[citation needed][43], Whitaker won prizes in PEN America's Prison Writing Program for his essay "Hell's Kitchen",[44][d] Only a month after his release, Abbott stabbed and killed a restaurant waiter over a trivial bathroom dispute. It was difficult to tell if it was actually Kevin or Bart, since it was dark inside the house. Bart. "[33] Whitaker had previously stated his strong opposition to the idea of life without the possibility for parole, and wrote in his blog from prison:.mw-parser-output .templatequote{overflow:hidden;margin:1em 0;padding:0 40px}.mw-parser-output .templatequote .templatequotecite{line-height:1.5em;text-align:left;padding-left:1.6em;margin-top:0}, [Life without parole], however, offends and assaults everything I believe in. Defense attorney Phillip Barber asked if McManigal took any notes or videotaped his experiments. No, it wasnt on this TV, Cliff replied. The seven-member Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles voted unanimously to commute the sentence. He simply understood that his friend was in trouble and needed his help. Whitaker's parents had bought him several luxury vehicles. 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. 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. Hello Helen: Thanks so for your kind remarks and I wholly agree re Rebeccas posts! In his haste to exit the scene, Brashear gathered up Barts cellphone instead of the gun. 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 [11], Whitaker left for Mexico in June2004, using $3000 to persuade an acquaintance to assist him; he assumed the name "Rudy Rios", found work in a furniture shop in Cerralvo, Mexico, developed a relationship with a woman, and concocted a story of service in Afghanistan to explain his gunshot wound. Brashear shot Kent, Patricia, and Kevin as they entered the house and then gave Bart his courtesy wound in the arm. Whitaker provides an account from his perspective as father, "behind-the-scenes", focusing on the time frame from the crime through his son's sentencing, addressing motive, and including portions of his correspondence with his son. [4] He lived there under the false name for over a year. [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. The authorities also directed Adam Tripp to try to get Bart to admit he planned his familys murder. [4], Cooperating with US authorities, Mexican authorities arrested Whitaker without incident under immigration charges. He had also just finished his last exam, or so he said. Then, things took a horrifying turn for Kent. When he walked out of his home, Cliff first looked over in the direction of the Whitakers house. (Sorry if you already have! 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! They were also excited to have their eldest son, Brandon, home from college for the holidays. A series of school robberies got him kicked out of high school, and after that a psychiatrist diagnosed him with delusional paranoid disorder. [38][c] Kent, Cliff called out to his friend. His mother and brother were murdered, and his father was seriously hurt. 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. There was a light on in the foyer, which provided him with his only illumination. ", "The Governor, the father, and the murderer", "Gov. Read on for an excerpt of Savage Son and then download the book. Cliff immediately headed in the direction of Kent Whitaker, his own safety not crossing his mind. Amanda H. Great follow-up story, Rebecca. [26][non-primary source needed] Board Chairman, David G. Gutirrez,[27] also met with Kent Whitaker for a half hour. Compare his with another Texas case that ended in death one in which the perp was encouraged by another to kill her parents (no excuse, but not under his OWN initiative, unlike Whitaker), in which there was no significant, repeated premeditation, unlike of Whitaker, where the initiator the daughter didnt get the death penalty, and where this offender is widely considered to have exhibited genuine remorse: https://murderpedia.org/male.D/d1/dillingham-jeffrey.htm, One lives; one dies. [42] He also contributed[clarification needed] to Hell Is a Very Small Place: Voices from Solitary Confinement. Champagne explained that he staked out the Whitakers at the graduation dinner at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen where Bart enjoyed bread pudding with Congratulations spelled out in chocolate sauce and called Brashear to let him know when the group left the restaurant. [39] These are reported to have been earned while he was on death row. In the meantime, a newspaper reporter discovered that Bart never finished college. Partners in crime. I cannot comment upon the quantitative status in evaluating his crime that his not being the actual perpetrator should have. [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. Office of the Governor I dont know how much MORE evil you can get (except by torturing them first, maybe?) Murdaugh is awaiting trial on about 100 other charges including financial crimes. Cliff Stanley worked out of his home, so he became closer to Tricia, who was a stay-at-home mother at the time. I dont oppose it absolutely (ie, I cant claim it to be unquestionably wrong in cases where there is no question of guilt); but because (i) its unequally applied even between cases