Murdaugh case: Final witnesses testify before jury sees crime scene
Alex Murdaugh’s former law partner said Tuesday that he is past his anger over millions of dollars stolen from the firm, as the final witnesses in the South Carolina double murder trial testified and the court prepared to bring jurors to the scene of the killings.
Ronnie Crosby had a testy exchange with defense attorney Dick Harpootlian as prosecutors got a chance to reply to the defense’s case, including by rebutting their experts who suggested two different shooters killed Murdaugh’s wife and son with two different weapons.
Once prosecutors finish their witnesses, jurors will ride 40 minutes to see the sprawling Colleton County property where the Murdaughs lived. The exact date and time of the jury trip has not been scheduled.
Prosecutors brought Crosby back to the stand to talk more about Murdaugh stealing millions of dollars from his clients and the firm the Murdaugh family founded more than a century ago. Prosecutors contend Murdaugh thought he was about to get caught stealing and killed 52-yearold Maggie Murdaugh and 22-year-old Paul Murdaugh to buy time to cover up the money trail.
During crossexamination, Harpootlian asked Crosby if going through trauma can cause people to forget details or get times wrong. Prosecutors have pounded Murdaugh for various inconsistencies and lies.
“You’re trying to take me somewhere you probably don’t want to,” Crosby said, starting a tense exchange between the attorneys.
“You’re angry at him for stealing your money,” Harpootlian said.
“I have had anger with him, extreme anger ... because what he did with my law firm, my partners, his clients, our clients — what he did to his family. What he did to so many people,” Crosby said, bristling. “But you can’t walk around with anger.”
Harpootlian then asked Crosby if he thought Murdaugh killed his wife and son.
“I don’t have an opinion. I don’t have the ... materials you have,” Crosby said.