The Trial Of Alex Murdaugh True Crime Today

Want to listen to all of the content from the True Crime Today and Hidden Killers podcast universe, AD FREE and in ADVANCE?

This is the place to do it!

1) Simply SUBSCRIBE to True Crime Today Premium Plus on Apple Podcasts monthly or yearly, and you're IN!!

2) IMPORTANT; Then, be sure to follow the True Crime Today Premium Plus channel on Apple Podcasts for ALL of the AD FREE and ADVANCE CONTENT. THIS IS A SEPARATE CHANNEL that hosts all of the ALL of the AD FREE and ADVANCE CONTENT.

NOTE: ALL AD-FREE and ADVANCE content will only be posted to the True Crime Today Premium Plus channel on Apple Podcasts. If you subscribe to any of our channels and want the AD-FREE and ADVANCE podcasts, you need to follow the True Crime Today Premium Plus channel to access these premium features.

In this episode of "Hidden Killers With Tony Brueski," guest Eric Faddis, a former felony prosecutor and defense attorney, discusses the recent lawsuit filed by Buster Murdaugh. Buster is suing Warner Media, Netflix, and others for defamatory content linking him to the murder of Stephen Smith. The investigation into Smith's death was reopened during the trial of Buster's father, Alex Murdaugh, due to undisclosed evidence. While Buster has denied any involvement in Smith's murder, public and media speculation persists. Faddis explores the motivations behind Buster's lawsuit, the potential consequences of the legal action, and the complexities of seeking justice for Stephen Smith. They discuss how the discovery process in the lawsuit might uncover new evidence, possibly exonerating Buster or pointing to alternative suspects. Faddis notes the high stakes and risks involved in pursuing such a lawsuit, including the possibility of revealing uncomfortable details about Buster and his family's dealings. The conversation underscores the broader implications of the case and the ongoing quest for truth and justice in the Stephen Smith investigation.

- Buster Murdaugh filed a lawsuit against Warner Media, Netflix, and others for defamatory content.
- Investigation into Stephen Smith's death was reopened during Alex Murdaugh's trial due to new evidence.
- Buster Murdaugh denies any involvement in Stephen Smith's murder.
- Public and media speculation continues to associate Buster with the case.
- The discovery process in the lawsuit might uncover new evidence related to Stephen Smith's death.
- Risks of the lawsuit include potential revelations about Buster and his family's activities.
- The case highlights the complexities of seeking justice for Stephen Smith and the potential impacts on Buster Murdaugh's reputation.

### Hashtags:
#BusterMurdaugh #AlexMurdaugh #StephenSmith #EricFaddis #DefamationLawsuit #JusticeForStephenSmith #TrueCrime
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

In this episode of "Hidden Killers With Tony Brueski," defense attorney Bob Motta discusses Buster Murdaugh's lawsuit against Warner Media, Netflix, and others for accusing him of involvement in the death of Stephen Smith in their documentaries. Motta defends Buster, arguing that he's a victim of his family's dark legacy, particularly his father Alex Murdaugh's crimes. Motta finds the accusations against Buster baseless and likens them to the unfounded allegations against Victoria Heuermann. He suggests that the lawsuit could uncover more information about Stephen Smith's murder through depositions, which provide civil attorneys with greater leeway to question witnesses than criminal investigations. Motta hopes the suit will clear Buster's name and refocus the investigation on finding the true culprit.

- Buster Murdaugh is suing Warner Media, Netflix, and others for accusing him of involvement in Stephen Smith's death.
- Bob Motta argues that Buster is a victim of his father's crimes and the accusations against him are baseless.
- Motta compares the baseless accusations against Buster to those against Victoria Heuermann.
- The lawsuit might aid the investigation into Stephen Smith's murder through depositions.
- Civil attorneys have more leeway in depositions than criminal investigators.
- Motta hopes the lawsuit will clear Buster's name and help find the true culprit behind Stephen Smith's death.

### Hashtags
#BusterMurdaugh #StephenSmith #KarenRead #AlexMurdaugh #HiddenKillers #DefenseDiaries #BobMotta
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Karen Read Trial, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

In the latest episode of "Hidden Killers With Tony Brueski," psychotherapist and author Shavaun Scott discusses Buster Murdaugh's decision to file a lawsuit against WarnerMedia, Netflix, and other entities for their portrayal of him in documentaries related to his father's crimes. Buster, son of disgraced attorney Alex Murdaugh, has been implicated in the murder of Stephen Smith without solid evidence. Scott shares her thoughts on the ethical concerns surrounding Buster's portrayal and the potential impact of the lawsuit. She emphasizes that while Buster's move might bring personal relief, it could also reignite public interest and scrutiny. The conversation touches on the possibility that the lawsuit might lead to new information about Stephen Smith's murder, hoping for justice for the real perpetrator. Scott also speculates on whether Alex Murdaugh might be influencing these decisions from prison, highlighting the ongoing intrigue surrounding the Murdaugh family saga.