of certainty in the same state; (ii) it costs a fortune to execute someone due to necessary legal safeguards money that could be better spent; (iii) it typically takes at least 15 yrs to do it often much longer making it something of a farce; (iv) it harshly punishes the innocent loved ones of the perp, victimising them just as the perps victims loved ones were, it makes little sense. Gunman Brashear pleaded guilty to murder in 2007 to murder and is currently serving life in prison. Unfortunately, he was afraid to move her body in case her blood had already started to clot up; he didnt want to break up the clots and cause her to bleed even more. (Andrew J. Whitaker/The Post And Courier via AP, Pool), Flying bug found at Walmart turns out to be rare Jurassic-era insect. Bart's brother Kevin died within minutes of being shot; his mother Patricia died shortly after the start of her airlift by Life Flight to Memorial Hermann Hospital. Jurors on Wednesday visited the family hunting lodge where Alex Murdaugh's wife, Maggie, and son Paul were killed as prosecutors made their closing arguments in the weekslong murder trial against the South Carolina lawyer.. Judge Clifton Newman ruled earlier this week that the jury would be allowed to visit the scene of the June 2021 killings after But Kent didnt die. You can help by adding to it. Money tangled. Thus, he enjoyed the little time he was able to spend with Kent and Tricia Whitaker. Once the jury leaves, one reporter, photographer and videographer will be able to see the property. Prosecutors have pounded Murdaugh for various inconsistencies and lies, including not saying he was at the kennels the night of the killing when he could be heard heard on video recorded by his son. [47][48] The name of the blog references "the hour at which executions take place in Texas". Want more true crime books? [22][non-primary source needed][21] The appeal was certiorari denied. Thank you for supporting our partners, who make it possible for The Lineup to continue publishing the horror stories you love. The bullet hit Kent nearly six inches from his heart.. He quickly moved back and leaned over Kent to see how he could help. The recommendation of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, and my action on it, ensures Mr. Whitaker will never be released from prison. Download Savage Son now. As Rebecca describes, heres a privileged man who plotted a number of times to murder at least his parents, eventually achieving death for some of his apparently loving family, for money. [2][3] As of September 2021, Whitaker resided in the McConnell Unit in Beeville, Texas. Prosecutors contend Murdaugh thought he was about to get caught stealing and killed Maggie and Paul to buy time to cover up the money trail. While out having a celebratory dinner, no one in his family 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 Along with his second wife, Tanya Youngling, Kent Whitaker visits Bart regularly, speaking to him from behind a glass partition. If it is so considered, my question would be: insofar as there are similar crimes, has this fact materially distinguished execution from life imprisonment in some of those cases? They handed him a death sentence. What a waste. Of course, someone rich enough to post $3m bail can afford good representation, buying relative lenience. Your email address will not be published. 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. [38][13], Whitaker earned an undergraduate degree from Adams State University,[39] and a Master's degree in Humanities from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Harpootlian then asked Crosby if he thought Murdaugh killed his wife and son. Bart, then a wholesome-looking 22-year-old with a Princess Diana complexion, came up with a new plot to wipe out his mother, father, and brother, and get his hands on all of the familys assets, worth $1 million to $1.5 million. If I were Governor I know I would be seeking reasons to offer clemency but I do not think I could find them in this case As an opposer of execution I would have to come to terms with that. The Stanleys and Whitakers developed a quick, pleasant friendship. [16] Randy McDonald, attorney for the defense, rested their case on the same day, without calling witnesses, and the judge[who?] Especially when it has been said that capital punishment is punishment for them that dont have the capital. We did have one murder from the UK on MD/FF have you seen the one about Graham Backhouse? But he arrived to find a real firearm, not a paintball gun, on the scene and four people with one bullet wound each. Abbott added that Bart Whitaker's father, who "passionately opposes" the execution of his son, would be "victimized again" if the state sentenced his last surviving immediate family member to death. Cliff bent his head and said a silent prayer for Kevin. WebThe Murders: On December 10th, 2003, the Whitakers were out celebrating their son Barts graduation at Sam Houston State. It is for this reason that I would never sign for it, even if that were the only way to evade a return to death row. Incredibly, Kent has since forgiven his son for orchestrating the killing of his son Kevin Whitaker and wife Patricia Whitaker, and has even visited him regularly while he was on death row. Instead, Cliff