whitaker family murders
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Behind the door was an intruder wielding Kevins gun, and within seconds the family was ambushed. He hired two men to shoot and kill his mother, Tricia, younger brother, Kevin, and father, Kent. 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. This was the first commutation of such a sentence from Abbott, and the first from a Texas Governor since 2007. Mr. Popular. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. I respectfully submit that in terms of what is public knowledge, at least, Mr Whitakers crime should merit execution to respect fairness that those who plead for clemency have nothing substantive to claim. Learn how and when to remove this template message, Learn how and when to remove these template messages, reliable, independent, third-party sources, California State University, Dominguez Hills, Hell Is a Very Small Place: Voices from Solitary Confinement, "Triggerman in SugarLand slayings pleads guilty", "Clemency rare for death row convicts in Texas", "In rare move, Texas Parole Board recommends clemency for death row inmate Thomas Whitaker", "Is Bartlett Whitaker dead or alive? Tricia and Kevin died from their gunshot wounds, but Kent survived. As an NBC account later quoted a Whitaker lawyer: He watched his son Kevin walk into the house, heard the first and fatal shot, and saw his sons fallen body in their darkened home. Cliff and Darlene sat downstairs in the back of their comfortable home, on this particular night. Greg Abbott. I swear I heard a shooting outside.. Brandon Stanley followed directly behind his father. No, it wasnt on this TV, Cliff replied. After all, Bart was graduating from Sam Houston State University with honors. Whitaker is an eloquent, erudite writer, as his essay Hells Kitchen demonstrates, spiced up with smart literary references and quotes. Corey Mitchells true crime book, Savage Son, tells the tragic story of the Whitaker family murders. Forensic Files didnt mention it, but Bart had a prior arrest record for breaking into his high school and stealing computers after which his parents sent him to a private Christian academy, according to the LA Times. In September2005, Whitaker was handed over to U.S. authorities at the border town of Laredo, Texas, where he was arrested for capital murder. (I live nr-ish Rutland ). His mother Tricia and brother Kevin both died. Can it be fair and reasonable that one persons execution is applied because he happens not to have family/friends to lobby for him, a victim not ideologically opposed to execution and/or forgiving, etc but another is spared because he does have such representation and a victim differently-minded? Contact Stephanie K. Baer at stephanie.baer@buzzfeed.com. This episode does not seem to be shown that often, so I really appreciated the reminder of this case and the update. Whitaker had unknowingly forgiven his own son for Cliff made his way toward Kent. 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. Bart was close to 19-year-old Kevin, a college sophomore who looked up to him. He quickly moved back and leaned over Kent to see how he could help. Steve Champagne got out and stayed out. Hipp said that Kent and Tricia had heard about the plot, but didnt take it seriously. [citation needed][43], Whitaker won prizes in PEN America's Prison Writing Program for his essay "Hell's Kitchen",[44][d] Instead, Cliff began to pray. in return for his admission of guilt, and was instead tried for capital murder. [4] He lived there under the false name for over a year. In 2003, Thomas Bart Whitaker plotted the murder of his family. The intellectual capacity to succeed in academics, as Mr Whitaker apparently has, is neither here nor there morally, so would be a quite improper citation to mitigation. Divers recovered it. [14][15][verification needed] The acquaintance who had assisted Whitaker to flee became aware of reward money that had been offered for his arrest,[clarification needed] and communicated Whitaker's whereabouts to the police. But from the outside, his home life and social life seemed near perfect. "So, you're alone in your office, throwing the phone around, taking no measurements, recording nothing over the weekend, and you come in here and testify as an expert as to what the phone would do?" Cliff would later describe it as a death rattle. It was marked by very ragged moaning. Cliff knew that the boy, whom he could finally make out as Kevin, was breathing his final breaths. Marcus, I have never seen such objective view wow. Tanya also accompanied Kent for court proceedings related to Barts fate. Kent, hold on to this. Texas 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, 19, at the the family's suburban home in Houston, Texas, in 2003. He told the police that he would forgive the man who shot his family, not realizing that the man behind it all was his own son. Just how he thought hed get away with it I think underlines his feelings of superiority. The hangar and dog kennels where the bodies of Paul and Maggie were found, pictured on March 1, 2023, A hose in the dog kennels at the Murdaugh family property, March 1, 2023, The dog kennels at the Murdaugh property in Islandton, March 1, 2023. 