Dateline NBC “The Murdaugh Murders: Inside the Investigation” November 17 2023 Recap & Preview
In an exclusive Dateline NBC presentation, lead detectives are set to reveal insights into the investigation surrounding former prominent South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh, who was convicted in March for the murders of his wife Maggie and son Paul. The revelations come as part of a two-hour Dateline special titled ‘The Murdaugh Murders: Inside the Investigation,’ scheduled to air this Friday at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.
For the first time, investigators from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, Britt Dove and David Owen, will discuss their pivotal discovery of video evidence placing Alex at the murder scene when the crimes occurred. Dove, in conversation with NBC News’ Craig Melvin, expressed his disbelief after reviewing the video multiple times. Owen noted that he was acutely aware that this breakthrough had blown the case wide open, emphasizing his ability to prove that Alex had been untruthful during their interactions.
Owen also disclosed an intriguing moment when, after an interrogation, Alex thanked him for “doing” his job and even extended his hand for a handshake. Asked about his surprise at Alex’s comments, Owen affirmed his astonishment, especially considering the gravity of the accusations leveled against Alex.
‘The Murdaugh Murders: Inside the Investigation’ also features interviews with Blanca Turrubiate Simpson, the former Murdaugh family housekeeper, who provides unique insights into her history with the Murdaughs, and Judge Clifton Newman, who presided over the murder trial.
What Happened to Alex Murdaugh?
Alex Murdaugh was accused of murdering his wife, Maggie, and their son, Paul, on June 7, 2021. His trial began on January 25, 2023, and concluded on March 2, with Murdaugh found guilty on all four counts. He was subsequently sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. Murdaugh’s legal team has filed a notice of appeal.
This trial garnered significant media attention, being dubbed South Carolina’s “trial of the century.” Alex Murdaugh came from a prominent family of attorneys, and his son, Paul, was facing charges related to a fatal boating incident.
The murders occurred on June 7, 2021, when Alex called Maggie to meet him at the Murdaugh family lodge, claiming they would visit his terminally ill father. Suspicious of his intentions, Maggie texted a friend. Tragically, she discovered their son Paul’s body near the dog kennels. Alex reported finding both victims near the kennels, but cell phone data placed him at the scene before their deaths.
The investigation revealed that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) had considered Alex a person of interest since the beginning but faced criticism during the trial for issues like rain spoiling the crime scene and inadequate evidence collection.
Murdaugh was arrested in July 2022, facing two counts of murder and two counts of weapon possession. During the trial, prosecutors argued that his motive was financial stress resulting from impending discoveries of his financial crimes.
Throughout the trial, various witnesses, experts, and even Murdaugh himself testified. The jury was also taken to the crime scene. Closing arguments were presented on March 1, and after deliberating for three hours, the jury returned a guilty verdict on March 2.
In the aftermath, Judge Clifton Newman denied a mistrial motion and sentenced Murdaugh to two consecutive life sentences without parole. Murdaugh’s legal team filed an appeal.
Subsequently, new developments emerged, including an appeal for a new trial based on evidence of jury tampering and allegations of misconduct.
