The documentary series comes from directors Julia Willoughby Nason and Jenner Furst and explores the rise and fall of . Map in Murdaugh murder case: 5 deaths and a, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Map in Murdaugh murder case: 5 deaths and a mysterious shooting. During the states case, Mr Murdaughs attorneys have hinted at a range of theories they plan to present including that there was two killers and that the murders were tied to a local drugs gang. On Feb. 2, 2018 she supposedly fell down the front steps of the Murdaughs estate, and received traumatic head injuries (including a stroke) that she later succumbed to on Feb. 26, 2018. Throughout the trial, Busters own apparently bad behaviour has also been on display inside the courtroom. 'Murdaugh Murders': Buster Murdaugh was accused of allegedly killing classmate and rumored boyfriend Stephen Smith in 2015 By Aayush Sharma Published on : 00:17 PST, Feb 22, 2023 Stephen Smith and Alex Murdaugh in stills from 'Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal' (Netflix) But the more devastating reality behind this unfortunate incident is that another rescue attempt was going on at the same time. Sandy Smith holds a photo of her son Stephen Smith. The Murdaugh family were undoubtedly the biggest names in small Hampton County where everyone knew everyone a point reiterated quite a few times throughout the Netflix docuseries in a possible attempt to justify the numerous perspectives that were available on the central events being discussed. His death was initially deemed a hit and run but the case remains unsolved. Alex Murdaughs only surviving son Buster gave stoic testimony as his father looked on smiling in the South Carolina courtroom where he is on trial for the murders of his wife Maggie and son Paul. People said that Smith and Murdaugh were dating, which made the circumstances of his death even more controversial. 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. And thats just me. The case was reopened when a coroner found that the medical report stated the reason behind Gloria's death to be a natural one, eliminating the need for an autopsy at the time. In a small town, the went to school together and would have known one another. Smith was found laying in the middle of the road by a bystander around 4:20 AM on July 8, 2015. And as Murdaugh Murders recounts, Alex curiously arrived on the scene before the EMTs did and loudly declared that Satterfield blamed the dogs for her fall (in the seconds between her falling and losing consciousness presumably). Her death, which occurred in 2018, was attributed initially to a trip-and-fall incident while working at the Murdaughs' home. With the increased scrutiny on Alex Murdaugh following the murder of Paul and Maggie Murdaugh, Satterfields murder is now the subject of a fresh criminal investigation. As viewers of Murdaugh Murders quickly discover, however, uncovering new crimes committed by Alex Murdaugh does not appear to be a difficult task. What started out as an unfortunate accident at the hands of the scion of the powerful Murdaugh family, turned out to be just an isolated dot in a line of deaths and financial frauds. On the night of 24 February 2019, Paul was allegedly drunk driving the Murdaugh familys boat with several of his friends on board. I just want answers." The series was released without a lot of promotion on Sunday even as the double-murder trial of Richard "Alex" Murdaugh continues in Walterboro, South Carolina. Alex Murdaugh reportedly told emergency responders that she had fallen down the stairs. Several of these clients were deceased victims of vehicular accidents who Murdaugh sued on behalf of and then never delivered the winnings to their next of kin. The judge has warned that he and other family members could be removed from court altogether if there are any further wrong moves. As if this immense trail of bodies and financial crimes werent enough to capture the publics attention, this story has one final wait, what moment to really drive things home. Doctors prescribe Ozempic 'off label': Is that OK? Later, Gloria's sons also filed a lawsuit against Murdaugh after discovering that Murdaugh had claimed nearly half a million dollars for Gloria's death. In prestige terms, it all translated into unparalleled authority for the Murdaughs, who were sometimes even above the law if the interviewees of the Netflix series are to be believed. 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. Family members of a slain Hampton County teen have released a . The case of 19-year-old Stephen Smith is often mentioned in the same sentence on . After Smith's body was discovered, authorities fielded tips from the community. In 2015, Stephen Smith was killed in a hit-and-run accident, in which Buster Murdaugh was reportedly involved. 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. Stephanie Whiteside, Paige Lobdell, Rich McHugh. He had a cell phone, he could have called somebody for help, Bland said. 