He decided it was best to put down his own weapon; however, he knew he had to do something. Homicide detective Marshall Slot, who appeared on both Forensic Files and the 20/20 episode about the murders, recalled that he thought the operator was joking when she said a shooting of four people had taken place in Sugar Land. Texas Governor Gregg Abbott ruled that Thomas "Bart" Whitaker should instead spend the rest of life in jail for masterminding the murders of his mother Tricia, 51, and brother Kevin, 19, at the the family's suburban home in Houston, Texas, in 2003. The main house at the Murdaugh family's Moselle Road property in Islandton, South Carolina, on March 1, 2023. In his haste to exit the scene, Brashear gathered up Barts cellphone instead of the gun. In this case the Texas parole board can make inconsistent decisions and swerve criticism by never giving their reasoning. During her teaching days, Tricia was known for her kind and fun-loving approach to her job, according to friends who appeared on 20/20. 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. Whitaker, 38, planned the murders of his family with his roommate, Chris Brashear, who shot the murder victims and Whitakers father, Kent, as they all came home from dinner one evening. [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. Police initially thought they had a suspect in an armed robber who struck a different house soon after the Whitaker attack, but bloodhounds didnt pick up his scent at the Whitakers. He and his wife, Darlene, had moved into the home just six months earlier. I am South African. 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. Mr Whitaker premeditatedly arranged the murder of three family members, including his own injury to throw suspicion from him. He blatantly planned out his parents murder then he ran away in hiding. The Whitakers had the cool house to be at and Kent and Tricia were the second parents to so many people, according to Kevins friend Brittany Barnhill, who appeared on the 48 Hours episode The Sugar Land Conspiracy.. He banned drones from flying over. [citation needed] The trial began in March 2007, led by prosecutor Fred Felcman. A neighbor named Cliff Stanley raced onto the scene and used his own T-shirt to stanch Kents bleeding bullet wound. Contact Stephanie K. Baer at stephanie.baer@buzzfeed.com. Does a low-achieving prisoner deserve less consideration over a matter he has no control over (intellectual capacity)? He and Bart enjoyed biking long distances together. Office of the Governor This WAS the case with the Parole Board here in UK until recently, but due to controversial decisions broad reasons are now to be given. [41][needs update]. Champagne explained that he staked out the Whitakers at the graduation dinner at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen where Bart enjoyed bread pudding with Congratulations spelled out in chocolate sauce and called Brashear to let him know when the group left the restaurant. He had been the last one to walk into the house; he lagged behind while checking his phone messages. Where is he now? I respectfully wish to express my agreement with Mr Whitakers scheduled execution next month, which I do with a heavy heart. Cliff rose up to take a look. Rebecca I love your updates, thank you so much for keeping these updates and these cases alive. I see theres some pressure in South Africa for its return; thankfully there has never been here since Britain abolished it in the 60s. He is to be admired. 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. Over here in the UK, CBS Reality shows these episodes as Medical Detectives, and seem to show the same ones quite regularly. On Tuesday, Murdaugh's former law partner 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. The authorities also directed Adam Tripp to try to get Bart to admit he planned his familys murder. WebThe Whitaker family from Odd, West Virginia, is arguably the most famous inbred family in the United States. I also want to get the Early Bird Books newsletter featuring great deals on ebooks. Sack of evidence. Tricia and Kevin sustained fatal chest wounds from the Glock pistol. (I live nr-ish Rutland ). Whitaker is an eloquent, erudite writer, as his essay Hells Kitchen demonstrates, spiced up with smart literary references and quotes. Hipp said that Kent and Tricia had heard about the plot, but didnt take it seriously. [38][c] He told the police that he would forgive the man who shot his [citation needed] For the latter, he appears to have presented a thesis in partial fulfillment of the degree, entitled "Who Fears Hell Runs Toward It", in summer2018. 