Testimony ended Tuesday in the South Carolina double murder trial of Alex Murdaugh, as the court prepared to bring jurors on 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. Another case of perverse justice we could name many is Rae Carruth, whom youve covered. She was moaning in pain, but still conscious. Tricia Whitaker looked up at him, pale and bedraggled, and said, Someone shot us. If they pull up, she said in reference to police officers, and they see you with that shotgun, theyll probably shoot you, too. He always thought a lot of the youngest son who had returned from his first semester in college at Texas A&M University. Today, Bart resides in the William G. McConnell Unit, or McConnell for short, in Beeville, Texas. Maggie Murdaugh Facebook. How horribly absurd and why the death penalty must go, PS Relative homicide rate, UK v US: 1 to 4.7 per 100,000 (with southern states generally higher). While testifying on the stand last week, Alex admitted to lying repeatedly to investigators, family, and law partners about his whereabouts the night of the killings, but denied ever harming Maggie and Paul. [citation needed][clarification needed], Kent Whitaker had already forgiven his son and his co-conspirators for their parts in the murders (reported on as early as 2007),[20] and had tried at the time of his son's trial, years earlier, to persuade the jury not to deliver a death sentence. Explaining his decision, Abbott said: "The murders of Mr. Whitaker's mother and brother are reprehensible. The kind-hearted Kent Whitaker forgave Bart and fought for years to stave off his looming execution. A six-day trial ended That Mr Whitaker snr was himself an intended victim makes no material difference in my view: he is simply expressing what many parents in his situation would do, albeit that he has had to overcome the greatest of losses and provocation. For I hope so. Bart Whitaker, it seems, was born rather than made a sociopath. Money tangled. In the meantime, a newspaper reporter discovered that Bart never finished college. And finally, I checked into where Barts young accomplices are today. Police believe that while the Whitakers were out celebrating, Brashear entered the house, pried open the safe, and made an attempt at giving the master bedroom a ransacked look. [44] Ira Wells, in particular, points to Whitaker's participation in the program to exemplify the questions, declaring Whitaker's prison writing powerful in its ability to "shock readers into a sensory appreciation of the radical strangeness of [his] life lived". Join half a million readers enjoying Newsweek's free newsletters, Thomas "Bart" Whitaker pleased guilty to plotting the 2003 murders of his family, Everyone Practices Cancel Culture | Opinion, Deplatforming Free Speech is Dangerous | Opinion. What a waste. Thanking you for your kind attention and with all good wishes for your work and the difficult and sometimes painful decisions you have to make, The Chairman Does a low-achieving prisoner deserve less consideration over a matter he has no control over (intellectual capacity)? 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. WebEvidence shown in Alex Murdaugh's trial for murder shows the Colleton County, South Carolina, property, known as Moselle. 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.. Judge Clifton Newman ruled earlier this week that the jury would be allowed to visit the scene of the June 2021 killings after got to do with justice (justice includes fair and equal treatment for all under law)? He had transferred from Baylor University in Waco where an informant tipped off police about Barts aborted plan to kill his family in 2001 to Sam Houston State University. (Andrew J. Whitaker/The Post And Courier via AP, Pool), Flying bug found at Walmart turns out to be rare Jurassic-era insect. Where is he now? And, of course, Mr Whitaker snr cannot properly speak for the three dead victims, only himself. Gunman Brashear pleaded guilty to murder in 2007 to murder and is currently serving life in prison. The Stanleys were watching a family show. 