WebA Father's Life 10 Years After An Unspeakable Tragedy. Clifton, get out of there! she shouted frantically. Tall tale. Brashear shot Kent, Patricia, and Kevin as they entered the house and then gave Bart his courtesy wound in the arm. WebBart Whitaker was convicted of capital murder for the shooting deaths of his mother, Tricia Whitaker, and his younger brother, Kevin Whitaker, in an attack he devised at the family's She was very hopeful, very upbeat and optimistic for [Barts] future.. Related: Murder in Little Egypt: John Cavaness, the Small-Town Doctor Who Killed His Son in Cold Blood. But that is not the question. Why? Investigators found out that in addition to Barts 2001 and 2003 attempts to eliminate his family, there was at least one prior plot: In 2000, Bart had a couple of his Baylor acquaintances break into the Whitakers home to kill them, but the henchmen fled when an alarm went off, according to an AP account. Cliff immediately headed in the direction of Kent Whitaker, his own safety not crossing his mind. The story takes you 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. He and Brandon headed for the front door to see if something was going on. He hired two men to shoot and kill his mother, Tricia, younger brother, Kevin, and father, Kent. And, of course, Mr Whitaker snr cannot properly speak for the three dead victims, only himself. Tricia and Kevin sustained fatal chest wounds from the Glock pistol. You can text, email, Tweet, or send this link to a friend: http://bit.ly/KillerInstinctPodcastFollow Savannah on IG: @savannahbrymer The authorities also directed Adam Tripp to try to get Bart to admit he planned his familys murder. He had also just finished his last exam, or so he said. Copyright 2023 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Cliff Stanley had not cared about the possibility of a shooter or shooters still hiding out inside the Whitaker home. Besides, he could tell that Kevin was very close to dead. The judge agreed with a defense request to let jurors ride 40 minutes to see the sprawling Colleton County property where the Murdaughs lived. The dad, Kent, survived as did their son, Bart. He heard Tricias last, wet coughs as Kent himself lay dying from his own gunshot wound. Friend starts singing. Download Savage Son now. She was scared. What he did to so many people," Crosby said, bristling. He went through with it even after having two years to think about what his family meant to him following his first attempt to murder them. I cannot comment upon the quantitative status in evaluating his crime that his not being the actual perpetrator should have. Kent and his surviving son were both wounded in the attack. For Bart is still one very lucky man. In a statement, Abbott said that this is the first time he has granted commutation of a death sentence in the three years since he took up the role, allowing 30 executions to occur during the same period. Yes! Thats privileged white Justice. Contact Stephanie K. Baer at stephanie.baer@buzzfeed.com. If the answer is wholly or mainly in the negative, that potential mitigation is removed. Kents head was pointing back toward the Stanley house in an awkward position. A six-day trial ended A defense expert said Riemer failed to shave hair from Paul Murdaugh's wound or X-ray his brain after it was blown from his body to confirm her findings. Chris Brashear pleaded guilty in 2007 and received life with the possibility of parole after 30 years. And I will do my best to uphold my role in the system. Its a very interesting case. Rudy ratted him out, and the law hauled Bart back to the U.S. Trio of convicts. Many thanks, Helen so glad youre enjoying the site! House of horror. Police attempted to arrest her wife, Naria Jenna Whitaker, 33, later that the same day at the couple's home in Marion, Indiana, but Whitaker died by suicide, shooting herself shortly after police arrived, the Outlook reported. Whitaker is an eloquent, erudite writer, as his essay Hells Kitchen demonstrates, spiced up with smart literary references and quotes. Abbott also said he took into account that Bart Whitaker voluntarily waived all claims for parole in exchange for a commutation. Good for you for writing to a condemned prisoner. The state reduced his sentence to life. *This particularly an awful crime. [3][29], Abbott accepted their recommendation and commuted Whitaker's death sentence, noting that Whitaker had "voluntarily and forever waived any and all claims to parole in exchange for a commutation of his sentence from death to life without the possibility of parole." [citation needed][clarification needed], Kent Whitaker had already forgiven his son and his co-conspirators for their parts in the murders (reported on as early as 2007),[20] and had tried at the time of his son's trial, years earlier, to persuade the jury not to deliver a death sentence. He is to be admired. handling of the prosecution's use of a phone recording between Hipp and Whitaker would become an element of the defense's later appeal of the verdict. But what the Whitakers didnt know was that Bart wasnt going to graduate at all. Someone had pried open his gun safe. In 2009, the state appeals court found in favor of the appellant on none of these points of law. I don't have the benefit of the materials you have," Crosby said. Want more true crime books? In 2003, Thomas Bart Whitaker plotted the murder of his family. He told AP: "As the greatest victim in this case, you don't have to convince me how awful this crime was.". They went out to lunch together, had dinner a few times, and even made it out to the theater once on a double date. Cliff turned his attention back to the bleeding Whitaker parents. He took over holding the bloody T-shirt used as a bandage and held it firmly in place. He began to load the shotgun with bullets when his wife stepped in front of him. Cliff and Darlene looked at one another quizzically. 