Day 22 - February 24, 2023

Creighton Waters completed his cross-examination of Alex Murdaugh by addressing his growing thefts and financial pressure, opioid use, changing account of June 7, and history of deception. Murdaugh acknowledged that law enforcement, his partners, and his friends first heard him admit his presence at the kennels during his trial testimony. Waters used phone, vehicle, GPS, and cell-tower records to challenge Murdaugh's account of leaving the kennels, returning to the house, traveling to Almeda, and calling 911. He alleged that Murdaugh made calls to create an alibi and later tried to influence Shelley Smith and Blanca Turrubiate-Simpson; Murdaugh denied those allegations and offered separate explanations for the conversations. Outside the jury's presence, the defense moved to strike questions about Murdaugh's earlier failure to disclose his kennel account and requested a curative instruction under Doyle v. Ohio. The court found no violation because Murdaugh had voluntarily spoken with investigators and acknowledged making false statements, and it denied both requests. On redirect, Murdaugh attributed repeated lies and concealed conduct to his opioid addiction, testified that more than $500,000 paid to Curtis Eddie Smith was for pills, and denied possessing Maggie's phone. He maintained that his phone, Maggie's phone, and his vehicle were never together, reaffirmed that the roadside shooting was intended to cause his own death, and denied hurting Maggie or Paul. On recross, Waters again challenged the addiction explanation and alleged alibi; Murdaugh acknowledged that some June 7 statements were wrong but denied manufacturing an alibi. The court then discussed tentative scheduling for the remaining witnesses, reply evidence, closing arguments, and jury charges.