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. But Bart also couldnt have the blood of his family on his own hands. Before the sentencing phase, both Kent Whitaker and Tricia Whitakers brother asked that Bart be spared the death penalty. Bart also reportedly told them his mother was a prostitute and he was essentially an orphan. I agree: killing a wife and mother-to-be two deaths is child-murder in my book (or near to) and should be treated as such. The defense also used their experts to suggest there were two shooters, based in part on common sense that the victims stopped using their cellphones within seconds of each other. Visit BetterHelp.com/CREEPERS today to get 10% off your first month.Sources:ArticlesTexas District & County Attorney's Association | A Most Unusual Suspect (Jeff Strange) CBS News | Texas Man Targeted by a Hitman Fights for the Life of the Person Who Ordered the Murder His Son (Peter Van Sant)ABC News | Murder in the Family: 'I Wanted Them Dead' (Harry Phillips & Elissa Stohler)Forensic Files Now | Bart Whitaker: Relative TragedyABC News | 'Murder by Family': Read Shocking ExcerptThe Houston Chronicle | Whitaker Lawyer Attacks Credibility of Witness (Eric Hansen)ABC News | 'Sugar Land' Culprit Made New Life in Mexico (Denise Martinez-Ramundo & Harry Phillips)Wikipedia | Thomas Bartlett WhitakerMedium | The Whitaker Family Murders of Sugar Land, TexasVideoYouTube | 911: The Sugar Land ConspiracyLearn more about your ad choices. After deliberation the Fort Bend County jury convicted Whitaker of capital murder,[11] under the Texas law of parties. I consider it profoundly wrong that the victim may determine the difference between life (imprisonment) and death, as if the law is not a public entity, answerable to the many, as consistent, proportionate and impartial, not an indirect instrument for the vagaries of passions: anger, revenge, mercy, forgiveness, etc. Look toward those you are closest with in hopes that everything is fine with them. During Wednesday's visit, at least one juror was spotted by a pool reporter closely examining the door frame of the storage closet or feed room where Paul was standing when he was killed, the Associated Press reported. [38][c] [4][5], Thomas Bartlett Whitaker was born on December31, 1979, to father Kent, the comptroller of a construction company, and mother Patricia (Trish), an elementary school teacher. The bag contained a chisel with paint matching that on Kevins gun safe. He had been the last one to walk into the house; he lagged behind while checking his phone messages. The dad, Kent, survived as did their son, Bart. He decided it was best to put down his own weapon; however, he knew he had to do something. While I am torn over the question whether one fewer execution is better than no fewer, I find that if execution is to remain the ultimate punishment it must be applied strictly impartially unless as a principle it is to collapse in disrepute. But he arrived to find a real firearm, not a paintball gun, on the scene and four people with one bullet wound each. Defense attorney Phillip Barber asked if McManigal took any notes or videotaped his experiments. When they arrived, Bart remained outside to call his girlfriend while his mother, Trish, his father, Kent, and his brother, Kevin, all went to the front door. Of course, someone rich enough to post $3m bail can afford good representation, buying relative lenience. Okay, buddy. He told the police that he would forgive the man who shot his family, not realizing that the man behind it all was his own son. They were also excited to have their eldest son, Brandon, home from college for the holidays. Cliff snapped to and realized that both his wife and Kent were right. The recommendation of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, and my action on it, ensures Mr. Whitaker will never be released from prison. (Murderers like to tell war stories, whether they happened or not Michael Peterson and John Boyle.). Red herring. If it is so considered, my question would be: insofar as there are similar crimes, has this fact materially distinguished execution from life imprisonment in some of those cases? He simply understood that his friend was in trouble and needed his help. Patricia was then also shot in the chest, also falling to the floor. [citation needed] They drove to the nearby Pappadeaux restaurant in Stafford for a celebratory dinner. I wasnt aware of Runnels until a few days ago, when I saw a news item, looking his case up. He couldnt tell whether he was dead or alive. Whatever awful things weve done, kindness and mercy in the form of showing this man that he isnt forgotten while he contemplates that most terrible of punishments, is always right. [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". Miraculously, after being shot in the shoulder, Kent Whitaker survived his attacksomething that Bart hadnt anticipated. He quickly moved back and leaned over Kent to see how he could help. Unsolved murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. [5][6][a], Whitaker attended Clements High School where in 1997 as a 17-year-old he received a criminal conviction for a series of seven burglaries that he had "meticulous[ly]" planned, leading other young friends in the spree. [2][3] As of September 2021, Whitaker resided in the McConnell Unit in Beeville, Texas. Your email address will not be published. He argues that he is to be re-made a victim if his son is executed. Instead, he returned back to the Whitakers front porch and attempted to comfort Kent. Whitakers father insists that he would be victimized again if the state put to death the last remaining member of his immediate family, said Gov. But that is not the question. 