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. It sounds like his parents were wonderful and he had all the trappings of a nice life. Box 12428 Famously, Norman Mailer corresponded with Abbott, praised his writing talent, helped him snag a book deal, and lobbied for his early release. The Whitaker family was in celebration mode - their oldest son, Thomas "Bart" Whitaker, had just finished his final exam at Sam Houston State University, he'd soon be walking the stage, and his parents, Tricia and Kent, and brother, Kevin, were so excited for him. Related: Tis the Season for Murder: 17 Winter True Crime Books That Will Give You the Chills. Box 13401 I understand theres a steady drift away from the DP in the US. Can it be fair and reasonable that one persons execution is applied because he happens not to have family/friends to lobby for him, a victim not ideologically opposed to execution and/or forgiving, etc but another is spared because he does have such representation and a victim differently-minded? Then, Brashear entered a getaway car driven by Champagne, and they dumped the bag with the murder items in the water. Bart Whitaker, it seems, was born rather than made a sociopath. I don't have the benefit of the materials you have," Crosby said. That factor alone may not warrant commutation for someone like Mr. Whitaker who recruited others to commit murder. E: governor@state.tx.us, Pending Execution of Offender Thomas Whitaker, TDJC Number: 999522, date of birth: 12/31/1979. ", "The Governor, the father, and the murderer", "Gov. Brashear shot Kevin once through his chest, and Kevin fell to the floor. 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. Do the undoubted many prisoners facing execution who have personality disorders in some cases substance-induced; in others endogenous, so no fault of their own deserve less because they are (inevitably) non-compliant with prison life? We know little about the family due to the Whitakers secretive nature The Stanleys and Whitakers developed a quick, pleasant friendship. Hes probably hoping this is his ticket to salvation, a la Jack Henry Abbott, another eloquent killer. Then, a buddy of Barts named Adam Hipp came forward five days after the murders and told police that Bart had tried to enlist him to shoot Barts parents two years earlier. On December 10, 2003 the entire Whitaker family Kent, his wife Tricia, and sons Bart and Kevin were gunned down inside their home in Sugarland, Texas, by a masked man who had been waiting for them inside. Related: 46 Gripping True Crime Books from the Last 54 Years. According to evidence presented at trial, the mother and son were fatally shot at the dog kennels on the property, and a Snapchat video Paul recorded at the kennels placed Alex at the scene shortly before the killings. But what the Whitakers didnt know was that Bart wasnt going to graduate at all. The whole scenario took less than ten minutes. Bart would later tell ABCs 20/20 that he never felt as though he fit in. 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. 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! Help!. Anyway greetings from the UK. The popular new guy in town explained to his south of the border friends that he sustained the bullet wound to his arm while fighting in Afghanistan. This post is sponsored by Open Road Media. "Manufacturing Anomie"[citation needed] and the essay "A Nothing Would Do as Well". 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. Bart, then a wholesome-looking 22-year-old with a Princess Diana complexion, came up with a new plot to wipe out his mother, father, and brother, and get his hands on all of the familys assets, worth $1 million to $1.5 million. At least citizens should expect and demand consistency within the same state (cf Jeffrey Dillingham in my below post). But instead of fleeing, Cliff decided he needed some protection of his own. Staggering snowfall in California mountains leaves residents trapped for days, SpaceX launches new crew on flight to space station, Prosecution wraps case at Alex Murdaugh murder trial, Explosive found in checked luggage at Pennsylvania airport, feds say, FDA authorizes first at-home test for both COVID and flu, Couple accuses fertility clinic of implanting embryo with cancer genes, Several hospitalized after Lufthansa flight diverted to Dulles due to turbulence, Colon cancer rates rising in younger age group, study finds, Firefighter dies battling blaze in downtown Buffalo, mayor says, Arguments conclude in Alex Murdaugh's murder trial, Evidence shown in Alex Murdaugh's trial for murder shows the Colleton County property where the Murdaughs lived, at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, S.C. on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023. [citation needed] They drove to the nearby Pappadeaux restaurant in Stafford for a celebratory dinner. Serious needling. Cliff snapped to and realized that both his wife and Kent were right. I knew about death row on TV whilst watching the mind of a murderer by Dr Michelle Ward. Cliff hustled back to his house, stormed inside, and began yelling to Brandon, I need something to stop the bleeding! The field trip came as prosecutors made their closing arguments in the weekslong trial where Alex Murdaugh stands accused of murdering his wife, Maggie, and son Paul. Their son had been upstairs in his room when he peeked in on his parents in the living room. [4][11], Chris Brashear received a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 30 years for his role in the murders, in a plea bargain worked out with prosecutors; Steven Champagne received 15 years after serving as the main witness for the prosecution. Two years before a masked assailant shot them in their own house, Kent and Patricia Whitaker found out that their son had formulated a plan to kill them. [11], Whitaker appealed his death sentence, suggesting nine points of error. Texas is fortunate to have you working in their state. [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". / CBS/AP. Andrew J. Whitaker/The Post And Courier via AP, Alex Murdaughs Ego Pushed Him To Kill His Family Rather Than Lose His Good Reputation, Prosecutors Said During Closing Arguments, I Knew Something Bad Was Going On: Alex Murdaughs Brother Described The Phone Call He Got On The Night Of The Murders, Alex Murdaugh Was Days Away From Unraveling Because Of A Boat Crash Lawsuit, But The Killings Of His Wife And Son Changed Everything, Alex Murdaugh Sobbed As Jurors Saw A Snapchat Video From His Son Allegedly Placing Him At The Scene Of The Murders. If I were Governor I know I would be seeking reasons to offer clemency but I do not think I could find them in this case As an opposer of execution I would have to come to terms with that. The unfurling of this sons web of lies led him to hatch a devious murder plot. 