Alex Murdaugh Murder Trial Comes to a Close After Jury Visit to Scene of Crime
The murder trial of Alex Murdaugh, who is accused of killing his wife Margaret and son Paul at their family hunting estate in Colleton County, South Carolina in June 2021, is coming to a close.[0] On Wednesday, the jury visited the property in Islandton, known as Moselle, to get an idea of the scene of the crime. But before closing arguments began, Judge Clifton Newman removed one juror for engaging in improper discussions about the case.[1]
Prosecutor Creighton Waters gave his closing statement first, repeatedly highlighting Murdaugh's admission from the stand last week that he had lied about his whereabouts on the night of the killings. He pointed out that Murdaugh had lied to the jurors’ faces during his testimony, referencing the factors like his distrust of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division that he said led him to lie to Owen during that interview.
Defense attorney Jim Griffin began his closing argument by emphasizing that the jury must presume Murdaugh is innocent unless they believe the prosecution has met their burden to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.[1] Griffin acknowledged Murdaugh's lies, but said they were to shield his drug and financial problems — not because he killed his family.[2]
The jury is expected to deliver their verdict on Monday. If found guilty, Murdaugh faces 30 years to life in prison.[3]
0. “Murdaugh Trial, Day 26: Testimony gets heated during state's rebuttal” Fox Carolina, 1 Mar. 2023, https://www.foxcarolina.com/2023/03/01/murdaugh-trial-day-26-testimony-gets-heated-during-states-rebuttal
1. “Alex Murdaugh trial live updates: Defense gives closing argument” USA TODAY, 2 Mar. 2023, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/03/02/alex-murdaugh-trial-defense-closing-argument-updates/11381334002/
2. “Alex Murdaugh's defense set to deliver closing arguments” KOCO Oklahoma City, 2 Mar. 2023, https://www.koco.com/article/alex-murdaugh-murder-trial-march-2-2023/43149171
3. “Alex Murdaugh trial: Observers predict guilty verdict or hung jury” Greenville News, 1 Mar. 2023, https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/crime/2023/03/01/alex-murdaugh-trial-verdict-observers-predict-guilty-or-hung-jury/69955266007/