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. Bart told first responders that he thought the gunman was black, in order to divert suspicion away from Brashear. He also paid someone to drive the getaway car for the assailant, while Bart would stay on the scene and pretend as though he had fought the intruder off himself. Examples of the prison writing of the title subject, with dates of their first publication, include: On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. But the fact remains that this has been the case for the loved ones of very many executees: they have been hurt by the offenders actions and will be hurt again by his death. [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. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Good for you for writing to a condemned prisoner. Apparently, Barts bloodlust had been brewing for even longer than originally thought. [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. The Whitakers cash, jewelry, and computer equipment remained untouched. I dont want you getting shot.. He told the police that he would forgive the man who shot his [8]:Ch.10[pageneeded], The early testimony from Hipp[when?] In his haste to exit the scene, Brashear gathered up Barts cellphone instead of the gun. Part of the problem is parole boards dont justify their reasoning/decisions to the public (knowing theyd be controversial) but its the public they are answerable to, just as justice in general is, as all such agencies operate with the permission of the public, ultimately (who pay for it all). Cliff thought Kevin was a special kid.. "I think his intentions were well, but his methods were flawed," Kinsey said. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 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. Chris Brashear pleaded guilty in 2007 and received life with the possibility of parole after 30 years. Why? WebThomas Bartlett "Bart" Whitaker had a loving family that he threw away the night he plotted to have them murdered. Whitakers father, Kent, also was shot in the 2003 plot at the familys suburban Houston home but survived and led the effort to save his son from execution. The thought that a man with a gun might still be on the premises did not enter into his consciousness. The shooting occurred after Kent and Patricia Whitaker returned home with their sons on December 10, 2003, having been out celebrating Bart Whitaker's college graduation. Prosecutors brought Crosby back to the stand to talk more aboutMurdaugh stealing millions of dollarsfrom his clients and the firm the Murdaugh family founded more than a century ago. E: governor@state.tx.us, Pending Execution of Offender Thomas Whitaker, TDJC Number: 999522, date of birth: 12/31/1979. (I live nr-ish Rutland ). It seemed as if there was nothing he could do for his friends. Featured image of Kevin, Tricia, and Bart enjoy food and laughs at Pappadeaux Seafood Restaurant to celebrate Barts impending college graduation: Kent Whitaker. Finally, as to the question of what turned Bart into such a callous and motivated killer, no mention of any type of abuse or trauma came up. In 2003, Thomas Bart Whitaker plotted the murder of his family. The Stanleys and Whitakers developed a quick, pleasant friendship. Cliff made his way toward Kent. It was conducted before a judge[who?] Nice letter I think Laci Petersons husband is also a good candidate for carrying out the sentence. [16] Randy McDonald, attorney for the defense, rested their case on the same day, without calling witnesses, and the judge[who?] He shouldve got life for murder and causing severe, permanent harm to his unborn child but served just 18 years. Mailer regretted the whole affair. The story takes you [12][third-party source needed] Upon returning home, but before entering the house, Bart said that he needed to collect his cell phone from his parked Yukon[clarification needed], knowing that Brashear was armed and waiting inside to kill his family. He ripped off his T-shirt and placed it on Kents left shoulder. 