**Main Points:**
- Buster Murdaugh is suing WarnerMedia, Netflix, and others for their portrayal of him in documentaries.
- Buster has been implicated in Stephen Smith's murder without substantial evidence.
- Shavaun Scott discusses the ethical concerns of Buster's portrayal and the potential impacts of the lawsuit.
- The lawsuit might bring personal relief to Buster but could also reignite public interest.
- There is hope that the lawsuit might lead to new information about Stephen Smith's murder.
- The discussion speculates on Alex Murdaugh's potential influence from prison.
- The Murdaugh family saga continues to captivate public interest.

**Hashtags:**
#HiddenKillersWithTonyBrueski #ShavaunScott #BusterMurdaugh #AlexMurdaugh #StephenSmith #WarnerMedia #Netflix
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Karen Read Trial, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

In this episode of "Hidden Killers With Tony Brueski," retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke discusses the complexities surrounding the reopened investigation into Stephen Smith's death, which coincided with the high-profile trial of Alex Murdaugh. Buster Murdaugh, who denies any involvement in Smith's death, is now suing Warner Media and other outlets for defamation, claiming the accusations have tarnished his name. Dreeke highlights the concept of "lifestyle leakage," where family behaviors and values impact individuals, suggesting Buster’s actions are influenced by his father's combative nature. The lawsuit may open Pandora's box, potentially revealing more about the Murdaugh family’s dealings. Dreeke points out that while the lawsuit could tarnish Buster’s reputation further, it might also unearth new evidence in Stephen Smith’s case, ultimately aiding the pursuit of justice for his family. The media's credibility and the investigative rigor behind their claims will be crucial as this legal battle unfolds.

- Stephen Smith's case was reopened during Alex Murdaugh's trial.
- Buster Murdaugh denies involvement in Stephen Smith's death and is suing media outlets.
- Robin Dreeke discusses "lifestyle leakage" and how family behaviors influence actions.
- The lawsuit might bring more scrutiny and potentially reveal new information about the Murdaugh family.
- Media credibility and careful reporting are emphasized as critical in such cases.
- The legal battle could impact both Buster Murdaugh and the media outlets involved significantly.
- The lawsuit may help in the ongoing investigation into Stephen Smith's death, potentially offering closure for his family.

### Hashtags:
#HiddenKillers #TonyBrueski #RobinDreeke #AlexMurdaugh #BusterMurdaugh #StephenSmith #TrueCrime
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Buster Murdaugh, son of convicted murderer and fraudster Alex Murdaugh, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery, and several other parties. The suit, lodged in the Court of Common Pleas in Hampton County, South Carolina, claims that the documentaries "Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal," "Murdaugh Murders: A Deadly Dynasty," and "Low Country: The Murdaugh Dynasty" wrongfully implicated him in the 2015 death of 19-year-old Stephen Smith.

The lawsuit, filed last Friday, also names Gannett, the publisher of the Hampton County Guardian, the newspaper’s editor, Michael Dewitt, Jr., and the production companies behind the documentaries. Murdaugh argues that the defendants defamed him by subtly or explicitly suggesting his involvement in Smith's death.

Buster Murdaugh, who testified at his father’s trial regarding the shock of his mother, Margaret “Maggie” Murdaugh, and younger brother, Paul Murdaugh, being shot in June 2021, categorically denied any involvement in Stephen Smith’s death. "I have tried my best to ignore the vicious rumors about my involvement in Stephen Smith’s tragic death that continue to be published in the media as I grieve over the brutal murders of my mother and brother," Buster stated in 2023.

Smith, an openly gay teenager and former classmate of Murdaugh, was found dead from a blow to the forehead, which an independent autopsy confirmed was likely from a hit-and-run. Despite these findings, Murdaugh claims the documentaries falsely portrayed him as Smith’s murderer. The lawsuit highlights a particular 10-minute segment from one series that alluded to Murdaugh as the killer.

Murdaugh's complaint describes the documentaries as containing false statements that suggest he murdered Smith with a baseball bat in an anti-gay hate crime. It also disputes any romantic relationship between Murdaugh and Smith. "These statements are untrue in their entirety," the complaint reads.

Eric Bland, the attorney for Stephen Smith’s family, criticized the lawsuit, predicting it would backfire. Bland noted that the powerful entities named in the suit would likely fight vigorously and might unearth further details damaging to Murdaugh.

"Buster will have to answer questions in a multi-day deposition from every single defendant," Bland said, emphasizing the extensive questioning Murdaugh would face regarding his relationship with Smith and knowledge of his death. Bland also pointed out that Buster’s name appeared multiple times in the investigative file released by the South Carolina Highway Patrol in 2021.

Buster Murdaugh seeks to clear his name of what he calls "baseless," "false," and "defamatory" accusations while offering condolences to Smith’s family. The outcome of this high-profile legal battle remains to be seen.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Karen Read Trial, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com