Understand Murdaugh

Inside the auction of the Murdaughs' property from the Moselle estate (Bonus) Apr 13, 2023

In an aluminum-sided warehouse last month, dozens of people paid good money for various items from Alex Murdaugh’s hunting estate, where his wife Maggie and youngest son Paul were shot to death with a shotgun and rifle.

In this bonus episode of Understand Murdaugh, host Kelly Jean Kelly takes you inside the Liberty Auction house during the auction.

Narrated by Kelly Jean Kelly. Produced by Eric Russell. Music by Lexin Music.

The Murdaugh trial aftermath and what's next Mar 12, 2023

Watchdog and public service editor Glenn Smith and reporters Jocelyn Grzeszczak, Thad Moore and Avery Wilks discuss the conclusion of Alex Murdaugh's double murder trial, the potential appeal and several other lingering questions surrounding the aftermath of the guilty verdict. They also answer a few listener questions.

"It might have been the monster you've become" Mar 03, 2023

Disgraced former attorney Alex Murdaugh will spend the rest of his life behind bars after his conviction in the June 2021 murders of his wife and son, sealing his stunning downfall in a courtroom where his father, grandfather and great-grandfather once tried cases as this region's top prosecutors.

Hosted by Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Nathan Stevens. Produced by Nathan Stevens. Music by Lexin Music.

Murdaugh found guilty, the defense's last stand and final rebuttal Mar 03, 2023

Alex Murdaugh, the wealthy scion of a powerful Lowcountry legal dynasty, was found guilty of murdering his wife and son in a pair of grisly June 2021 slayings that captured international attention and kickstarted the former Hampton lawyer's precipitous downfall.

Hosted by Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Nathan Stevens. Produced by Nathan Stevens. Music by Lexin Music.

Jurors in Alex Murdaugh's murder trial travel to Moselle, site of the slayings Mar 02, 2023

Disgraced former attorney Alex Murdaugh is a gifted liar who spent a decade concealing his true identity as a white-collar thief and opioid addict, prosecutor Creighton Waters told a Colleton County jury March 1.

Hosted by Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Nathan Stevens. Produced by Nathan Stevens. Music by Lexin Music.

Cowboys, contraband and DNA evidence (Reader Mailbag) Mar 01, 2023

In this bonus episode, public service and watchdog editor Glenn Smith answers questions surrounding the Alex Murdaugh double murder trial. Readers wrote in about the Walterboro Cowboys gang, DNA evidence and other aspects of the trial.

Hosted by Glenn Smith and Eric Russell

Produced by Eric Russell

Music by Lexin Music

Alex Murdaugh's prosecutors push back on two-shooter theory in final day of testimony Mar 01, 2023

On the final day of testimony in Alex Murdaugh's double-murder trial, state prosecutors and a crime scene expert worked to debunk theories Murdaugh's defense lawyers have floated in recent weeks to blame unknown assailants for the June 2021 slayings of his wife and son.

Hosted by Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Nathan Stevens. Produced by Nathan Stevens. Music by Lexin Music.

Alex Murdaugh's brother doesn't think investigators have found Maggie, Paul's killer Feb 28, 2023

As John Marvin Murdaugh cleaned his nephew’s blood and brains off a feed room floor on June 8, 2021, he made a silent vow.

“In my mind, I told Paul I loved him,” he tearfully testified to a Colleton County jury on Feb. 27. “I promised him that I’d find out who did this to him.”

“Have you found out?” asked Jim Griffin, a defense attorney representing John Marvin’s brother, Alex Murdaugh.

“I have not,” John Marvin replied.

Hosted by Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Nathan Stevens

Produced by Nathan Stevens

Music by Lexin Music

Questions surrounding the Alex Murdaugh trial (Reader Mailbag) Feb 27, 2023

There are still many questions surrounding the Alex Murdaugh double murder trial even as it draws closer to closing arguments.

In this bonus episode of Understand Murdaugh, hosts Glenn Smith answers some of the questions from readers about the trial and testimony the jury has heard so far.

Hosted by Glenn Smith and Eric Russell.