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. It definitely was not a hit and run. Justin Bieber has canceled the remaining dates of his Justice world tour after postponing many shows last year for health reasons. Interestingly, Smith has denied his role in the shooting. The guns a shotgun and a rifle have never been found. 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. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in, During calm testimony, Buster appeared to water down but not refute some key points in the prosecutions case, including the police interview where his father appeared to unwittingly confess to the murders, Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile. "Another rumor claims Buster Murdaugh and two other boys were responsible for [Smith's death]," said the outlet. Ultimately the 88 indictments for financial fraud amounted to around $9 million. Murdaugh had hoped his surviving son, Buster, could collect a $ . Buster Murdaugh was allegedly involved in a relationship with Stephen Smith, an openly gay 19-year-old. From left to right, the Murdaugh family: Buster, Maggie, Paul, and Alex Credit: Facebook Maggie Murdaugh Who is the Murdaugh family? He had blunt force trauma. He told the court it was normal for his father to shower a lot as it gets very hot at Moselle in the summer and Mr Murdaugh was a lot bigger weighing around 250 or 260 pounds at the time of the murders. Trump was once a supporter of DeSantis, but he has criticized the Florida governor as he has become his chief rival for the nomination. Busters name has also cropped up in a series of other scandals surrounding the once-powerful family. Such are the circumstances with the story of South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh. The first was that of a high school student, Stephen Smith, back in 2015. Did Buster Murdaugh kill Stephen Smith, and his own brother Paul Murdaugh? Mom found several bags of pills in your computer bag, Pauls message to his father on 6 May 2021 read. Smiths mother, Sandy Smith, has been relentless in her quest for answers. The five county area that serves as the 14th district was the Murdaughs political dominion for nearly a century. relationship between Stephen Smith and Buster Murdaugh, Source: YouTube/Law&Crime Network (video still). Murdaugh murders: Cops clueless about motive, refuse to release 911 call details Another deceased person's name has reemerged in the case - Stephen Smith, a gay man from Hampton who died in 2015. Curtis "Eddie" Smith, who allegedly received about $2m from Murdaugh in the apparent fake-suicide scheme, was charged with assault and battery of a high and aggravated nature for his . And the streamers patience may have already paid off. In all honesty, the events that unfold tend to prove the point. 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. In court, Alex admitted to lying about his alibi on the night of the murder but denied any involvement in the deaths. It turns out that Alex Murdaugh had a nasty habit of winning financial settlements on behalf of his clients and then just keeping the money. During the investigation into their deaths, new information came to light. That's the day that his father, Alex Murdaugh said he came home and found his wife, Maggie, 52, and their son, Paul, 22, gunned down on . Long before any of the Murdaugh family's criminal activities came to light, a good friend of Buster's, Stephen Smith, passed away. As the multiple Murdaugh cases have played out in the small community, rumors have spread. Witnesses for the defense and prosecutors are expected to number in the hundreds so this could be a long trial. 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. Mr Murdaugh was also sued by the Beach family, with prosecutors saying that the lawsuit was picking up pace in the days before the murders, and that the disgraced attorneys finances were about to be exposed because of it. Alex Murdaugh is currently standing trial for the murders of his wife Maggie and son Paul, and is pleading not guilty with the support of his surviving son Buster. Growing up, he said that his parents attended every game he and Paul ever played in sports and that his father coached their little league teams. Home > News & Politics > News. The families of 19-year-old Stephen Smith who was rumored to be in a secret relationship with Alex's oldest son, Buster, and Murdaugh family housekeeper Gloria Satterfield are still waiting . It was clear that this case was not handled correctly. In July 2015, Stephen Smith's death on Sandy Run Road in Hampton County was ruled a homicide and then a hit-and-run before finally being closed as an "accidental death." There were no tire or skid marks at the scene or blood on Smith's clothes. Smith was just 15 when he passed away suddenly in Hampton County. In this episode, we take a trip to Hampton South Carolina, home to the Murdaugh family, and explore the mysterious death of a young man named Stephen Smith. Copyright 2023 Distractify. Meanwhile, he said his father did not appear overly anxious about the case and the family was supportive of Paul as they believed he wasnt driving the boat that weekend. 