Their oldest son, Bart, whom he had never met, since Bart lived up north in Willis, Texas, was about to graduate on Saturday. 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. Another case of perverse justice we could name many is Rae Carruth, whom youve covered. If I were a board member confident of my decisions Id be content to be answerable to the public, Helen: The Derek Severs ep: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7geqiz8wb7I Red herring. Their son had been upstairs in his room when he peeked in on his parents in the living room. This must change. [28][full citation needed], On February 20, 2018, in a rare decision, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles recommended that the death sentence be commuted to life imprisonment,[29] The seven-member Board unanimously recommended clemency to Republican Governor Greg Abbott,[30][29] the first time it had done so unanimously since 2009. Kent rushed in and was shot in the shoulder with the bullet shattering his humerus. [Thomas Bartlett Whitaker, February 17, 2012][34], Whitaker had earlier stated, when his execution was still expected, that he felt that his father would be further victimized by the execution. Crime time with Tone 192 subscribers Subscribe 88 Share 10K views 1 year ago I visit the resting place and home Unsolved murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. The Whitakers cash, jewelry, and computer equipment remained untouched. It will keep the blood from rushing out too fast, he ordered. House of horror. He described her as just a very, very sweet person.. of Texas but thanks all the same! I think he was probably too calculating to admit that he was a lazy, work-shy neer do well who wanted the good life his parents had already been providing for him without the hard work they put in to give it to him. Brashear was the shooter, he said, and Bart had promised to cut both of his buddies in on a $1 million life insurance payout he would receive after his familys death. Dirty Deeds He fled to Mexico after learning that he was a suspect, assumed a new identity, and lived under the radar for over a year before he was caught and was extradited back to the United States. Tricia Whitaker continued to moan in agony. Well known that the USs neighbour, Canada, has a much lower rate 1.6 raising the question why. *This particularly an awful crime. Newman cautioned jurors that the property, which no one has lived at in over a year, would look different today than it did at the time of the killings. got to do with justice (justice includes fair and equal treatment for all under law)? Directly next door to the Whitakers home on the east side, their relatively new neighbor, Clifton Cliff Stanley, sat in his recliner in his familys living room. I dont want you getting shot.. Kent spent lots of time with his sons. The authorities also directed Adam Tripp to try to get Bart to admit he planned his familys murder. Was that on the TV? Brandon asked his parents. The kind-hearted Kent Whitaker forgave Bart and fought for years to stave off his looming execution. From how the plan was hatched to Barts trial, sentence, and the stunning new development in the case, this book provides all the details. WebMurder in the Family: 'I Wanted Them Dead' Investigators Question Burglary Theory. [16][18] At the trial, Hipp stated that he had contacted the SugarLand Police Department with information about previous plots after he heard about the Whitaker family murders 2003; he was given immunity from prosecution in exchange for testifying for the prosecution against Whitaker. On September 15, 2005, a capital murder warrant was issued against Whitaker. Related: 32 Most Horrifying Serial Killer Books. Fugitive in $18 million COVID fraud scheme extradited to U.S. "The reason you did not take X-rays of the brain was you already reached you conclusion," Harpootlian said. The crime deserves severe punishment for the criminals who killed them. Cliff thought Kevin was a special kid.. But instead of fleeing, Cliff decided he needed some protection of his own. to "help convicted criminals become writers", an aim which raises questions about the nature and residence of the power inmates are given, and about its impact on prisoners and on society. Cliff Stanley knew the Whitakers were in for a big weekend. Featured image of Kevin, Tricia, and Bart enjoy food and laughs at Pappadeaux Seafood Restaurant to celebrate Barts impending college graduation: Kent Whitaker. "But you can't walk around with anger.". WebThe Mysterious Saga of the Whitaker Family Murders Family Shot in the Chest. Cliff bent his head and said a silent prayer for Kevin. Serious needling. The judge agreed with a defense request to let jurors ride 40 minutes to see the sprawling Colleton County property where the Murdaughs lived. 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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). Bart had admitted his guilt and expressed remorse for the murders and for roping his friends into the plans, they stressed. I also want to get Early Bird Books newsletter featuring book deals, recommendations, and giveaways. Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. Maggie Murdaugh Facebook. WebA Father's Life 10 Years After An Unspeakable Tragedy. It was conducted before a judge[who?] Thomas Bartlett \"Bart\" Whitaker had a loving family that he threw away the night he plotted to have them murdered. I hope so. Abbott also said he took into account that Bart Whitaker voluntarily waived all claims for parole in exchange for a commutation. He was convicted and eventually committed suicide in prison. But how could parents believe such a thing? The overwhelming forgiveness offered by one victim is not of the order of distinctness necessary. Rebecca I love your updates, thank you so much for keeping these updates and these cases alive. Rudy ratted him out, and the law hauled Bart back to the U.S. Trio of convicts. In December 2003, Whitaker's mother Tricia Whitaker, brother Kevin Whitaker, and father Kent Whitaker were ambushed by a masked gunman as they walked in the front door of their Sugar Land home after a night out. Cliff tore out of his house and returned to the Whitakers. But Kent didnt die. 