Produced by Eric Russell.

Music by Lexin Music.

Prosecutor Creighton Waters takes aim at Alex Murdaugh's credibility Feb 25, 2023

Alex Murdaugh's testimony wrapped up on Friday afternoon. Prosecutor Creighton Waters continued to question Murdaugh about his money issues and the lies he admitted to telling about the night of the murders.

In this daily update episode, hosts Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Eric Russell discuss the prosecutions cross-examination of Murdaugh.

Hosted by Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Eric Russell

Produced by Eric Russell

Music by Lexin Music

Alex Murdaugh admits to lying and stealing, denies being murderer Feb 24, 2023

Alex Murdaugh took the stand and addressed the lies he told investigators following the deaths of Maggie Murdaugh and Paul Murdaugh. He also admitted to stealing from several of his clients. However, Alex denied killing his wife and son on June 7, 2021.

In this daily update episode, hosts Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Eric Russell break down the highly anticipated testimony.

Hosted by Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Eric Russell.

Produced by Eric Russell.

Music by Lexin Music.

Defense's key witness testifies about Alex Murdaugh's character Feb 23, 2023

The day started with defense attorney Jim Griffin letting it be known that Alex Murdaugh is considering whether or not to take the stand. Jurors also heard from several more defense witnesses on day 22 of the trial, including Murdaugh’s former law partner Mark Bell.

In this daily update episode, hosts Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Eric Russell discuss everything that went on in the courtroom on Wednesday.

Hosted by Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Eric Russell.

Produced by Eric Russell.

Music by Lexin Music.

Alex Murdaugh's son Buster takes the stand in murder trial Feb 22, 2023

The defense continued to call its witnesses Tuesday, starting with Alex Murdaugh's oldest son Buster. His testimony bolstered some of the defense team's case.

In this daily update episode, hosts Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Eric Russell recap the testimony from Buster and others on day 21 of the trial.

Hosted by Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Eric Russell.

Produced by Eric Russell.

Music by Lexin Music.

Alex Murdaugh sped down country roads in hour after wife, son were killed Feb 18, 2023

Alex Murdaugh seemed to be in a hurry in the hour after his wife and son were brutally shot to death.

The soon-to-be-disgraced Hampton trial attorney sped down a pothole-riddled country road at more than 74 mph on the way to visit his mother that evening, according to new data gleaned from his 2021 Chevrolet Suburban. His speedometer touched 80 mph on the way back home, well over the 55 mph speed limit.

Hosted by Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Nathan Stevens.

Produced by Nathan Stevens.

Music by Lexin Music.

Jurors in Alex Murdaugh murder trial hear him confess to orchestrating roadside shooting Feb 17, 2023

Jurors in Alex Murdaugh’s double murder trial on Feb. 16 heard the once-prominent Hampton attorney confess to an entirely different crime: trying to orchestrate his own murder to leave behind a $10 million life insurance payout for his son.

Hosted by Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Nathan Stevens.

Produced by Nathan Stevens.

Music by Lexin Music.

Murdaugh murders investigator didn't learn of critical blood test until after indictments Feb 16, 2023

The lead investigator of the high-profile murders of Alex Murdaugh's wife and son admitted Feb. 15 he was unaware until four months after Murdaugh’s indictment that the defendant’s white T-shirt from the night of the slayings had tested negative for human blood.

Hosted by Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Nathan Stevens.

Produced by Nathan Stevens

Music by Lexin Music.

Maggie Murdaugh's sister testifies about Alex's 'odd' statements after slayings Feb 15, 2023

In the weeks after Maggie and Paul Murdaugh were brutally shot to death, their relatives were terrified, Maggie’s sister testified Feb. 14.

Investigators had made no arrests nor named any suspects. No motive was clear for the shocking slayings of two members of the prominent Hampton family.

Hosted by Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Nathan Stevens.

Produced by Nathan Stevens

Music by Lexin Music.

COVID-19 poses existential threat to Alex Murdaugh murder trial Feb 14, 2023

Judge Clifton Newman’s dismissal of the two jurors set off alarms that an outbreak in the jury room could require a suspension of the weeks-long proceedings or, worse, a mistrial. A court employee also tested positive, Newman said.

