Alex Murdaugh, a once prominent Hampton-based attorney from a well-known politically-connected family, is on trial in the deaths of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul.
Murdaugh has pleaded not guilty. He faces life in prison without parole if found guilty. The trial started last week with jury selection, opening arguments and the initial round of witness testimony. It is expected, for now, to run through Feb. 10 in Walterboro.
How to watch the Murdaugh double murder trial, who to follow from The State, Island Packet
11 a.m. — Defense suggests 2 shooters, mishandling of footprint evidence
In cross-examination of SLED analyst Melinda Worley, a footwear and tire marks expert, Harpootlian criticized investigators on the scene for not recording potential footwear impressions “according to procedure” the night of the killings.
Harpootlian asked Worley if investigators identified or recorded any other impressions in the feed room where Paul was killed, including an impression on the back of Maggie’s calf. Worley said she wasn’t able to confirm the impression on Maggie’s calf was a footprint, but agreed it wasn’t “naturally occurring.”
Worley also said impressions besides those linked to Paul were not recorded properly on the scene.
“If I’d realized that was footwear (impressions) on the scene, I would’ve documented it properly,” Worley said.
Other bloody footprints belonging to investigating officers were seen in photographs. Harpootlian sharply criticized the impressions potentially contaminating the scene.
“Do you know what other evidence they may have destroyed,” Harpootlian demanded.
“I have no idea,” Worley said.
“That’s right, you don’t,” Harpootlian responded.
Based on different angles law enforcement say the shooter fired from — identified through examination of bullet holes in the kennel wall and a nearby dog house — Harpootlian suggested two shooters could’ve been present.
Worley pointed out another explanation could be the shooter simply moved between shots.
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Harpootlian wrapped up his cross-examination at 11:16 a.m. Prosecutors began redirect, asking Worley whether there also could have been two guns used by one person.
Worley officially stepped from the witness stand at 11:30 a.m.
During Worley’s cross-examination, defense attorney Dick Harpootlian brought attention to a bloody shoe print left at the crime scene. Harpootlian asked Worley if the print was a match to Paul, Maggie or Alex Murdaugh, which Worley denied.
“It’s not mine,” Worley confirmed on further questioning.
“So that could’ve been anyone’s, could’ve been SLED, could’ve been Colleton County (officers)?” Harpootlian suggested.
The line of questioning continues Harpootlian’s effort to establish doubt in first responders’ handling of the crime scene the night of Paul and Maggie Murdaugh’s killings, June 7, 2021. Early in the trial, Harpootlian repeatedly suggested contamination of evidence at the site of the murders could have prevented discovery of additional suspects.
9:30 a.m. — Court resumes for Week 2 of trial
Court is back in session for Week 2 of the Alex Murdaugh double-murder trial.
Melinda Worley, a crime scene analyst and forensic scientist with the State Law Enforcement Division, is back up on the stand after giving hours of testimony Friday, which included the state’s logging of various pieces of evidence they plan to use at trial.
Defense attorney Dick Harpootlian is expected to launch into a multi-hour cross-examination of Worley, who responded to the murder scene and collected evidence for SLED.
Harpootlian said last Friday he’d need at least two hours.
We expect to see members of the public, Murdaugh’s family and reporters back in the courtroom Monday.
Also in the courtroom is television and radio legal commentator Nancy Grace, and S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson.
More of the public also appeared to be in the courtroom as opposed to the previous week.
5 key takeaways from Alex Murdaugh trial: Gunshot residue, clean clothes raise questions