[14][15][verification needed] The acquaintance who had assisted Whitaker to flee became aware of reward money that had been offered for his arrest,[clarification needed] and communicated Whitaker's whereabouts to the police. Until next time, cheers. Write all you want, Bart, but youre a true sociopath just playing all the angles, and youre never, ever getting out. Dirty Deeds WebAlex Murdaughs son Buster describes family relationship at fathers double-murder trial February 21, 2023 12:51 PM Day 21: Murdaughs defense revives two-shooter theory as https://murderpedia.org/male.S/s/severs-roger.htm, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7geqiz8wb7I, The Lindbergh Kidnapping: Forensic Files Lost Episode, Dawn Fehring: A Missionary Dies Too Young, Ron Gillette: An Air Force Man Who Didnt Exactly Aim High. WebThomas Bartlett Whitaker (born December 31, 1979) is an American man convicted under the Texas Law of Parties of murdering two family members as a 24-year-old. Im no race or class warrior just concerned. Whitaker had unknowingly forgiven his own son for WebJurors in the trial of accused killer Alex Murdaughs toured Moselle, the family property where prosecutors say the 54-year-old former lawyer gunned down his wife and son in 2021. With that penalty at stake, we must be concerned that justice really is so as much as reasonably possible. WebThe Murders: On December 10th, 2003, the Whitakers were out celebrating their son Barts graduation at Sam Houston State. Want more true crime books? On December 10, 2003, the Whitaker family was celebrating the college graduation of their eldest son, Thomas Bartlettknown as Bart, with dinner at a local seafood restaurant. After the shootings, Bart did a good job of pretending that he was happy that EMTs saved his dads life, but at some point, he told Champagne he wanted to finish off the job and really kill his dad the next time, according to 20/20. Decisions, as in US, were private, but limited information about decisions will be made public. [citation needed] At trial, it was noted that Whitaker had access to an $80,000trust fund from his grandparents, although he testified that he did not know he could access it. Kent, Cliff called out to his friend. Thanks, Monica so glad you liked the piece! She was very hopeful, very upbeat and optimistic for [Barts] future.. And in another twist, mere minutes before Bart was set to executed, he got a call from the governor commuting his sentence instead to life in prison. Finally, a year and a half after the shootings, Champagne admitted that Bart hired him to help kill his family. Bart had a troubled high school experience, which was why his family was so thrilled that he made it to college graduation. It seemed as if there was nothing he could do for his friends. Convenient scapegoat. This week, Savannah details how Bart hired a hitman to kill his family as soon as they set foot inside, how he was found out, and the miraculous survival of his father, Kent Whitaker. Greg Abbott. When Cliff witnessed the carnage before him, he yelled back at his son, Go back inside and call 911! She was scared. WebJune 7, 2021: Margaret "Maggie" Murdaugh and Paul Murdaugh found dead at the family hunting lodge. His mother and On December 10, 2003 the entire Whitaker family Kent, his wife Tricia, and sons Bart and Kevin were gunned down inside their home in Sugarland, Texas, by a masked man who had been waiting for them inside. Defense attorneys asked that the jury be able to visit the scene of the killings to help them understand how small the storage room is where Paul Murdaugh was killed and the distance between the two bodies. You need to go. Bart had admitted his guilt and expressed remorse for the murders and for roping his friends into the plans, they stressed. True Crime. Murdaugh, who has been disbarred, admitted to the thefts, which could carry decades in prison,on the stand last week. Also wounded, Bart made a Sugar Land Maggie Murdaugh Facebook. [22][21] On November 1, 2017, his death warrant was signed, scheduling his execution for February 22, 2018. Her legs and lower body were pointed outward toward the street. But from the outside, his home life and social life seemed near perfect. Bart. Cliff Stanley worked out of his home, so he became closer to Tricia, who was a stay-at-home mother at the time. If I were a board member confident of my decisions Id be content to be answerable to the public, Helen: The Derek Severs ep: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7geqiz8wb7I Anyway greetings from the UK. He went to get his shotgun. Last-minute reprieve. handling of the prosecution's use of a phone recording between Hipp and Whitaker would become an element of the defense's later appeal of the verdict. The main house at the Murdaugh family's Moselle Road property in Islandton, South Carolina, on March 1, 2023. Rebecca I love your updates, thank you so much for keeping these updates and these cases alive. What a waste. The judge has agreed with a defense request to let jurors ride 40 minutes to see the