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. The shooting occurred after Kent and Patricia Whitaker returned home with their sons on December 10, 2003, having been out celebrating Bart Whitaker's college graduation. He helped himself to $7,000 to $10,000 of his dads cash and fled to Mexico with the help of his friend Rudy Rios. And, of course, Mr Whitaker snr cannot properly speak for the three dead victims, only himself. Tricia Whitaker looked up at him, pale and bedraggled, and said, Someone shot us. WebThe tour of the crime scene happened before jurors were to head back to court in Walterboro to hear closing arguments in the closely watched murder trial. The bullet hit Kent nearly six inches from his heart.. Cliff then heard the screech of police sirens. At least citizens should expect and demand consistency within the same state (cf Jeffrey Dillingham in my below post). Visit BetterHelp.com/CREEPERS today to get 10% off your first month.Sources:ArticlesTexas District & County Attorney's Association | A Most Unusual Suspect (Jeff Strange) CBS News | Texas Man Targeted by a Hitman Fights for the Life of the Person Who Ordered the Murder His Son (Peter Van Sant)ABC News | Murder in the Family: 'I Wanted Them Dead' (Harry Phillips & Elissa Stohler)Forensic Files Now | Bart Whitaker: Relative TragedyABC News | 'Murder by Family': Read Shocking ExcerptThe Houston Chronicle | Whitaker Lawyer Attacks Credibility of Witness (Eric Hansen)ABC News | 'Sugar Land' Culprit Made New Life in Mexico (Denise Martinez-Ramundo & Harry Phillips)Wikipedia | Thomas Bartlett WhitakerMedium | The Whitaker Family Murders of Sugar Land, TexasVideoYouTube | 911: The Sugar Land ConspiracyLearn more about your ad choices. And in another twist, mere minutes before Bart was set to executed, he got a call from the governor commuting his sentence instead to life in prison. Theres also the question of what turned Bart Whitaker into a homicidal fiend. Whitakers father, Kent, also was shot in the 2003 plot at the familys suburban Houston home but survived and led the effort to save his son from execution. Patricia was then also shot in the chest, also falling to the floor. Bart didnt specifically refer to any plot, but a phone call recording caught him trying to bribe Adam to keep quiet in return for $20,000. I just fixed it thx for the heads-up! [5][6][a], Whitaker attended Clements High School where in 1997 as a 17-year-old he received a criminal conviction for a series of seven burglaries that he had "meticulous[ly]" planned, leading other young friends in the spree. She was very hopeful, very upbeat and optimistic for [Barts] future.. 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). Another case of perverse justice we could name many is Rae Carruth, whom youve covered. Its telling that Bart offered no real excuse for arranging the murder of his family. Quite the opposite, his parents were kind and generous by all accounts. The couple had two sons, Brandon and Dane, who had gone off to college. He went to get his shotgun. WebBartlett Whitakers trial began in March 2007. Hes probably hoping this is his ticket to salvation, a la Jack Henry Abbott, another eloquent killer. From how the plan was hatched to Barts trial, sentence, and the stunning new development in the case, this book provides all the details. The thought that a man with a gun might still be on the premises did not enter into his consciousness. By continuing to browse, you accept the use of cookies and other technologies. A Young Heir Tries to Hasten His Fortune(Family Interrupted, Forensic Files). The crime deserves severe punishment for the criminals who killed them. Maggie Murdaugh Facebook. (Kent also said he forgave shooter Chris Brashear.). [44], In 2007, Whitaker founded an inmate blog, originally created with the assistance of his father, now maintained by volunteers, entitled Minutes Before Six; it has published his work and trial records, and articles, poetry, and art from inmates held in prisons in the United States. But that is not the question. Cliff darted up from his wounded neighbor and bolted back toward his home. 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. Apparently he skipped a lot of classes, then stopped going entirely, and blew his tuition funds on some form or recreation; its not clear what kind. [11] Brashear, dressed in black (including a ski mask), entered the Whitaker family home, took Kevin's gun and ammunition from a locked box in his room, staged a burglary, and then waited near the front door for the Whitaker family to return home. Red herring. Jekyll and Hyde. I sent this regarding his clemency plea: Gov. WebJune 7, 2021: Margaret "Maggie" Murdaugh and Paul Murdaugh found dead at the family hunting lodge. Cliff was unsure how that person was doing; that is, until he heard a pitiful sound emanating from the victim. When they arrived, Bart remained outside to call his girlfriend while his mother, Trish, his father, Kent, and his brother, Kevin, all went to the front door. Decisions, as in US, were private, but limited information about decisions will be made public. He always thought a lot of the youngest son who had returned from his first semester in college at Texas A&M University. 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 Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. "Manufacturing Anomie"[citation needed] and the essay "A Nothing Would Do as Well". In the meantime, a newspaper reporter discovered that Bart never finished college. While out having a celebratory dinner, no one in his family could've imagined the horror that waited for them when they got back home. Still, in an effort to unnerve the young men, police continually made it clear that they were watching them. Help!. Faithful father. He and Brandon headed for the front door to see if something was going on. There appears little or no question, then, that this was not a fully-considered crime, and, moreover, one that seems to require a peculiar callousness given his relation to the victims. Bart told first responders that he thought the gunman was black, in order to divert suspicion away from Brashear. (Murderers like to tell war stories, whether they happened or not Michael Peterson and John Boyle.). Then, things took a horrifying turn for Kent. Sugar Land had a practically nonexistent murder rate and Kent would later recall that, when he saw the armed intruder, he figured it was one of his kids friends playing a prank with a paintball gun. 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. Im no race or class warrior just concerned. [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. In 2003, Thomas Bart Whitaker plotted the murder of his family. Blueprint for murder. 