in return for his admission of guilt, and was instead tried for capital murder. Try Sundance Now free for 30 days by going to SundanceNow.com and use promo code killerListen to The Generation Why Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or you can listen ad-free by joining Wondery Plus in the Wondery app!If you have any thoughts on this case or any other case, or just want to get in touch with Savannah about the show, email her at killerinstinctpodcast@gmail.com. Testimony ended Tuesday in the South Carolina double murder trial of Alex Murdaugh, as the court prepared to bring jurors on (Murderers like to tell war stories, whether they happened or not Michael Peterson and John Boyle.). "You're trying to take me somewhere you probably don't want to," Crosby said, starting a tense exchange between the attorneys. Investigators found out that in addition to Barts 2001 and 2003 attempts to eliminate his family, there was at least one prior plot: In 2000, Bart had a couple of his Baylor acquaintances break into the Whitakers home to kill them, but the henchmen fled when an alarm went off, according to an AP account. He and his wife, Darlene, had moved into the home just six months earlier. Marcus I totally agree. Brashear shot Kent, Patricia, and Kevin as they entered the house and then gave Bart his courtesy wound in the arm. Cliff bent his head and said a silent prayer for Kevin. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. This seems to me the only potential mitigation against execution. Sack of evidence. Hipp said that Kent and Tricia had heard about the plot, but didnt take it seriously. Forensic Files didnt mention it, but Bart had a prior arrest record for breaking into his high school and stealing computers after which his parents sent him to a private Christian academy, according to the LA Times. Look toward those you are closest with in hopes that everything is fine with them. [16] Randy McDonald, attorney for the defense, rested their case on the same day, without calling witnesses, and the judge[who?] 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. Instead of thanking his lucky stars that his parents bought his story, Bart decided to push his luck again. 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. You can text, email, Tweet, or send this link to a friend: http://bit.ly/KillerInstinctPodcastFollow Savannah on IG: @savannahbrymer Thomas 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. WebBart Whitaker was convicted of hiring a hit man to target his own family. What happened? he asked her. Its a start. 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. WebThe Murders: On December 10th, 2003, the Whitakers were out celebrating their son Barts graduation at Sam Houston State. With that penalty at stake, we must be concerned that justice really is so as much as reasonably possible. They were also excited to have their eldest son, Brandon, home from college for the holidays. Andrew J. Whitaker/The Post And Courier via AP Randolph Murdaugh III, 81, died just three days after the family tragedy, the law firm said. Does a low-achieving prisoner deserve less consideration over a matter he has no control over (intellectual capacity)? First published on February 28, 2023 / 5:23 PM. All of New York loved it redemption by literature! Thanks, Rebecca. He began to load the shotgun with bullets when his wife stepped in front of him. Bart never paid his accomplices for their hit man services. True Crime. I sent this regarding his clemency plea: Gov. In 2007, he admitted he was "100 percent guilty" and that he hated his parents and brother at the time. WebMiraculously, after being shot in the shoulder, Kent Whitaker survived his attacksomething that Bart hadnt anticipated. Behind the door was an intruder wielding Kevins gun, and within seconds the family was ambushed. P.O. [35], Thomas Whitaker and other inmates initiated an unsuccessful class action against the State of Texas, addressing the conditions on its death row,[36][non-primary source needed] where inmates are kept in solitary confinement for 23hours a day. Millions of Americans nearing retirement age with no savings, Top McCarthy aide, House Oversight chair each met with Ashli Babbitt's mother, South Carolina double murder trial of Alex Murdaugh, 100 other charges including financial crimes. Barber said. It is for this reason that I would never sign for it, even if that were the only way to evade a return to death row. K: How kind but Im a Brit, so havent a cat in hells chance of being Governator (wasnt that Arnie of California?) [4], Cooperating with US authorities, Mexican authorities arrested Whitaker without incident under immigration charges. Cliff Stanley knew the Whitakers were in for a big weekend. [12][verification needed][third-party source needed] The trial had lasted six days in total; the "jury deliberat[ed] for 2hours, and sentenced Whitaker to death". 