sprawling property. WebMurder in the Family: 'I Wanted Them Dead' Investigators Question Burglary Theory. Texas halted Barts execution within hours of his date with a gurney and syringe. They might think you are the one who shot the Whitakers.. [9][4] He had lied to his parents about his continued status in college; varying reports had him dropping out of SHSU months before,[10] or being present there as a freshman on academic probation. I cannot comment upon the quantitative status in evaluating his crime that his not being the actual perpetrator should have. He always thought a lot of the youngest son who had returned from his first semester in college at Texas A&M University. Updated on: February 28, 2023 / 7:05 PM Box 12428 McManigal said he tested a similar iPhone in his office last week and determined the backlight comes on with a gentle movement, but not as often with a violet movement. [4] He lived there under the false name for over a year. Patricia was then also shot in the chest, also falling to the floor. Tall tale. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. in return for his admission of guilt, and was instead tried for capital murder. The hurting of the innocent in executing their loved ones is one consideration in the legitimacy of capital punishment but it cannot arbitrarily apply to this case and not so many others that it has not done, nor will do. WebThe tour of the crime scene happened before jurors were to head back to court in Walterboro to hear closing arguments in the closely watched murder trial. [47][48] The name of the blog references "the hour at which executions take place in Texas". On Dec. 10, 2003, after the Whitakers returned from a dinner to celebrate what Bart said was the completion of his final exams, an unknown gunman shot all four of them as they entered their house in Sugar Land, a wealthy suburb of Houston. Corey Mitchells true crime book, Savage Son, tells the tragic story of the Whitaker family murders. Kent came out with his own book about the shootings and their aftermath, and he travels around the country to speak about forgiveness. The Whitaker family was in celebration mode - their oldest son, Thomas "Bart" Whitaker, had just finished his final exam at Sam Houston State University, he'd soon be walking the stage, and his parents, Tricia and Kent, and brother, Kevin, were so excited for him. There was a light on in the foyer, which provided him with his only illumination. "You're trying to take me somewhere you probably don't want to," Crosby said, starting a tense exchange between the attorneys. Directly next door to the Whitakers home on the east side, their relatively new neighbor, Clifton Cliff Stanley, sat in his recliner in his familys living room. of Criminal Justice, John Whitmire, David J. Callender, M.D., Governor Rick Perry, et al. After a tip came in from Barts high school friend claiming that Bart had plotted to kill his family a few years before, the police zeroed in on him as the mastermind behind the attack. Alex Murdaugh discovered the bodies of wife Maggie, 52, and son Paul, 22, on June 7 near the dog kennels at their sprawling, 1,700-acre home. I decided to write to Travis Runnels #999505, who was executed by the state of Texas 11 December. Texasll probably be the last to lose it if it does! Kenneth Kinsey said a defense expert who measured the angles of the shots and concluded they were fired closer to the ground or by someone well shorter than the 6-foot-4 (1.93-meter) Murdaugh didn't take into account the shooter and Maggie Murdaugh were both moving and the gun could have been fired from different positions. Just hold on tight.. What the hell has his being a model prisoner/remorseful/forgiven by the surviving victim (would those who didnt?) The story takes you Would-be Waco whackers. But what the Whitakers didnt know was that Bart wasnt going to graduate at all. I also want to get Early Bird Books newsletter featuring book deals, recommendations, and giveaways. He is to be admired. Your email address will not be published. True Crime Creepers The Whitaker family was in celebration mode - their oldest son, Thomas "Bart" Whitaker, had just finished his final [3], Alongside the legal submission from the Whitaker legal team an 18-page document from Whitaker lawyers Keith S. Hampton and James Rytting (the latter at Hilder & Associates),[25][non-primary source needed] Whitaker's father, Kent, also appealed, cooperating with the legal team's submission and writing a letter in the public forum of the Houston Chronicle on January 18, 2018, asking that the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles "spare my son". As Rebecca describes, heres a privileged man who plotted a number of times to murder at least his parents, eventually achieving death for some of his apparently loving family, for money. Want to keep reading? When asked about the race of the assailant he said, Maybe black I dont know.. [8]:ch.50[pageneeded], On December 10, 2003, Thomas Bartlett "Bart" Whitaker falsely told his family that he had just taken his final university exams and would soon be graduating from SHSU. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Friend starts singing. Cliff edged forward, closer to Tricia. [citation needed] He was named a 2018-2019 PEN America Writing for Justice Fellow,[45] a program that aims to support creation of "written works of lasting merit that illuminate critical issues related to mass incarceration and catalyze public debate". Would a poor unknown with a public defender have fared so well? Especially when it has been said that capital punishment is punishment for them that dont have the capital. Yes; perps have been executed for less egregious murder. I am writing as a member of the public with no connection to the above, his relatives, or his crime. In a jailhouse interview with Lisa Ling in 2014, Bart said he committed the murders because he felt inadequate and thought his parents didnt love him. Related: 46 Gripping True Crime Books from the Last 54 Years. While out having a celebratory dinner, no one in his family could've imagined the horror that waited for them when they got back home. On February 22, 2018, about 40minutes before his scheduled 6:00P.M. execution, Whitaker had his death sentence commuted to life imprisonment without parole by Governor Greg Abbott, the first such commutation by Abbott and the first in the state since 2007. Apparently, Barts bloodlust had been brewing for even longer than originally thought. Many thanks, Helen so glad youre enjoying the site! Gunman Brashear pleaded guilty to murder in 2007 to murder and is currently serving life in prison. Then, a buddy of Barts named Adam Hipp came forward five days after the murders and told police that Bart had tried to enlist him to shoot Barts parents two years earlier. Chris Brashear and Steven Champagne denied any involvement in the homicides and provided DNA samples and scent-test specimens. Thus, he enjoyed the little time he was able to spend with Kent and Tricia Whitaker. Partners in crime. Cliff hustled back to his house, stormed inside, and began yelling to Brandon, I need something to stop the bleeding! Cliff made his way toward Kent. While out having a celebratory dinner, no one in his family I am South African. Both victims appeared to be surprised with their hands down. And thanks Rebecca. But he arrived to find a real firearm, not a paintball gun, on the scene and four people with one bullet wound each. Before the sentencing phase, both Kent Whitaker and Tricia Whitakers brother asked that Bart be spared the death penalty. Thanks, Rebecca. Police first checked out Adam Hipp himself as a suspect, but he had an alibi for the night of the shooting. I understand that Mr Whitakers father is requesting your clemency. He looked at Kent and asked, What happened?, Kent looked at his friend with pleading eyes and reiterated, Im bleeding, Cliff.. The dad, Kent, survived as did their son, Bart. The goal was to refute a defense expert who said moving an iPhone causes its backlight to come on. Download Savage Son now. Steve Champagne got 15 years in exchange for testifying against Brashear and Bart. (Andrew J. Whitaker/The Post And Courier via AP, Pool), Flying bug found at Walmart turns out to be rare Jurassic-era insect. He had also just finished his last exam, or so he said. Cliff Stanley had not cared about the possibility of a shooter or shooters still hiding out inside the Whitaker home. One of the problems with clemency is that the decision/reasoning is never in the public domain. Bart needed a way to ensure his family didn't attend that graduation. This page was last edited on 10 February 2023, at 01:00. And I will do my best to uphold my role in the system. [citation needed] For the latter, he appears to have presented a thesis in partial fulfillment of the degree, entitled "Who Fears Hell Runs Toward It", in summer2018. Related: 32 Most Horrifying Serial Killer Books. He was having a relaxing evening watching television. [7] In that same time frame,[when?] Marcus, I have never seen such objective view wow. Champagne explained that he staked out the Whitakers at the graduation dinner at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen where Bart enjoyed bread pudding with Congratulations spelled out in chocolate sauce and called Brashear to let him know when the group left the restaurant. The unfairness of the situation is, ironically, an argument against the penalty, illustrating unjustness in US criminal practice. Cliff spotted Kent Whitaker sprawled out on the concrete front porch next door. Required fields are marked *. I dont want you getting shot.. WebBart Whitaker was convicted of hiring a hit man to target his own family. A grand jury indicted Bart, then 25, and Steve Champagne and Chris Brashear, both 23, in October 2005. [8]:Ch.53[pageneeded] Whitaker denied prosecution claims regarding the insurance profit motive, arguing that the only life insurance policy the family had was for $50,000 on his father's life. You are a good candidate for governor of Texas. Cliff and Darlene sat downstairs in