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. Was that on the TV? Brandon asked his parents. 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. Your email address will not be published. https://murderpedia.org/male.S/s/severs-roger.htm (dont know the FF title). But that is not the question. [16] Prosecutors presented evidence that although it wasn't Whitaker who shot his family members, he was responsible for the murders because he played the leading part in the conspiracy to commit the murders[19][bettersourceneeded], The prosecution's theory of motive focused on financial gain, with evidence variously described as pointing to Whitaker standing to inherit "about $1.5million" after the death of his parents and brother,[4] or that he had wanted to capitalize on a million-dollar life insurance payout. WebThomas Bartlett "Bart" Whitaker had a loving family that he threw away the night he plotted to have them murdered. His mother Tricia and brother Kevin died in the shootings on 10 Learn how and when to remove this template message, Learn how and when to remove these template messages, reliable, independent, third-party sources, California State University, Dominguez Hills, Hell Is a Very Small Place: Voices from Solitary Confinement, "Triggerman in SugarLand slayings pleads guilty", "Clemency rare for death row convicts in Texas", "In rare move, Texas Parole Board recommends clemency for death row inmate Thomas Whitaker", "Is Bartlett Whitaker dead or alive? On February 22, 2018, about 40minutes before his scheduled 6:00P.M. execution, Whitaker had his death sentence commuted to life imprisonment without parole by Governor Greg Abbott, the first such commutation by Abbott and the first in the state since 2007. That is, if it is a scandal that anyone is judicially executed, it is so if some are and some are not merely given the contingency of special pleading. They all went to dinner at Pappadeaux's restaurant near Sugar Land, Texas to celebrate, but when they got back home from dinner, their night turned into a horror show. Mr. Whitaker's parents had bought him several luxury vehicles. She had previously taught at nearby Lakeview Elementary School and was acting as a volunteer there on occasion. And finally, I checked into where Barts young accomplices are today. Nor am I moved by a persons progress in prison. WebThe gunfire killed Kevin, 19, at the scene; Kents wife of 28 years, Tricia, 51, died during transport to the hospital. Okay, buddy. I feel for him, as I am sure very many do. The goal was to refute a defense expert who said moving an iPhone causes its backlight to come on. He looked at Kent and asked, What happened?, Kent looked at his friend with pleading eyes and reiterated, Im bleeding, Cliff.. Police first checked out Adam Hipp himself as a suspect, but he had an alibi for the night of the shooting. 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. 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. WebUpdated on: February 28, 2023 / 7:05 PM / CBS/AP. Unsolved murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. (Andrew J. Whitaker/The Post And Courier via AP, Pool), Flying bug found at Walmart turns out to be rare Jurassic-era insect. Brashear shot Kent, Patricia, and Kevin as they entered the house and then gave Bart his courtesy wound in the arm. 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). [citation needed] Whitaker had enlisted an individual named Chris Brashear to carry out the shootings, and a Steven Champagne to be the getaway driver for Brashear. Prosecutors contend Murdaugh thought he was about to get caught stealing and killed Maggie and Paul to buy time to cover up the money trail. Thomas Bartlett \"Bart\" Whitaker had a loving family that he threw away the night he plotted to have them murdered. Until. He could still be here. She began to moan againonly this time, it seemed more drawn out and painful than before. Little did Kent, Patricia, and Kevin Whitaker know that their life together was just a house of cards. Marcus I always enjoy reading your reflection on Rebeccas updates and each episode. He has pleaded not guilty. Faithful father. So why did Bart kill the people he supposedly loved? Mr. Popular. The unfairness of the situation is, ironically, an argument against the penalty, illustrating unjustness in US criminal practice. This was the first commutation of such a sentence from Abbott, and the first from a Texas Governor since 2007. [22][non-primary source needed][21] The appeal was certiorari denied. 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