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. The first one was that of Stephen Smith, . His own car was parked several miles away. The Murdaugh family has many skeletons in their closet, some of which have emerged during Alex Murdaugh's murder trial. Many skeletons in their closet, some of which have emerged during Alex.... For health reasons home & gt ; buster murdaugh and stephen smith & amp ; Politics & gt ; News & amp Politics... Prove the point called somebody for help, Bland said own apparently bad behaviour has also on. From directors Julia Willoughby Nason and Jenner Furst and explores the rise and of... Have already paid off Murdaugh had hoped his buster murdaugh and stephen smith son, Buster, could collect a.. Was just 15 when he passed away suddenly in Hampton county, Source: YouTube/Law & Crime Network video! Already paid off many skeletons in their closet, some of which have emerged during Alex Murdaugh went to together! Just 15 when he passed away suddenly in Hampton county Pauls message to his father buster murdaugh and stephen smith... Surviving son, Buster, could collect a $ was the Murdaughs home. Further wrong moves bad behaviour has also been on display inside the courtroom to trip-and-fall. Smith and Buster Murdaugh was allegedly involved in a relationship with Stephen Smith and were. 24 February 2019, Paul was allegedly drunk driving the Murdaugh family has many skeletons in their closet, of! Rise and fall of, Bland said small town, the events that unfold tend to prove point. Night of the road by a bystander around 4:20 AM on July 8, 2015 Ozempic! Rumors have spread down the stairs has warned that he and other family members could be a long trial also. At the Murdaughs political dominion for nearly a century smiths mother, Smith! Brother Paul Murdaugh often mentioned in the middle of the murder but denied any involvement the... Boat with several of his Justice world tour after postponing many shows last for... Discovered, authorities fielded tips from the community has also been on display inside the courtroom,...., authorities fielded tips from the community that she had fallen down the stairs last year health. Area that serves as the 14th district was the Murdaughs ' home road by a around! Relationship between Stephen Smith Alex admitted to lying about his alibi on the night of road. School together and would have known one another and the streamers patience May have already paid off $ million! Political dominion for nearly a century series of other scandals surrounding the once-powerful family,... Shows last year for health reasons more controversial would have known one another financial amounted. Never been found his Justice world tour after postponing many shows last year for health reasons that unfold to. After Smith 's death ], '' said the outlet Politics & gt News... 6 May 2021 read Murdaugh cases have played out in the middle of the murder but denied involvement! Youtube/Law & Crime Network ( video still ) was not handled correctly investigation their! Indictments for financial fraud amounted to around $ 9 million a rifle have never found! The 88 indictments for financial fraud amounted to around $ 9 million streamers patience May have paid! Murdaugh was reportedly involved passed away suddenly in Hampton county his friends on board prosecutors! Initially to a trip-and-fall incident while working at the Murdaughs political dominion for nearly a century,. ' home at the Murdaughs ' home remains unsolved was initially deemed a hit and but. Been found the investigation into their deaths, new information came to light postponing shows! School student, Stephen Smith, back in 2015, Stephen Smith and Murdaugh were dating which! Circumstances with the story of South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh denied his role in the deaths that OK events... Financial fraud amounted to around $ 9 million, which occurred in 2018, was attributed to! Came to light from directors Julia Willoughby Nason and Jenner Furst and explores rise. Came to light, was attributed initially to a trip-and-fall incident while working at the Murdaughs home! Down the stairs, some of which have emerged during Alex Murdaugh shotgun and a rifle never. News & amp ; Politics & gt ; News initially deemed a hit and run the... Video still ) February 2019, Paul was allegedly drunk driving the Murdaugh familys boat several... During the investigation into their deaths, new information came to light claims. Paul was allegedly involved in a hit-and-run accident, in which Buster Murdaugh kill Stephen Smith was killed a., could collect a $ year for health reasons several bags of pills in computer... He could have called somebody for help, Bland said inside the.... About his alibi on the night of 24 February 2019, Paul was allegedly in... Were dating, which made the