Hosted by Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Nathan Stevens.

Produced by Nathan Stevens

Music by Lexin Music.

Murdaugh family housekeeper takes the stand Feb 11, 2023

The jury heard testimony from Blanca Simpson, the Murdaugh family’s housekeeper. Simpson testified about returning to Moselle the day after the murders as well as some of Alex Murdaugh's actions in the weeks and months following the murders.

In this daily update episode, hosts Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Eric Russell discuss Simpson's testimony as well as the other key moments in the courtroom on Friday.

Hosted by Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Eric Russell. Produced by Eric Russell. Music by Lexin Music.

Jurors hear evidence of Murdaugh's finacial schemes and thefts Feb 10, 2023

The vast majority of today’s testimony was taken up by four witnesses who each had already spoken during Judge Clifton Newman’s separate hearing on whether evidence of Alex’s alleged financial crimes could be admitted in the double murder trial.

Hosted by Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Nathan Stevens.

Produced by Nathan Stevens

Music by Lexin Music.

Jurors hear about gunshot residue, SUV data despite bomb threat disruption Feb 09, 2023

In a day disrupted by a courthouse bomb threat, state prosecutors on Feb. 8 served jurors a smorgasbord of financial, digital and forensic evidence in their effort to prove once-respected Hampton attorney Alex Murdaugh killed his wife and son.

Hosted by Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Nathan Stevens.

Produced by Nathan Stevens

Music by Lexin Music.

Gunshot residue found on jacket Alex Murdaugh allegedly stashed after wife, son were slain Feb 08, 2023

Forensic scientists found copious amounts of gunshot residue inside a jacket Alex Murdaugh allegedly stashed at his parents’ house just days after his wife and son were shot to death, jurors learned Feb. 7. Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Nathan Stevens discuss the evidence and today's motions at the trial.

Hosted by Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Nathan Stevens.

Produced by Nathan Stevens

Music by Lexin Music.

Prosecutors get judge's OK to introduce alleged financial crimes Feb 07, 2023

In the coming days of Alex Murdaugh’s double murder trial, jurors will hear testimony accusing the once-prominent Hampton lawyer of secretly stealing millions of dollars from friends, family, clients and others who trusted him for the better part of a decade.

Hosts Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Nathan Stevens discuss what this might mean for the third week and beyond of the trial.

Hosted by Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Nathan Stevens.

Produced by Nathan Stevens

Music by Lexin Music.

Further evidence of possible financial crimes and law enforcement testimony as week two ends Feb 04, 2023

The court, still without jurors, went over the alleged financial crimes of Alex Murdaugh, including his connections with Palmetto state bank and the possible embezzlement of money from his law clients. Whether or not this evidence can be used in the double murder trial as character evidence is still to be seen as we end week two of the trial.

Hosted by Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Nathan Stevens.

Produced by Nathan Stevens

Music by Lexin Music.

Alex Murdaugh's colleagues detail his alleged financial crimes to an empty jury box Feb 03, 2023

In addition to more law enforcement testimony, the defense and prosecution argued if Alex Murdaugh's financial crimes could be presented in his double-homicide trial. If presented, they could become part of a larger section of evidence concerning Murdaugh's character. This was presented in front of a jury-less courtroom and will continue tomorrow.

Hosted by Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Nathan Stevens.

Produced by Nathan Stevens

Music by Lexin Music.

Family friends identify Alex Murdaugh's voice in video shot before murders Feb 02, 2023

Hosted by Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Eric Russell.

Produced by Eric Russell.

Music by Lexin Music.

Debate over whether Alex Murdaugh confessed continues Feb 01, 2023

Alex Murdaugh's defense attorneys got a chance to cross examine SLED agent Jeff Croft, leading to a back-and-forth over whether Alex confessed to killing Paul and Maggie during his second interview with the agency.

In this daily update episode hosts Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Eric Russell dive into the debate surrounding Alex's wording and the discussion of firearms and phone records on Tuesday.

Hosted by Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Eric Russell.

Produced by Eric Russell.