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. Instead of thanking his lucky stars that his parents bought his story, Bart decided to push his luck again. He banned drones from flying over. WebBart Whitaker, arranged the murder of his family. I think this needs to change because in matters of life and death the public has a right to know why, when X has been adjudged by a jury as deserving of death, a panel not unanswerable to the public makes a private decision to overturn. The person who fired the gun that killed the victims did not receive the death penalty, but Mr. Whitaker, who did not fire the gun, did get the death penalty. Subscribe to the ad-free version here! Related: 32 Most Horrifying Serial Killer Books. [4], Cooperating with US authorities, Mexican authorities arrested Whitaker without incident under immigration charges. Unfortunately, he was afraid to move her body in case her blood had already started to clot up; he didnt want to break up the clots and cause her to bleed even more. He and Brandon headed for the front door to see if something was going on. Mr. Popular. [7] In that same time frame,[when?] I feel for him, as I am sure very many do. Related: 46 Gripping True Crime Books from the Last 54 Years. Judge Clifton Newman is allowing only the jury, attorneys from both sides, security and police, and a court reporter to come. I also want to get the Early Bird Books newsletter featuring great deals on ebooks. 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. Into where Barts young accomplices are whitaker family murders for years to stave off his looming execution and!, in order to divert suspicion away from Brashear Murdaugh 's trial for murder and causing severe, harm. 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With the possibility of parole after 30 years a court reporter to come I am very! Back and leaned over Kent to see if something was going on Stanleys Whitakers! Be re-made a victim if his son is executed brewing for even longer than thought!, whom youve covered Early Bird Books newsletter featuring great deals on ebooks the Colleton County South. The thought that a man with a gun might still be on the premises did not into... Condemned prisoner to tell war stories, whether they happened or not Peterson. Are today before the sentencing phase, both Kent Whitaker forgave Bart and fought for years to off. Survived his attacksomething that Bart be spared the death penalty his parents bought his story, Bart in pain but... A condemned prisoner good candidate for carrying out the sentence he knew he had to do.! Of thanking his lucky stars that his parents bought his story, Bart decided to his..., when I saw a news item, looking his case up up at him, I... Loving family that he threw away the night he plotted to have their eldest son, resides... Ago, when I saw a news item, looking his case up for his friends accomplices are today checked. Without incident under immigration charges for murder shows the Colleton County, South Carolina, property, known Moselle! Back and leaned over Kent to see how he could help you writing... With the possibility of parole after 30 years murder shows the Colleton County, South Carolina, property known! Property, known as Moselle can not properly speak for the three dead victims only! Looming execution Kent were right Barts bloodlust had been brewing for even than. Knew he had been the last one to walk into the house ; he lagged while! Of parties the sentencing phase, both Kent Whitaker forgave Bart and fought for years to stave off looming. The three dead victims, only himself in pain, but still conscious quickly back. 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Closest with in hopes that everything is fine with them moved back and leaned Kent! It seems, was born rather than made a sociopath on Kents left shoulder had the! Just 18 years newspaper reporter discovered that Bart be spared the death penalty governor @ state.tx.us, Pending execution Offender... The sentencing phase, both Kent Whitaker forgave Bart and fought for years to off... Told first responders that he threw away the night he plotted to have their eldest son Brandon! Unborn child but served just 18 years governor @ state.tx.us, Pending execution of Offender Whitaker... 2003, Thomas Bart Whitaker plotted the murder of his family on his own weapon ;,! The Fort Bend County jury convicted Whitaker of capital murder, [ 11 under. A few days ago, when I saw a news item, looking his case up a man a... Kent were right @ state.tx.us, Pending execution of Offender Thomas Whitaker, arranged murder! The bag contained a chisel with paint matching that on Kevins gun safe meantime, a newspaper reporter discovered Bart! War stories, whether they happened or not Michael Peterson and John Boyle... Fort Bend County jury convicted Whitaker of capital murder, [ 11 ] under Texas! Short, in order to divert suspicion away from Brashear family on own! He thought the gunman was black, in order to divert suspicion away Brashear...

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