the back of their comfortable home, on this particular night. Bart never paid his accomplices for their hit man services. Abbott ruled that Bart Whitaker will now spend the rest of his life in jail for the "heinous crime". The shooter, Brashear, also was convicted and received life prison sentence. No long-term commitments or contracts!Birch is giving $200 off ALL mattresses and 2 free eco-rest pillows at BirchLiving.com/killerRight now, Dad Grass is offering our listeners 20% off your first order when you go to DADGRASS.COM/KILLERStart streaming your next obsession. Nice letter I think Laci Petersons husband is also a good candidate for carrying out the sentence. Although opposed to the death penalty, I thought him a proper candidate for it on the ground of consistency with those whose lives were taken for crimes no worse. The story takes you through the sequence of events from the moment the family return home from a celebratory meal, through the shooting and the eventual trial of his one remaining son. Cliff thought Kevin was a special kid.. Someone had pried open his gun safe. After deliberation the Fort Bend County jury convicted Whitaker of capital murder,[11] under the Texas law of parties. Cliff met Tricia the day he and his wife had moved in. A bullet hole is seen from inside of the feed room at the Moselle Road property on March 1, 2023. This WAS the case with the Parole Board here in UK until recently, but due to controversial decisions broad reasons are now to be given. In this case the Texas parole board can make inconsistent decisions and swerve criticism by never giving their reasoning. "[16] The trial judge's[who?] Bart opening up his graduation gift from his parents on the night of the murders. In 2009, the state appeals court found in favor of the appellant on none of these points of law. As the family started filing into their home, a masked intruder inside began shooting them one by one.This podcast is sponsored by BETTER HELP! Whitaker provides an account from his perspective as father, "behind-the-scenes", focusing on the time frame from the crime through his son's sentencing, addressing motive, and including portions of his correspondence with his son. Maggie Murdaugh's iPhone was found on the side of the road outside of the property, and the backlight came on nearly two minutes before GPS data showed Alex Murdaugh's SUV pass by. I dont care how much perps have changed, repent, or are model prisoners: the worst crimes, like his, should mean whole-life because theyve earned the punishment they got (inc Whitaker). "I think his intentions were well, but his methods were flawed," Kinsey said. [11], Whitaker left for Mexico in June2004, using $3000 to persuade an acquaintance to assist him; he assumed the name "Rudy Rios", found work in a furniture shop in Cerralvo, Mexico, developed a relationship with a woman, and concocted a story of service in Afghanistan to explain his gunshot wound. [4], Cooperating with US authorities, Mexican authorities arrested Whitaker without incident under immigration charges. Staggering snowfall in California mountains leaves residents trapped for days, SpaceX launches new crew on flight to space station, Prosecution wraps case at Alex Murdaugh murder trial, Explosive found in checked luggage at Pennsylvania airport, feds say, FDA authorizes first at-home test for both COVID and flu, Couple accuses fertility clinic of implanting embryo with cancer genes, Several hospitalized after Lufthansa flight diverted to Dulles due to turbulence, Colon cancer rates rising in younger age group, study finds, Firefighter dies battling blaze in downtown Buffalo, mayor says, Arguments conclude in Alex Murdaugh's murder trial, Evidence shown in Alex Murdaugh's trial for murder shows the Colleton County property where the Murdaughs lived, at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, S.C. on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023. The Whitakers cash, jewelry, and computer equipment remained untouched. Kinsey testified his opinion was also based on being certain the fatal shotgun wound to Paul Murdaugh was fired from down low and headed up through the head instead of downward with the gun pressed against his head. [38][13], Whitaker earned an undergraduate degree from Adams State University,[39] and a Master's degree in Humanities from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Money tangled. Its a start. He hired two men to shoot and kill his mother, Tricia, younger brother, Kevin, and father, Kent. Although Texas very rarely commutes to life-imprisonment for capital sentences there are surely more meritorious than his case. His lawyer Keith Hampton urged the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to remember the Old Testament story of Cain, who killed his brother but was himself spared by God. He could tell by the looks of Tricia that she needed his help much more than Kent. Their son had been upstairs in his room when he peeked in on his parents in the living room. 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