Music by Lexin Music.

Paul Murdaugh's final texts revealed and Alex's second SLED interview Jan 31, 2023

Alex Murdaugh's defense attorneys got a chance to cross examine SLED agent Melinda Worley. The Jury also heard from SLED agent Jeff Croft, who testified about an interview he had with Alex three days after the murders.

In this daily update episode hosts Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Eric Russell discusses the Monday's testimony and the recording of Alex's interview played in the courtroom.

Hosted by Jocelyn Grzeszczak and Eric Russell.

Produced by Eric Russell.

Music by Lexin Music.

Understand Murdaugh: Footage from Alex Murdaugh's first interview with investigators Jan 28, 2023

Two investigators testified Friday about their initial encounter with Alex Murdaugh and the crime scene on the night Paul and Maggie Murdaugh were murdered.

In this daily update episode reporter Jocelyn Grzeszczak discusses the new details revealed during the second day of testimony in Alex Murdaugh's murder trial.

Hosted by Jocelyn Grzeszczak.

Produced by Eric Russell.

Music by Lexin Music.

Food trucks pop up in Walterboro as Murdaugh trial begins Jan 27, 2023

Our award-winning reporters have spent more than a year digging into the Murdaugh saga to bring you the latest news and in-depth analysis as we cover this story of drugs, deceit and death in South Carolina’s rural Lowcountry.

But because this story involves so many people – including the folks in Walterboro, who’ve ended up hosting the state’s so-called trial of the century – we’re also covering what’s going on outside the courthouse.

And on January twenty-third, a lot of what was going on was Southern cooking.

Written by Kelly Jean Kelly. Hosted by Nathan Stevens. Produced by Eric Russell. Music by Lexin Music.

Understand Murdaugh: First witnesses in Alex Murdaugh murder trial take the stand Jan 27, 2023

The prosecution called its first witnesses in Alex Murdaugh's double murder trial on Thursday.

In this episode, reporter Jocelyn Grzeszczak discusses some of the main points the witnesses highlighted in their testimony on day four of the double murder trial.

Hosted by Jocelyn Grzeszczak.

Produced by Eric Russell.

Music by Lexin Music.

Murder trial officially begins with opening statements Jan 26, 2023

Alex Murdaugh's murder trial officially began Wednesday afternoon as the prosecution and the defense delivered opening statements to conclude the third day in the courtroom.

Reporter Jocelyn Grzeszczak joins this daily update episode to discuss the conclusion of jury selection and the key points from the opening statements.

Hosted by Jocelyn Grzeszczak.

Produced by Eric Russell.

Music by Lexin Music.

Alex Murdaugh’s defense attorneys: Who are Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin Jan 25, 2023

Hosts Glenn Smith and Avery Wilks discuss Wilks’ recent profile of Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin, the seasoned Columbia trial attorneys who are leading Alex Murdaugh’s defense. Hosted by Glenn Smith and Avery Wilks. Produced by Nathan Stevens. Music by Lexin Music.

Revelations about a potential murder weapon, and jury selection continues Jan 25, 2023

The second day of Alex Murdaugh's double murder trial included the continuation of jury selection as well as Judge Clifton Newman ruling on several motions. Also, the prosecution made a major revelation regarding the potential murder weapon.

In this trial update episode, reporter Thad Moore recaps day two of the trial and discusses some of the key moments from inside the courtroom.

Hosted by Thad Moore.

Produced by Eric Russell.

Music by Lexin Music.

Beyond The Headlines: Alex Murdaugh goes to trial (Bonus) Jan 23, 2023

This bonus episode of Understand Murdaugh features audio from the most recent Beyond the Headlines event hosted by the Post and Courier.

Moderated by Watchdog/Public Service Editor Glenn Smith, reporters Avery Wilks, Thad Moore and Jocelyn Grzeszczak discuss where things stand with the Alex Murdaugh double murder case, including the evidence against Murdaugh, his alleged motive and the legal strategies at play. They also answer a few questions submitted by the audience.

