Crime Junkie – INFAMOUS: The Murdaugh Family Murders

Host: Ashley Flowers with Britt
Release Date: October 6, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Crime Junkie dives deep into the infamous Murdaugh family murders—an intricate and chilling case involving privilege, a legacy of corruption, unsolved deaths, and the brutal slaying of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. Ashley Flowers and Britt examine the timeline and tangled web of the Murdoch dynasty, exploring critical background: suspicious deaths tied to the family, the culture of impunity in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, the courtroom drama that gripped the nation, and the ongoing uncertain fallout—even as appeals are pending. The episode also spotlights the broader collateral damage: victims beyond the central case who have yet to see justice.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Murder Scene and Initial 911 Call

• Timeline: June 7, 2021
• Details: Alec Murdaugh calls 911 upon “discovering” his wife Maggie and son Paul shot dead at their rural Colleton County estate.
• Crime scene:
  • Paul: Found face-down at the entrance of a feed room, with severe chest and head wounds; his phone is reportedly placed on his shorts with no blood on it ([05:41]).
  • Maggie: Found approximately 30 feet away, shot multiple times; 12-gauge and 300 Blackout rifle casings at the scene, suggesting two shooters or at least two guns ([07:41]).
• Alec’s account: He claims to have just returned from visiting his elderly mother ([08:44]), attempts resuscitation, tells officers about touching the bodies.

Quote:

"I tried to take their pulse on both of them, and you know, I called 911 pretty much right away..." – Alec Murdaugh (as recounted by Ashley, [08:44])

2. Setting the Context: The Murdaugh Dynasty

• For nearly 100 years, three generations were top prosecutors—powerful, feared, and allegedly “untouchable” ([14:07]).
• Past incidents:
  • Mallory Beach’s death (2019 boat crash):
    • Killed at age 19, Paul was charged with felony boating under the influence, but no breathalyzer at the scene, and authorities appeared to favor the Murdaughs ([16:36]-[20:22]).
    • Quote:

      "You smiling like it's funny. My girlfriend’s gone, bro." – Mallory Beach’s boyfriend on the night of the crash ([18:31])

3. Other Suspicious Deaths Linked to the Family

• Stephen Smith (2015):

  • Body found with suspicious head trauma; official theory wavers between hit-and-run and possible homicide ([24:48]).
  • Investigators point to possible Murdaugh family involvement, including rumors about Buster and a potential relationship, though never confirmed ([27:47]).
  • Quote:

    "For a supposed hit and run, you're investigating as a hit and run...?" – Britt questioning the sexual assault kit use ([28:38])

• Gloria Satterfield (2018):

  • Murdaugh housekeeper dies from a “trip and fall” accident; Alec encourages her sons to sue his insurance, but ends up stealing $4.3 million in settlement funds himself. Her death is later criminally investigated ([36:54]).

4. Alec’s Downward Spiral: Financial Crimes and the Roadside Shooting

• Financial pressures mounting: On the very day of the murders, Alec confronted by law firm over missing funds; years of siphoned money uncovered ([38:33]).

• September 4, 2021: Alec calls 911, claiming he’s been shot roadside—eventually revealed to be a staged suicide attempt for insurance fraud ([40:35]-[43:39]).

• Quote:

  "Did they actually shoot you? They tried to shoot you? They shot me, but—" – Alec to 911 dispatcher ([40:35])

• Co-conspirator Curtis (Eddie) Smith disputes Alec’s version; authorities arrest both on multiple financial and conspiracy charges.

5. Evidence, Investigation, and Trial

• Key Evidence:

  • Snapchat video at 8:44pm: Audio places Alec at the kennels minutes before the murders, contradicting his initial statements ([33:11]).
  • Car and GPS data: Alec’s car leaves at 9:07pm; aligns with the predicted window of death ([33:50]).
  • Blue rain jacket: Found at Alec’s mother’s house, covered in gunshot residue—possible link to disposal of murder weapon ([34:58]).
  • Maggie’s phone: Tracked off property, possibly thrown by Alec after realizing he accidentally took it ([49:47], [50:03]).

• Defense Theories:

  • Points to circumstantial evidence, claims law enforcement bias, and suggests possible presence of a second shooter, highlighting two-gun scenario and DNA/hair on Maggie ([51:25], [53:48]).
  • Alec testifies, claims opioid addiction fueled his lies and paranoia ([55:20]).
  • Ultimately, jury convicts Alec in less than three hours ([56:55]).

Quote:

"While he believes Alec’s story is credible in the context of a man that is, quote, lied and cheated and stolen millions and millions of dollars, absolutely not." – Dick Harpoulian, Alec’s lawyer ([56:55])

6. Motives and the ‘Why’ of the Case

• Prosecution: Alec kills to divert attention from mounting financial crimes, hoping to gain public sympathy and escape exposure ([48:26]).
• Ashley and Mandy Matney (investigative journalist) discuss “family annihilator” psychology and the unique dynamics of legacy, privilege, and a collapsing safety net ([57:21]-[58:46]).
• Quote:

"The motive in this case is one of the most misunderstood parts of the story." – Mandy Matney ([57:31])

7. Lingering Trauma & Unresolved Cases

• Stephen Smith's death: Ultimately reclassified as a homicide, but no arrests ([61:29]).
• Mallory Beach: Civil settlement, but no criminal accountability ([61:51]).
• Gloria Satterfield: Family still seeking answers and justice ([61:57]).

Current status:

• Alec remains incarcerated, two life sentences; maintains innocence ([59:08]).
• Defense pursuing appeals, citing alleged jury tampering, as the South Carolina Supreme Court considers arguments ([59:33]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Why would a man who seemed to have everything choose to destroy it all by murdering his own wife and son?" – Ashley Flowers ([02:57])
• "People were scared to talk to her or even say the name Murdoch out of fear of the family's power." – Ashley, on Mandy Matney's reporting ([19:26])
• "You don't have to say who. You just have to provide reasonable doubt." – Ashley on defense’s strategy ([53:48])
• "Did Alec really believe that he could get away with double murder? I don't know. But I also don't really have a better theory to give you." – Ashley Flowers ([58:46])

Important Timestamps

• Murder discovered / 911 call: [04:41] – [05:41]
• Crime scene account: [05:41] – [07:41]
• Snapchat video evidence: [33:11]
• Alec’s blue jacket at mom’s house: [34:58]
• Alec’s roadside shooting confession: [40:35] – [43:39]
• Trial & verdict: [46:02] – [56:55]
• Discussion of Buster Murdaugh & aftermath: [59:05] – [61:57]
• Status of other investigations: [61:29] – [61:57]

Final Thoughts

This episode unpacks not only the sensational violence and courtroom drama but underscores the entrenched corruption, shielding of privilege, and enduring wounds left in a southern community. Ashley and Britt artfully weave the Murdoch family’s fall from grace with the unresolved fates of Stephen Smith, Mallory Beach, and Gloria Satterfield—emphasizing that, for many, justice is still pending.

For full sources, additional reporting, and further episodes, visit crimejunkie.com.