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. At night, when Kent would return home from his job at the Bartlett Construction Company, the couples would congregate out in the front yard and catch up on the days events. This site uses cookies to improve user experience. WebMiraculously, after being shot in the shoulder, Kent Whitaker survived his attacksomething that Bart hadnt anticipated. I dont care how much perps have changed, repent, or are model prisoners: the worst crimes, like his, should mean whole-life because theyve earned the punishment they got (inc Whitaker). 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. What happened? he asked her. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Last-minute reprieve. Bart opening up his graduation gift from his parents on the night of the murders. Related: The Case of Michael Petersona Perfect Husband, or the Staircase Murderer? [citation needed] At trial, it was noted that Whitaker had access to an $80,000trust fund from his grandparents, although he testified that he did not know he could access it. He said testimony from psychiatrists and the familys investigators who [had stated that] Bart was manipulative was disregarded. [37][verification needed][bettersourceneeded], Kent Whitaker, his father and a surviving victim of the crime, wrote the book, Murder by Family: The incredible true story of a son's treachery and a father's forgiveness, which as described by Barry Leibowitz for CBS News is about his "heart-wrenching journey to forgive the nameless stranger" responsible for his wounding, and the "brutal murder of his wife and son", a journey that included his realizing that the murder "had been orchestrated by [his] oldest son Bart". Cliff was very fond of his new neighbors. His mother and brother were murdered, and his father was seriously hurt. Good for you for writing to a condemned prisoner. (Andrew J. Whitaker/The If the answer is wholly or mainly in the negative, that potential mitigation is removed. First published on February 28, 2023 / 5:23 PM. 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. After the dinner ended, the family returned to their home in a wealthy Houston suburb to continue th Along with his second wife, Tanya Youngling, Kent Whitaker visits Bart regularly, speaking to him from behind a glass partition. Texas Gov. Cliff rose up to take a look. Andrew J. Whitaker/The Post And Courier via AP Randolph Murdaugh III, 81, died just three days after the family tragedy, the law firm said. Bart is still one very lucky man. The Stanleys were watching a family show. The dog kennels and hangar at the Murdaugh family property on March 1, 2023, The entrance to the kennels at the Murdaugh family property on March 1, 2023, A bullet hole in the glass of a window at the Murdaugh family property in Islandton on March 1, 2023, The entrance to the house at the Murdaugh family's property in Islandton, March 1, 2023. Write all you want, Bart, but youre a true sociopath just playing all the angles, and youre never, ever getting out. "I don't have an opinion. Help!. He had been the last one to walk into the house; he lagged behind while checking his phone messages. Cliff would later describe it as a death rattle. It was marked by very ragged moaning. Cliff knew that the boy, whom he could finally make out as Kevin, was breathing his final breaths. K: How kind but Im a Brit, so havent a cat in hells chance of being Governator (wasnt that Arnie of California?) Cliff immediately headed in the direction of Kent Whitaker, his own safety not crossing his mind. [2][3] As of September 2021, Whitaker resided in the McConnell Unit in Beeville, Texas. 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. 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. [23], Whitaker's defense team lodged an appeal focused on the purity of drugs used in Texas executions in 20172018. WebThomas Bartlett "Bart" Whitaker had a loving family that he threw away the night he plotted to have them murdered. Theres also the question of what turned Bart Whitaker into a homicidal fiend. WebEvidence shown in Alex Murdaugh's trial for murder shows the Colleton County, South Carolina, property, known as Moselle. Bart Whitaker was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and was sentenced to death. Investigators also found it troubling that a picture of Bart taken at the graduation dinner showed him giving the finger (although Id file that one in the kids like to make obscene gestures, no big deal folder). Bell, Members of the Tx. 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. I respectfully wish to express my agreement with Mr Whitakers scheduled execution next month, which I do with a heavy heart. Austin, Texas 78711-3401 After a tip came in from Barts high school friend claiming that Bart had plotted to kill his family a few years before, the police zeroed in on him as the mastermind behind the attack. Apparently, Barts bloodlust had been brewing for even longer than originally thought. I decided to write to Travis Runnels #999505, who was executed by the state of Texas 11 December. (Andrew J. Whitaker/The Post And Courier via AP, Pool), Flying bug found at Walmart turns out to be rare Jurassic-era insect. The judge has agreed with a defense request to let jurors ride 40 minutes to see the sprawling property. Tall tale. The killers might still be inside their house! She was frightened to tears and was determined that her husband not join the list of fatalities. Chris Brashear pleaded guilty in 2007 and received life with the possibility of parole after 30 years. Cliff darted up from his wounded neighbor and bolted back toward his home. But he arrived to find a real firearm, not a paintball gun, on the scene and four people with one bullet wound each. His lawyer Keith Hampton urged the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to remember the Old Testament story of Cain, who killed his brother but was himself spared by God. Download Savage Son now. Its telling that Bart offered no real excuse for arranging the murder of his family. Patricia was then also shot in the chest, also falling to the floor. You missed something. Im no race or class warrior just concerned. He has pleaded not guilty. 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. While out having a celebratory dinner, no one in his family Parents provided. "Any punishment that I would have or will receive is just, but my dad did nothing wrong. Just hold on tight.. 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. Suddenly Cliff saw his friend lurch sideways and mutter something. His mother Tricia and brother Kevin died in the shootings on 10 Kent has since spearheaded the campaign to save his son from execution. 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