The name on every true crime fans’ lips is Murdaugh. The Murdaugh murders are on every news outlet as Alex stands trial for gunning down his wife and youngest son, Paul.
When it comes to the Murdaugh family, things go far beyond just the two deaths, there have been several deaths tied to the powerful Southern family, who have been a legal dynasty in the town of Islandton, South Carolina for nearly a century. People of the small sleepy town have said to several outlets that it’s known that if you cross the family, you just may go missing or have an “accident.”
Now, with the family’s patriarch on trial, people and law officials are finally taking a second look at the deaths that are connected to the family, which includes a family friend killed in a boating accident with Paul driving and the brutal murder of 19-year-old Stephen Smith, a friend of the Murdaugh’s oldest son, who was found dead in the middle of the road in 2015, killed by multiple blows to the head. There’s also the odd death of the family’s housekeeper, Gloria Satterfield, who passed after reportedly falling down the stairs. Let’s not forget the disappearance of Kristin Smart. After all these years, the families of the victims may actually get answers now that Alex no longer has his power and influence.
All of the rumors and cases came to light during the coverage of the murders that took place on June 7, 2021. Alex, a prominent lawyer, called 911 after coming home and finding the body of his wife, who is rumored to have been interested in filling for divorce, and their youngest son, Paul, a party animal with a mean streak, lying dead by the family’s dog kennels, having been gunned down. It wasn’t long before clues led police to charge Alex.
As Alex’s trial now plays out on TV, several documentaries have recently premiered, and we’ve got a list.
- “Murdaugh Murders: Deadly Dynasty (Investigation Discovery / Discovery+)“
This three-part series premiered on Investigation Discovery in June 2022. The first part focuses mostly on the boat crash that claimed the life of Mallory Beach. Part 2 explores the murders of Maggie and Paul, and the final part traces the mounting legal troubles of Alex Murdaugh. The series claims to have a never-before-seen video related to the boat crash.
- “Alex Murdaugh: Death. Deception. Power.” (Oxygen)
Originally released in December 2021, the 90-minute documentary special, hosted by Troy Roberts, looks into the boat crash, the murders, the insurance fraud, and more.
- “Dateline: Murdaugh: Power, Privilege & Scandal” (NBC)
The episode of “Dateline” aired on Oct. 29, 2021. Not only does the e[pisode dive into the murders, but it also looks at the disappearance of Kristin Smart.
- Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal (Netflix)
This limited series takes an in-depth look at the murders, the deaths associated with the family, and more.
Watch the trial of Alex Murdaugh daily live on FOX, Roku, or Court TV.