began to pray. I wasnt aware of Runnels until a few days ago, when I saw a news item, looking his case up. The feed room where Paul Murdaugh's body was found at the Moselle Road property, March 1, 2023. But how could parents believe such a thing? WebMiraculously, after being shot in the shoulder, Kent Whitaker survived his attacksomething that Bart hadnt anticipated. Cliff knew his wife was right. Cliff met Tricia the day he and his wife had moved in. I agree with every sentiment, especially family members having the deciding vote as to the Death Penalty or not. WebEvidence shown in Alex Murdaugh's trial for murder shows the Colleton County, South Carolina, property, known as Moselle. Brandon walked down the steps and insisted, Then its outside. She was very hopeful, very upbeat and optimistic for [Barts] future.. Instead, he returned back to the Whitakers front porch and attempted to comfort Kent. Tanya also accompanied Kent for court proceedings related to Barts fate. ", Kent Whitaker said he still loves his son despite what occurred, describing him as a changed person. The couple relaxed and watched television. It irrevocably denies any possibility of rehabilitation; it eviscerates hope entirely. As he came upon him, Cliff looked up and saw Tricia directly in front of the entryway to the house, about six feet away from Kent. Related: When Murder Runs in the Family: Frances Schreuder and the Killing of Franklin Bradshaw, Cliffs job as a vice president of a regional insurance marketing company was quite demanding and kept him very busy. WebUpdated on: February 28, 2023 / 7:05 PM / CBS/AP. Related: 46 Gripping True Crime Books from the Last 54 Years. v. Oliver J. But that is not the question. 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. Thanks Rebecca I love the way you write, and its great that you can follow-up on some of the information that we cant access in the UK (I always try to google what happened to people in the programme). She was moaning in pain, but still conscious. Brashear shot Kevin once through his chest, and Kevin fell to the floor. He also paid someone to drive the getaway car for the assailant, while Bart would stay on the scene and pretend as though he had fought the intruder off himself. 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. This week, Savannah details how Bart hired a hitman to kill his family as soon as they set foot inside, how he was found out, and the miraculous survival of his father, Kent Whitaker. If it is to make a difference there must be distinct characteristics of this case, which I cannot discern. [8]:Ch.53[pageneeded] Whitaker denied prosecution claims regarding the insurance profit motive, arguing that the only life insurance policy the family had was for $50,000 on his father's life. Two years before a masked assailant shot them in their own house, Kent and Patricia Whitaker found out that their son had formulated a plan to kill them. Your article highlights just what a piece of work Whitaker is. I respectfully wish to express my agreement with Mr Whitakers scheduled execution next month, which I do with a heavy heart. Are you okay?, Im bleeding, Cliff, Kent cried out much louder. Texas Gov. Bart told first responders that he thought the gunman was black, in order to divert suspicion away from Brashear. Sack of evidence. WebGetty. Bart Whitaker was eventually arrested in Mexico and accused of arranging the plot to inherite the family estate, which he estimated to be worth more than $1 million. 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. [46] Scholarly attention has been directed toward this PEN program, noting that while PEN was an esteemed human rights organization known for the defense of free speech rights, in particular of persecuted writers, the Prison Writing Program presented a distinct agenda, namely in a "[belief] in the restorative and rehabilitative power of writing." True Crime Creepers The Whitaker family was in celebration mode - their oldest son, Thomas "Bart" Whitaker, had just finished his final Cliff darted up from his wounded neighbor and bolted back toward his home. Hipp said that Kent and Tricia had heard about the plot, but didnt take it seriously. They went out to lunch together, had dinner a few times, and even made it out to the theater once on a double date. Greg Abbott has chosen to commute the execution of the Sugar Land man convicted in the 2003 murders of his mother and brother. Cliff could sense that she was going downhill rapidly. Kent spent lots of time with his sons. Why? 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. What he did to so many people," Crosby said, bristling. If they pull up, she said in reference to police officers, and they see you with that shotgun, theyll probably shoot you, too. It seemed as if there was nothing he could do for his friends. Finally, a year and a half after the shootings, Champagne admitted that Bart hired him to help kill his family. This was the first commutation of such a sentence from Abbott, and the first from a Texas Governor since 2007. Just how he thought hed get away with it I think underlines his feelings of superiority. With that penalty at stake, we must be concerned that justice really is so as much as reasonably possible. 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