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. Cliff Stanley knew the Whitakers were in for a big weekend. I think you are spot on; especially with the letter you wrote that you posted above. [22][non-primary source needed][21] The appeal was certiorari denied. rested the case for the prosecution in the capital murder trial for Thomas Bartlett Whitaker's role in the deaths of his brother and mother. The defense also used their experts to suggest there were two shooters, based in part on common sense that the victims stopped using their cellphones within seconds of each other. He and his wife, Darlene, had moved into the home just six months earlier. WebGetty. 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). Cliff snapped to and realized that both his wife and Kent were right. [41][needs update]. 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. The Stanleys and Whitakers developed a quick, pleasant friendship. "But you can't walk around with anger.". Something like FF/MD based on UK cases would be very good here (a few of the FF/MD cases have been) but its a sad fact (for the US) that the murder rate is much higher than UK so we might be a bit short of subjects! Only two of the Whitakers would surviveand one was responsible for the shooting. "The reason you did not take X-rays of the brain was you already reached you conclusion," Harpootlian said. Although no one knows whether Barts remorse was genuine, his polite, cooperative behavior behind razor wire impressed the guards so much that several of them wrote letters asking for clemency for Bart, according to the LA Times. Cliff knew he needed to get assistance for Kent and Tricia. [citation needed], On Friday, March 2, 2007, the State of Texas[who?] I also want to get Early Bird Books newsletter featuring book deals, recommendations, and giveaways. Kent then looked up at his neighbor and said, Cliff, they really could be inside there. [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". The kind-hearted Kent Whitaker forgave Bart and fought for years to stave off his looming execution. (Photo: Inside Story) 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 inside for them. I also want to get the Early Bird Books newsletter featuring great deals on ebooks. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. [12][13][pageneeded][third-party source needed] Bart's father Kent survived the shooting in which his wife and son were killed. This was the first commutation of such a sentence from Abbott, and the first from a Texas Governor since 2007. Testimony ended Tuesday in the South Carolina double murder trial of Alex Murdaugh, as the court prepared to bring jurors on The hurting of the innocent in executing their loved ones is one consideration in the legitimacy of capital punishment but it cannot arbitrarily apply to this case and not so many others that it has not done, nor will do. Waking nightmare. I knew about death row on TV whilst watching the mind of a murderer by Dr Michelle Ward. The murders were arranged by Bart Whitaker in an attempt to inherit the family's estate. I swear I heard a shooting outside.. WebThe Mysterious Saga of the Whitaker Family Murders Family Shot in the Chest. "You're angry at him for stealing your money," Harpootlian said. The shooter, Brashear, also was convicted and received life prison sentence. ", Kent Whitaker said he still loves his son despite what occurred, describing him as a changed person. Texas Gov. Your article highlights just what a piece of work Whitaker is. Whitaker's parents had bought him several luxury vehicles. This post is sponsored by Open Road Media. Murdaugh is charged with killing 52-year-old Maggie Murdaugh and 22-year-old Paul Murdaugh near kennels on the property on June 7, 2021. Box 12428 Thanks, Rebecca. Phones bugged. If they pull up, she said in reference to police officers, and they see you with that shotgun, theyll probably shoot you, too. Bart Whitaker, it seems, was born rather than made a sociopath. [22][21] On November 1, 2017, his death warrant was signed, scheduling his execution for February 22, 2018. Famously, Norman Mailer corresponded with Abbott, praised his writing talent, helped him snag a book deal, and lobbied for his early release. He ripped off his T-shirt and placed it on Kents left shoulder. This section needs expansion with: a relatively complete list, in chronological order, of all important works by the title subject, especially those referenced herein, for each giving their complete publication details, including date and publisher of its first appearance. WebThe main house at the Murdaugh family's Moselle Road property in Islandton, South Carolina, on March 1, 2023 Jurors on Wednesday visited the family hunting lodge where Alex This seems to me the only potential mitigation against execution. Yes; perps have been executed for less egregious murder. Tricia Whitaker looked up at him, pale and bedraggled, and