Last witnesses in Murdaugh case before jury sees crime scene

Alex Murdaugh’s former legal partner said Tuesday that he has put his anger behind him over millions of dollars stolen from the firm as the last witness in South Carolina double murder trial testified and the court prepared to bring a jury to the scene.

Ronnie Crosby had an irritated exchange with defense attorney Dick Harpootlian when prosecutors were given a chance to respond to the case case of defense, including refuting their experts who suggested that two different gunmen had killed Murdaugh’s wife and son with two different weapons.

Once prosecutors have finished with their witnesses, the judge granted a defense request to let the jury ride for 40 minutes to tour the sprawling Colleton County estate where the Murdaughs lived. The exact date and time of the jury’s trip has not been set because it depends on how many witnesses the prosecution calls in their answer case.

Prosecutors put Crosby back on the stand to speak more about Murdaugh Steal millions of dollars by his customers and the company that the Murdaugh family founded more than a century ago. Prosecutors allege Murdaugh thought he was caught stealing and killed 52-year-old Maggie Murdaugh and 22-year-old Paul Murdaugh near kennels on June 7, 2021 to buy time to cover up the money trail.

During cross-examination, Harpootlian Crosby, who often represents accident victims, asked if trauma can cause people to forget details or give wrong times. Prosecutors have blasted Murdaugh for various inconsistencies and lies, including not saying he was in the kennel the night of the murder when he could be heard on video recorded by his son.

“You’re trying to put me somewhere you probably don’t want,” Crosby said, beginning a tense exchange between the attorneys.

“You’re mad at him for stealing your money,” Harpootlian said.

“I was angry at him, extremely angry Mr Harpootlian, for what he did to my law firm, my partners, his clients, our clients – what he did to his family. What he did to so many people,” Crosby said testily. “But you can’t walk around with anger.”

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Harpootlian then asked Crosby if he thought Murdaugh killed his wife and son.

“I do not have an opinion. I don’t have the benefits of the materials that you have,” Crosby said.

Murdaugh is awaiting trial at about 100 other fees including financial crime. Murdaugh, who has been disbarred, admitted on the witness stand last week that thefts could spell decades in prison.

Defense attorneys asked that the jury visit the site of the murders to help them understand the small storage area where Paul Murdaugh was killed and the distance between the two bodies. Prosecutors opposed the visit, saying the scene looks different from June 2021 as trees and vegetation have grown and no one has lived on the property since the killings.

Judge Clifton Newman summons only the jury, attorneys for both sides, security and police, and a court reporter. He banned drones from flying over it. Once the jury has left, a reporter, photographer and videographer can view the object.