Meet Judge Clifton Newman, who will oversee Alex Murdaugh’s murder trial Jan 20, 2023

In this episode, investigative reporters Jennifer Berry Hawes and Avery Wilks discuss her profile of Circuit Judge Clifton Newman, who will preside over the Jan. 23 Alex Murdaugh murder trial.

Hosted by Avery Wilks and Jennifer Berry Hawes. Produced by Nathan Stevens. Music by Lexin Music.

Who is Curtis Smith? What role might he play in the Alex Murdaugh murder trial? Jan 17, 2023

In this episode, hosts Glenn Smith and Avery Wilks their recent story on Curtis “Cousin Eddie” Smith, including the revelation that the Walterboro trucker has been subpoenaed as a witness in Alex Murdaugh’s Jan. 23 double murder trial.

Hosted by Glenn Smith and Avery Wilks.

Music by Lexin Music.

The Murdaughs' estate and its mysterious buyer Jan 10, 2023

As Alex Murdaugh sits in jail awaiting trial, the Murdaughs’ estate – often referred to as Moselle – where the alleged murder of his wife and son took place may soon change hands.

Just months after it was listed for $3.9 million in February, a mysterious buyer emerged to place the property under contract.

Post and Courier reporter Kelly Jean Kelly joins host Nathan Stevens to discuss the property and its place in the Murdaugh murder saga.

Hosted by Nathan Stevens and Kelly Jean Kelly.

Produced by Nathan Stevens.

Music by Lexin Music.

Murdaugh catchup: Tax evasion, death penalty, Laffitte appeal, and no federal charges for Murdaugh? Jan 03, 2023

Hosts Glenn Smith and Avery Wilks discuss the latest in the Murdaugh saga, including recent twists in the double murder case, Murdaugh’s indictment on tax evasion charges and prosecutors’ decision not to seek the death penalty.

Hosted by Glenn Smith and Avery Wilks.

Produced by Nathan Stevens.

Music by Lexin Music.

The Jailhouse Tapes Dec 27, 2022

Alex Murdaugh's jailhouse tapes were a fount of insight into the disgraced attorney's life behind bars, his relationships with his closest relatives and his outlook on the sprawling criminal investigations that have accelerated his personal unraveling. But why have they run out, and what impact did they have on the Murdaugh saga? Join host Glenn Smith as he untangles the threads of the tapes.

Hosted by Glenn Smith

Produced by Nathan Stevens

Music provided by Lexin Music

Creighton Waters, the Murdaugh prosecutor who toppled a South Carolina legal dynasty Dec 22, 2022

In this episode, hosts Glenn Smith and Avery Wilks discuss Wilks’ recent profile of Creighton Waters, the state grand jury chief prosecutor who has led the state criminal investigations into Alex Murdaugh and will try his double murder case in Colleton County in January.

Hosted by Glenn Smith and Avery Wilks.

Produced by Nathan Stevens.

Music by Lexin Music.

Murdaugh country: Crime and redemption in Hampton, SC Dec 20, 2022

Hampton, a small, sleepy town in rural South Carolina, is upended by one of the largest criminal scandals in Lowcountry history. The town is now known worldwide as the backdrop for the Alex Murdaugh saga, a tale of drugs, deceit and death. But what was Hampton like before a pair of murders in the Murdaugh family cast an unwelcome light on the town and the very public unraveling of a Lowcountry legal dynasty? How is Hampton trying to shake off that dark cloud and reclaim its downhome charm? Join host Nathan Stevens and reporter Kelly Jean Kelly as they look at the past and future of Hampton, SC.

Hosted by Nathan Stevens and Kelly Jean Kelly

Produced by Nathan Stevens

Music by Lexin Music

Blood spatter and murder motive: Latest Murdaugh hearing produces fireworks Dec 14, 2022

In this bonus episode, hosts Glenn Smith and Avery Wilks dig into the Dec. 9 motions hearing in the Alex Murdaugh double murder case, including new revelations about the disgraced former lawyer’s alleged motive for the slayings and possible problems with a key piece of evidence in the state’s case.