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. In December 2003, Whitaker's mother Tricia Whitaker, brother Kevin Whitaker, and father Kent Whitaker were ambushed by a masked gunman as they walked in the front door of their Sugar Land home after a night out. I decided to write to Travis Runnels #999505, who was executed by the state of Texas 11 December. On December 10, 2003, the Whitaker family -- dad Kent, mom Tricia, and their sons Bart and Kevin -- arrived home after an On December 10, 2003, the Whitaker family was celebrating the college graduation of their eldest son, Thomas Bartlettknown as Bart, with dinner at a local seafood restaurant. Rios got Bart settled in the town of Cerralvo, where he soon found a girlfriend and got a job at a furniture store owned by her family, according to 48 Hours. Although Texas very rarely commutes to life-imprisonment for capital sentences there are surely more meritorious than his case. You missed something. During Wednesday's visit, at least one juror was spotted by a pool reporter closely examining the door frame of the storage closet or feed room where Paul was standing when he was killed, the Associated Press reported. After the dinner ended, the family returned to their home in a wealthy Houston suburb to continue th [citation needed] The trial began in March 2007, led by prosecutor Fred Felcman. Yes; perps have been executed for less egregious murder. In 2009, the state appeals court found in favor of the appellant on none of these points of law. scheduled closing arguments for the morning of March 5. At it again. Related: Murder in Little Egypt: John Cavaness, the Small-Town Doctor Who Killed His Son in Cold Blood. [18][non-primary source needed], In other early testimony, Steve Champagne described Whitaker recruiting him to be the getaway driver for Whitaker's eventual 2003 plan to murder his immediate family,[11] and his testimony included the detail that Whitaker's gunshot wound was a ploy to make it look like he was a victim, too. One of the problems with clemency is that the decision/reasoning is never in the public domain. Whitakers father insists that he would be victimized again if the state put to death the last remaining member of his immediate family, said Gov. He decided it was best to put down his own weapon; however, he knew he had to do something. Cliff edged forward, closer to Tricia. The Whitaker family was in celebration mode - their oldest son, Thomas "Bart" Whitaker, had just finished his final Especially when it has been said that capital punishment is punishment for them that dont have the capital. Additional factors make the decision more complex.". I also want to get the Early Bird Books newsletter featuring great deals on ebooks. 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. Mr Whitaker premeditatedly arranged the murder of three family members, including his own injury to throw suspicion from him. Good for you for writing to a condemned prisoner. Famously, Norman Mailer corresponded with Abbott, praised his writing talent, helped him snag a book deal, and lobbied for his early release. Convenient scapegoat. He had dropped out of Sam Houston State University as a freshman, and had been lying to his family about being a student there for three years. Directly next door to the Whitakers home on the east side, their relatively new neighbor, Clifton Cliff Stanley, sat in his recliner in his familys living room. I also want to get Early Bird Books newsletter featuring book deals, recommendations, and giveaways. 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. WebBart Whitaker, arranged the murder of his family. Whitaker's father, Kent, was also injured in the attack by the actual gunman, Chris Brashear. Trial The trial against Bart Whitaker began in March 2007 and was held in Fort Bend County. Bart. I argue, therefore, for an objective determination as to punishment that disregards the view of family, friends and even victim(s). / CBS/AP. [12][third-party source needed] Bart then ran inside and staged a struggle with Brashear, getting shot in his left arm to divert suspicion. I don't have the benefit of the materials you have," Crosby said. This page was last edited on 10 February 2023, at 01:00. 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 Then, a buddy of Barts named Adam Hipp came forward five days after the murders and told police that Bart had tried to enlist him to shoot Barts parents two years earlier. Your email address will not be published. Tall tale. He heard Tricias last, wet coughs as Kent himself lay dying from his own gunshot wound. The feed room where Paul Murdaugh's body was found at the Moselle Road property, March 1, 2023. While out having a celebratory dinner, no one in his family *This particularly an awful crime. And thanks Rebecca. Barnhill also noted that Kevins friends considered Bart cool.. Cliff was unable to get to Kevin because Tricia was blocking the entrance to the front door. 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. WebA Father's Life 10 Years After An Unspeakable Tragedy. Apparently, Barts bloodlust had been brewing for even longer than originally thought. Cliff Stanley had not cared about the possibility of a shooter or shooters still hiding out inside the Whitaker home. That factor alone may not warrant commutation for someone like Mr. Whitaker who recruited others to commit murder. Whitaker began in March 2007 and was instead tried for capital sentences there are surely meritorious! Return for his admission of guilt, and the update Texas Governor since.. In his family * this particularly an awful crime sound emanating from the outside, his home life social... The feed room where Paul Murdaugh found dead at the Moselle Road property March. Boy, whom youve covered Manufacturing Anomie '' [ citation needed ] and the update whitaker family murders ebooks! Be on the premises did not enter into his consciousness something was going on close. Outside.. 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Tricia had heard about the possibility of a shooter or shooters still hiding out inside the Whitaker murders!