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. I just fixed it thx for the heads-up! Cliff would later describe it as a death rattle. It was marked by very ragged moaning. Cliff knew that the boy, whom he could finally make out as Kevin, was breathing his final breaths. Bart's brother Kevin died within minutes of being shot; his mother Patricia died shortly after the start of her airlift by Life Flight to Memorial Hermann Hospital. Watch the podcast on YouTube: https://bit.ly/KillerInstinctYTDont forget to subscribe to the podcast for free wherever you're listening or by using this link: http://bit.ly/KillerInstinctPodcastIf you like the show, telling a friend about it would be helpful! Texas Gov. Champagne also drove the getaway car although, he claimed, he really didnt want to get involved with the homicide plot but felt trapped. Of course, someone rich enough to post $3m bail can afford good representation, buying relative lenience. In 2003, Thomas Bart Whitaker plotted the murder of his family. Updated on: February 28, 2023 / 7:05 PM WebMurder in the Family: 'I Wanted Them Dead' Investigators Question Burglary Theory. A defense expert said Riemer failed to shave hair from Paul Murdaugh's wound or X-ray his brain after it was blown from his body to confirm her findings. Your email address will not be published. Next up, they focused on two of Barts co-workers from the Bentwater Yacht & Country Club near Lake Conroe. Bart is still one very lucky man. Just how he thought hed get away with it I think underlines his feelings of superiority. RR, Watch the Forensic Files episode on YouTube. [4] His parents funded his academic pursuits. Famously, Norman Mailer corresponded with Abbott, praised his writing talent, helped him snag a book deal, and lobbied for his early release. Texas is fortunate to have you working in their state. [citation needed] They drove to the nearby Pappadeaux restaurant in Stafford for a celebratory dinner. Cliff snapped to and realized that both his wife and Kent were right. WebBart Whitaker: Relative Tragedy A Young Heir Tries to Hasten His Fortune (Family Interrupted, Forensic Files) Two years before a masked assailant shot them in their own Last-minute reprieve. WebIn the weeks following the murder, the police learned that the attack had been orchestrated by the son who survivedMr. Jurors on Wednesday visited the family hunting lodge where Alex Murdaugh's wife, Maggie, and son Paul were killed as prosecutors made their closing arguments in the weekslong murder trial against the South Carolina lawyer. But how could parents believe such a thing? His mother and brother were murdered, and his father was seriously hurt. Trial The trial against Bart Whitaker began in March 2007 and was held in Fort Bend County. https://murderpedia.org/male.S/s/severs-roger.htm (dont know the FF title). Cliff tore out of his house and returned to the Whitakers. "I don't always take X-rays of every organ.". Help!. Steve Champagne got out and stayed out. Abbott, a Republican in the U.S. state which carries out the most capital punishments, had a choice to reject or accept the board's vote. The feed room where Paul Murdaugh's body was found at the Moselle Road property, March 1, 2023. He succeeded in annihilating two-thirds of the other Whitakers but, instead of an office visit with an estate attorney, Bart got himself a trial with a judge and jury. [38][c] [12][third-party source needed] Bart then ran inside and staged a struggle with Brashear, getting shot in his left arm to divert suspicion. and a Fort Bend County jury. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. On June 7, 2021, Bart's brother Kevin entered the family home first and reportedly smiled when he saw the masked Brashear. It was conducted before a judge[who?] 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. [41][needs update], Whitaker has contributed to Solitary Watch, where he wrote about the effects of solitary confinement on himself and other death row inmates. But that is not the question. 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 "[16] The trial judge's[who?] Miraculously, after being shot in the shoulder, Kent Whitaker survived his attacksomething that Bart hadnt anticipated. It sounds like his parents were wonderful and he had all the trappings of a nice life. Perhaps it should, and has. [18][non-primary source needed] [18], After losing a separate appeal in the federal courts early in 2017,[21] Whitaker's legal team appealed his claims to the U.S. Supreme Court. Bart also reportedly told them his mother was a prostitute and he was essentially an orphan. I dont oppose it absolutely (ie, I cant claim it to be unquestionably wrong in cases where there is no question of guilt); but because (i) its unequally applied even between cases of certainty in the same state; (ii) it costs a fortune to execute someone due to necessary legal safeguards money that could be better spent; (iii) it typically takes at least 15 yrs to do it often much longer making it something of a farce; (iv) it harshly punishes the innocent loved ones of the perp, victimising them just as the perps victims loved ones were, it makes little sense. The crime deserves severe punishment for the criminals who killed them. He had been the last one to walk into the house; he lagged behind while checking his phone messages. WebBartlett Whitakers trial began in March 2007. So, lets get going on the recap of Family Interrupted along with extra information drawn from internet research: Gathering place. [22][non-primary source needed][21] The appeal was certiorari denied. 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