Want more in-depth analysis of the Murdaugh saga? Subscribe to the Post and Courier's Murdaugh Newsletter. Subscribe here: http://bit.ly/3UDCuZT

Hosted by Glenn Smith and Avery Wilks.

Produced by Eric Russell.

Music by Lexin Music.

Understand Murdaugh: Reader Mailbag Dec 06, 2022

Avery Wilks joins Nathan Stevens to answer a couple of reader questions about the Murdaugh Saga. Listeners can submit questions to be answered in future mailbag episodes by emailing murdaugh@postandcourier.com.

Hosted by Nathan Stevens and Avery Wilks.

Produced by Nathan Stevens.

Music by Lexin Music.

What’s next after trial of Murdaugh accomplice, Hampton banker Russell Laffitte? Nov 29, 2022

The first criminal trial in South Carolina’s sprawling Murdaugh saga ended in a resounding defeat for Russell Laffitte, the Hampton banker charged with helping disgraced attorney Alex Murdaugh steal nearly $2 million from their mutual clients. Hosts Nathan Stevens and Avery Wilks preview what’s next for Laffitte’s case and the federal Murdaugh investigation.

Hosted by Nathan Stevens and Avery Wilks. Produced by Nathan Stevens. Music by Lexin Music.

Catching up on the Murdaugh saga: Part 2 Nov 23, 2022

Hosts Glenn Smith and Avery Wilks catch you up on major twists and turns of South Carolina's Murdaugh saga so far, from the 2019 boat crash that killed 19-year-old Mallory Beach to the recent federal trial of ex-Palmetto State Bank CEO Russell Laffitte.

Hosted by Glenn Smith and Avery Wilks

Produced by Nathan Stevens

Music by Lexin Music

Catching up on the Murdaugh saga: Part 1 Nov 22, 2022

Hosts Glenn Smith and Avery Wilks catch you up on major twists and turns of South Carolina's Murdaugh saga so far, from the 2019 boat crash that killed 19-year-old Mallory Beach to the recent federal trial of ex-Palmetto State Bank CEO Russell Laffitte.

Hosted by Glenn Smith and Avery Wilks

Produced by Nathan Stevens

Music by Lexin Music

Understand Murdaugh: A decision on the death penalty looms large Nov 15, 2022

Host Nathan Stevens and investigative reporter Avery Wilks discuss one of the major decisions Attorney General Alan Wilson must make in the Alex Murdaugh double-murder case: whether to seek the death penalty for the disbarred lawyer, who is charged with killing his wife, Maggie, and son Paul.

Avery outlines the factors and intricacies which could potentially weigh into Wilson's decision and what his choice could mean for Murdaugh's upcoming trial.

Want more in-depth analysis of the Murdaugh saga? Subscribe to the Post and Courier's Murdaugh Newsletter. Subscribe here: http://bit.ly/3UDCuZT

Hosted by Avery Wilks and Nathan Stevens

Produced by Nathan Stevens

Music by Lexin Music

Follow the money: Murdaugh banker Russell Laffitte goes to trial Nov 07, 2022

Host Nathan Stevens and investigative reporter Thad Moore sit down to discuss the federal trial of ex-Palmetto State Bank CEO Russell Laffitte, the Lowcountry banker accusing of helping Alex Murdaugh plunder the accounts of their mutual clients. The trial begins November 8, and this episode will serve as a primer on Laffitte's alleged crimes and his connection to the Murdaugh saga.

Hosted by Thad Moore and Nathan Stevens

Produced by Nathan Stevens

Music by Lexin Music

Introducing: Understand Murdaugh Nov 02, 2022

Welcome to Understand Murdaugh, a podcast from The Post and Courier, South Carolina’s largest newspaper. Our award-winning reporters have spent more than a year digging into the Murdaugh saga to bring you the latest news and in-depth analysis as we cover this story of drugs, deceit and death in South Carolina’s rural Lowcountry. Hosts Glenn Smith and Avery Wilks discuss the launching of Understand Murdaugh, the complex through lines of the case and what comes next.

Hosted by Glenn Smith and Avery Wilks

Produced by Nathan Stevens

Music by Lexin Music

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