I am definitely not any sort of legal expert.. but a few thoughts based on my following of the case thus far [all IMO]:
1. I am a firm believer that while Alex may have had some addiction to opioids, a vast majority of any pills found were relative to his and cousin Eddie's drug trade. I am really feeling like this whole 'super-addiction' ($50-60k/week's worth) is clearly more of a cover than any reality.
2. While masterminded by Alex, I am now strongly considering that Alex convinced someone close to him (perhaps cousin Eddie) to assist him in the murders. Eddie was familiar with the property as a handyman. They also have an established relationship, means of communication (hidden from plain sight), plenty of dirt on each other (to say the least). In theory, Alex would continue funneling funds to Eddie and they would both use his connections to evade any long-term repercussions.
As noted in an article (
here), following the so-called suicide attempt, “I wouldn’t advise him to try to set me up,” Smith said. “I’d strongly advise him against that.”
How I see that the murders could've played out:
(a) Eddie snuck around the end/side of the feed room where Paul was and shot him. Didn't matter that Paul's remains sprayed on him, as he was able to flee the scene, and dispose of any DNA evidence as needed.
(b) Alex, walking the property casually with gun in hand (as typical), then shoots Maggie from a longer range. Since it's dark outside at the time and distance affects accuracy, multiple shots were required.
- Eddie vacates the property.
- Alex remains on the property, ensures crime scene aligns with alibi (or so he thinks), etc.
3. While perhaps not sitting as cushy as years prior, Alex definitely has loads of his illegal money stashed and is by no means 'broke'. He's not dumb. Paying people off gets expensive, whether threat/execution of bodily harm is complementary or not. Sucks for anyone he owes money to though, as they will never see a dime once he has run through his remaining, dwindling assets.
4. This upcoming 'jury visit' smells fishy. I hope I'm wrong, but I have a bad feeling that a juror(s) or member of the prosecution is going to be threatened, harmed, blackmailed, or similarly 'persuaded' by Murdaugh & Co. This might also help explain yesterday's odd looks/staredowns/smiles from Murdaugh towards the jury, feeling and knowing in his mind that he'll soon get his way.
I could see it being planned out over this past weekend (including conspiring with the necessary LE personnel and/or court officials) as a last ditch effort, in order to produce either a mistrial or a hung jury.
As per this
article:
"He [
DH] also said law enforcement would escort the jury after Harpootlian alerted him to the presence of intruders at the property, which is about 20 miles from the Colleton County courthouse where Murdaugh's trial is taking place."
If only LE escorts would be a good thing!