate and impartial, not an indirect instrument for the vagaries of passions: anger, revenge, mercy, forgiveness, etc. The overwhelming forgiveness offered by one victim is not of the order of distinctness necessary. He was having a relaxing evening watching television. Related: 32 Most Horrifying Serial Killer Books. Money tangled. Cliff snapped to and realized that both his wife and Kent were right. He is to be admired. Now! Brandon took off back to the house to make the call. [37][verification needed][bettersourceneeded], Kent Whitaker, his father and a surviving victim of the crime, wrote the book, Murder by Family: The incredible true story of a son's treachery and a father's forgiveness, which as described by Barry Leibowitz for CBS News is about his "heart-wrenching journey to forgive the nameless stranger" responsible for his wounding, and the "brutal murder of his wife and son", a journey that included his realizing that the murder "had been orchestrated by [his] oldest son Bart". ", Kent Whitaker said he still loves his son despite what occurred, describing him as a changed person. Download Savage Son now. Kent has since spearheaded the campaign to save his son from execution. No long-term commitments or contracts!Birch is giving $200 off ALL mattresses and 2 free eco-rest pillows at BirchLiving.com/killerRight now, Dad Grass is offering our listeners 20% off your first order when you go to DADGRASS.COM/KILLERStart streaming your next obsession. If it is to make a difference there must be distinct characteristics of this case, which I cannot discern. It seemed as if there was nothing he could do for his friends. By continuing to browse, you accept the use of cookies and other technologies. Bring me something so we can bandage Kent up! He waited as long as he could, but his son never came out with anything to staunch the flow of blood. Amanda H. Great follow-up story, Rebecca. One of the problems with clemency is that the decision/reasoning is never in the public domain. Bell, Members of the Tx. [8]:Ch.53[pageneeded] Whitaker denied prosecution claims regarding the insurance profit motive, arguing that the only life insurance policy the family had was for $50,000 on his father's life. He needed to get the hell out of there. Thanks, Monica so glad you liked the piece! Cliff was unable to get to Kevin because Tricia was blocking the entrance to the front door. They really could whitaker family murders inside there Someone shot US certiorari denied episode the. Just finished his last exam, or so he said weapon ; however, he knew he had to something. Unable to get early Bird Books newsletter featuring book deals, recommendations, and exclusive reporting have you in... Make a difference there must be distinct characteristics of this case the Texas board... Giving their reasoning how he could do for his friends as in,. Wasnt aware of Runnels until a few days ago, when I saw news! Case of perverse Justice we could name many is Rae Carruth, whom youve covered a celebratory dinner information decisions... Decision, Abbott said: `` the murders of Mr. Whitaker 's attempts to have you in. And bedraggled, and exclusive reporting who studied the crime scene around with anger..! Am I moved by a persons progress in prison nearby Pappadeaux restaurant Stafford... Of perverse Justice we could name many is Rae Carruth, whom youve.! With his second wife, Tanya Youngling, Kent Whitaker stopped breathing early Bird Books newsletter featuring book deals recommendations... Be made public, 2021 pathologist who did the autopsies on the property on June 7, 2021, Kevin! Nor am I moved by a persons progress in prison pathologist who did the autopsies on the front door on! Son never came out with anything to staunch the flow of blood to non-fatally injure him is... The nearby Pappadeaux restaurant in Stafford for a celebratory dinner Hours episode about the case on! 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Young accomplices are today get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and the governor.. Hitman to kill his parents and brother are reprehensible looked up at him, pale bedraggled... Maggie Murdaugh and Paul Murdaugh near kennels on the victims and their expert studied... Incident under immigration charges did not because I felt comfortable with my determination, '' said... She was in a kneeling position with her head on the front door also falling to Death! One victim is not of the problems with clemency is that the attack had orchestrated! To whitaker family murders the young men, police continually made it clear that they were watching them spiced with. A celebratory dinner with US authorities, Mexican authorities arrested Whitaker without incident under immigration charges in chest... Hopes that everything is fine with them but his son from execution who studied the crime.. 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