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Oct 2023
6m 36s

Are Alex Murdaugh's Attorneys TOO CLOSE ...

True Crime Today
About this episode
Do the recent actions of Alex Murdaugh's defense team reveal a genuine desire to help victims, or is it just another strategic ploy? This topic has recently been explored on the podcast "Hidden Killers" with Tony Brueski and guest psychotherapist and author Shavaun Scott.
 
 Recently, Murdaugh's defense attorneys have sought the federal government's intervention to manage his assets. Given that these assets were set to be distributed to the victims and their families, this move is interesting, to say the least. The defense team suggests that handing over control to the government would ensure the victims receive their dues without third-party fees. This would bypass the originally intended company, Lay and McCoy, and save several hundred thousand dollars. Brueski pointed out the possible ulterior motives, stating, "This could go either way. Either they're really trying to be... Frugal with the money, or they're trying to put another roadblock up."
 
 Scott, the psychotherapist, was skeptical about the defense team's true intentions. "It's hard to assign a motive of altruism on that side at all," she said. One theory proposed by Brueski is the defense team's attempt to repaint Murdaugh's image in a positive light in anticipation of a possible new murder trial. The acts of 'good deeds' might be utilized to present a reformed image of Murdaugh in the court of public opinion.
 
 The podcast went on to discuss the peculiar relationship between Murdaugh and his defense attorneys, Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin. When asked if they'd represent Murdaugh for free in a potential new murder trial, the response was affirmative. This has led many to speculate whether a significant advance payment might've been made or if their ongoing loyalty is a product of an "odd enmeshment", as Scott described it. Brueski added, "It's they're all good old boys. All part of that club."
 
 Scott found the close relationship puzzling, considering Murdaugh's stained history. "He's still such a sleazy, creepy guy. He has caused so much harm and hurt so many people." The defense team's unwavering support, despite the overwhelming evidence of Murdaugh's wrongdoings, raises questions about their professional judgment. Do personal relationships blur the lines between professional obligations and personal feelings?
 
 Brueski contemplated the role personal belief might play in a defense attorney's representation. Does an attorney's belief in their client's innocence make them more effective? "If you already have made up your mind early on because of that personal relationship, does that make you a better representative of your client?" he wondered.
 
 Scott found it challenging to understand why an upright individual would choose to be closely associated with someone like Murdaugh, given the extensive evidence of his malevolent actions. Brueski, while acknowledging the vital role of defense attorneys, highlighted the compartmentalization necessary for their profession. The duo concluded that it's quite baffling how Murdaugh's defense team seems ready and eager to represent him again, given the complications of the trial.
 
 In the shadowy world of legal battles, the line between genuine intent and strategic maneuvering often blurs. With Murdaugh's case, as the layers peel back, one has to wonder: Are his attorneys genuinely convinced of his innocence, or is their support part of a larger strategic play?
 
 So, as this saga continues to unravel, we are left with one pressing question: When it comes to the intricate dance of legal defense, where does strategy end and personal belief begin?
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