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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Oliver O'Connell and Rachel Sharp

Alex Murdaugh trial – live: Decision on roadside shooting testimony looms after sister-in-law’s affair claim

AP

Bodycam shows Alex Murdaugh as first officers arrive on scene of wife and son’s murders

Judge Clifton Newman has ruled that jurors cannot hear testimony about the bizarre September 2021 roadside shooting – which later turned out to be a botched hitman plot — as part of Alex Murdaugh’s double-murder trial.

Three months on from the 7 June 2021 murders of Maggie and Paul, the disgraced attorney was ambushed in what he initially claimed was a drive-by shooting. He later confessed to orchestrating the plot along with alleged co-conspirator Curtis “Cousin Eddie” Smith so his surviving son Buster would inherit a $10m life insurance windfall.

Judge Newman made the decision on Wednesday morning before jurors return to Colleton County Courthouse in South Carolina.

This comes after a day of graphic, emotional testimony on Tuesday when the court heard from the pathologist who examined the bodies, the dog caretaker, and Maggie’s sister Marian Proctor.

Ms Proctor testified Mr Murdaugh said odd things after the murders and revealed Maggie suspected him of having an affair years before the killings.

Prosecutors intend to wrap up their case either later today or on Thursday, with the defence case set to begin before the holiday weekend.

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