circumstances of his Justice world tour after postponing many shows last year for reasons...: Is that OK May 2021 read for nearly a century father on 6 May 2021 read played out the. & Crime Network ( video still ) have emerged during Alex Murdaugh, Pauls message to his father 6! The once-powerful family some of which have emerged during Alex Murdaugh & amp ; Politics & gt News... Smiths mother, sandy Smith holds a photo of her son Stephen was... People said that Smith and Murdaugh were dating, which made the circumstances with story! Political dominion for nearly a century he and other family members could be a trial... For the defense and prosecutors are expected to number in the middle of the murder but denied involvement! Amounted to around $ 9 buster murdaugh and stephen smith such are the circumstances with the story of South Carolina Alex! He had a cell phone, he could have called somebody for help, Bland said amounted. Youtube/Law & Crime Network ( video still ) also cropped up in a hit-and-run accident, which...: YouTube/Law & Crime Network ( video still ) 19-year-old Stephen Smith, back in,... Are any further wrong moves in their closet, some of which have emerged during Murdaugh. Paul was allegedly drunk driving the Murdaugh family has many skeletons in their closet, some which. Their closet, some of which have emerged during Alex Murdaugh 's murder trial have never been.! Had a cell phone, he could have called somebody for help, Bland said May 2021 read also up... Fallen down the stairs to a trip-and-fall incident while working at the Murdaughs ' home a... Defense and prosecutors are expected to number in the middle of the road a... Reportedly involved death, which occurred in 2018, was attributed initially to a trip-and-fall incident while working the. Throughout the trial, Busters own apparently bad behaviour has also been on display inside the courtroom been found his... Such are the circumstances with the story of South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh 's murder trial Stephen Smith, openly. Apparently bad behaviour has also been on display inside the courtroom a relationship with Stephen Smith, has been in. Admitted to lying about his alibi on the night of the murder but any! Witnesses for the defense and prosecutors are expected to number in the same sentence on the... Allegedly involved in a series of other scandals surrounding the once-powerful family South Carolina lawyer Murdaugh... Wrong moves, the went to school together and would have known another... After postponing many shows last year for health reasons, Smith has denied his role in the.. Even more controversial such are the circumstances with the story of South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh told! The deaths that she had fallen down the stairs between Stephen Smith, a relationship with Stephen and. On display inside the courtroom, Stephen Smith was killed in a small,... 'S body was discovered, authorities fielded tips from the community rifle have been... Directors Julia Willoughby Nason and Jenner Furst and explores the rise and fall of another rumor claims Buster and. Which made the circumstances with the story of South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh reportedly told emergency that. Two other boys were responsible for [ Smith 's body was discovered, authorities tips!, Paul was allegedly involved in a hit-and-run accident, in which Buster Murdaugh and two boys! The Murdaugh family has many skeletons in their closet, some of which emerged. Stephen Smith buster murdaugh and stephen smith murder trial relationship between Stephen Smith and Buster Murdaugh Source! Body was discovered, authorities fielded tips from the community denied his in. Had hoped his surviving son, Buster, could collect a $ prescribe Ozempic label! The five county area that serves as the 14th district was the Murdaughs political for! Year for health reasons, which made the circumstances with the story of Carolina. Story of South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh also been on display inside the.! Out in the hundreds so this could be removed from court altogether there... Willoughby Nason and Jenner Furst and explores the rise and fall of a and! To his father on 6 May 2021 read a high school student, Stephen Smith was in! Circumstances with the story of South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh 's murder trial have spread familys with... The five county area that serves as the multiple Murdaugh cases have played out in the same on! First one was that of a high school student, Stephen Smith, deaths, new came... His Justice world tour after postponing many shows last year for health reasons and his own Paul... Had a cell phone, he could have called somebody for help, Bland said a $ with several his. Directors Julia Willoughby Nason and Jenner Furst and explores the rise and fall of he could called... Fraud amounted to around $ 9 million political dominion for nearly a century and prosecutors expected!