said, Someone shot us. Bart Whitaker is currently on death row in the Polunsky Unit, a notorious prison in Texas for the murders. After the dinner ended, the family returned to their home in a wealthy Houston suburb to continue th and a Fort Bend County jury. Cliff edged forward, closer to Tricia. Bring me something so we can bandage Kent up! He waited as long as he could, but his son never came out with anything to staunch the flow of blood. Past posts on this blog have briefly touched on the Whitaker murders and their aftermath, but a deeper dive seems in order. [verification needed] The State of Texas executes by overdosing the condemned with pentobarbital from a compounding pharmacy, and Whitaker's defense lawyers had claimed the state's first two executions of 2018 were botched because of old lethal injection drugs. True Crime Creepers The Whitaker family was in celebration mode - their oldest son, Thomas "Bart" Whitaker, had just finished his final E: governor@state.tx.us, Pending Execution of Offender Thomas Whitaker, TDJC Number: 999522, date of birth: 12/31/1979. Fugitive in $18 million COVID fraud scheme extradited to U.S. There was a light on in the foyer, which provided him with his only illumination. He should have gotten the death penalty and let it fold out as planned. WebThe Whitaker Family Murders True Crime Creepers. Defense attorney Phillip Barber asked if McManigal took any notes or videotaped his experiments. Thats all for this post. Maggie Murdaugh's iPhone was found on the side of the road outside of the property, and the backlight came on nearly two minutes before GPS data showed Alex Murdaugh's SUV pass by. Cliff Stanley worked out of his home, so he became closer to Tricia, who was a stay-at-home mother at the time. WebTexas 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, Only a month after his release, Abbott stabbed and killed a restaurant waiter over a trivial bathroom dispute. A bullet hole is seen from inside of the feed room at the Moselle Road property on March 1, 2023. (Andrew J. Whitaker/The Suddenly Cliff saw his friend lurch sideways and mutter something. Well known that the USs neighbour, Canada, has a much lower rate 1.6 raising the question why. Mr. At least citizens should expect and demand consistency within the same state (cf Jeffrey Dillingham in my below post). This site uses cookies to improve user experience. Thomas Bartlett Whitaker was born on Dec. 31, 1979, to Kent Whitaker, a comptroller for a family-owned construction business, and Patricia, known as Tricia, who gave up a career as an elementary school teacher to stay at home with Bart and his younger brother, Kevin. https://murderpedia.org/male.S/s/severs-roger.htm, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7geqiz8wb7I, The Lindbergh Kidnapping: Forensic Files Lost Episode, Dawn Fehring: A Missionary Dies Too Young, Ron Gillette: An Air Force Man Who Didnt Exactly Aim High. [23], Whitaker's defense team lodged an appeal focused on the purity of drugs used in Texas executions in 20172018. Thanks, Monica so glad you liked the piece! WebBart Whitaker: Relative Tragedy A Young Heir Tries to Hasten His Fortune (Family Interrupted, Forensic Files) Two years before a masked assailant shot them in their own [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. Thanking you for your kind attention and with all good wishes for your work and the difficult and sometimes painful decisions you have to make, The Chairman Austin, Texas 78711-2428 Brd. Kent had expressed how excited he and Trish were to attend Barts graduation that next Saturday, and how proud they were of their son. He had transferred from Baylor University in Waco where an informant tipped off police about Barts aborted plan to kill his family in 2001 to Sam Houston State University. He was convicted and eventually committed suicide in prison. WebThomas Bartlett Whitaker (born December 31, 1979) is an American man convicted under the Texas Law of Parties of murdering two family members as a 24-year-old. Subscribe to the ad-free version here! But how could parents believe such a thing? Gunman Brashear pleaded guilty to murder in 2007 to murder and is currently serving life in prison. [4] His parents funded his academic pursuits. He quickly moved back and leaned over Kent to see how he could help. Cliff bent his head and said a silent prayer for Kevin. 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. "I think his intentions were well, but his methods were flawed," Kinsey said. Before the sentencing phase, both Kent Whitaker and Tricia Whitakers brother asked that Bart be spared the death penalty. Murdaugh is awaiting trial on about 100 other charges including financial crimes. 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. Whitaker's father, Kent, was also injured in the attack by the actual gunman, Chris Brashear. I dont know how much MORE evil you can get (except by torturing them first, maybe?) Know how much MORE evil you can get ( except by torturing them,. Kent to see the sprawling Colleton County property where the Murdaughs lived Bart wasnt to! Took any notes or videotaped his experiments guilty in 2007 to murder and currently... Kinsey said inherit the family 's estate my below post ) yes ; perps have been for... Sentence from abbott, and giveaways Whitakers were in for a big weekend, bristling funded his academic.! 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