We’re back after lunch. Defense attorney Dick Harpootlian rises to object to Waters calling his next witness, Tony Satterfield. Harpootlian says the presentation of one of Murdaugh’s financial witnesses is more prejudicial than useful.
Harpootlian says Murdaugh’s thefts have already been documented in evidence, so this is beating a dead horse.
Waters argues Satterfield shows a different kind of theft and is worth including. Waters says he has texts in April 2021 in which Murdaugh assured Satterfield they are working hard on his mother’s case and everything is fine.
Satterfield called Murdaugh on 6/22/21 to ask about his mother's case, two weeks after the slayings, Waters says. Satterfield said in his previous testimony he couldn't remember exactly when he made that call.
Harpootlian makes the case that the Satterfield issue didn't contribute to the alleged motive since the call didn't come before 6/7/21.
Harpootlian: The financial crimes were admitted to prove motive. Nothing here establishes that Alex Murdaugh had reason to murder his wife and son. No “immediacy.” “The only call between these folks began on June 22, two weeks after the murders.”
Harpootlian: “This is a murder trial, not a financial fraud trial.”
Judge Newman: “This testimony is consistent with the state’s theory of the defendant being in a frantic state, seeking to avoid disclosure of these financial crimes and thefts.” He denies Harpootlian's motion to exclude Tony Satterfield's testimony.
Harpootlian argues one last time that Satterfield's call to Murdaugh didn't come until two weeks after the slayings, so it couldn't have contributed to Murdaugh's concern he was about to be exposed.
Newman says he understands. But this is a huge theft and Murdaugh could have been worried about its exposure.
Satterfield testifies about how Murdaugh spoke with him after his mother's funeral and told him he would bring a legal claim against his own insurance providers for Satterfield and his brother's benefit.
Satterfield then explains how Murdaugh essentially handled the case, even though he was the defendant.
Prosecutor Waters has Tony Satterfield read a text conversation he had with Murdaugh on April 12, 2021. Murdaugh texted Tony to check in, saying he was working a case that reminded him of Tony. Tony responded he was doing well. He asked about his mother's case.
Murdaugh to Tony: “Finally getting some movement. Still a ways to go. Doing good. Was just thinking about and thought I’d check in. ... See you soon.” By then, Gloria's case had produced two settlements worth $4.3M. Murdaugh stole $3.4M of it. Tony to Murdaugh: “Cool. Thanks.”
Satterfield testifies that Murdaugh told him his goal was to recover $100,000 for each of Satterfield’s two sons from the insurance case. But then Murdaugh never told him when the case settled for $4.3M. Waters: “At any time, did he ever pay you one penny?” Satterfield: “No.”
Waters finishes his questioning of Tony Satterfield: Why did you agree to Murdaugh’s plan to sue himself? Satterfield: “Because I trusted him.”
Harpootlian on cross-examination asks Satterfield if he ever called lawyer Cory Fleming or banker Chad Westendorf to ask about his case. Satterfield says no.
Harpootlian notes that the Satterfields hired attorneys Eric Bland and Ronnie Richter and got $6.5 million from their case against Murdaugh and other defendants. Harpootlian: “So you have been made more than whole for that loss?” Satterfield: “Yes.”
Harpootlian also establishes that Satterfield never confronted Murdaugh about any stolen money before 6/7/21, the date of the murders.
The state's 42nd witness is Jan Malinowski, CEO of Palmetto State Bank. He testified earlier in this case with the jury excused about Murdaugh's massive debts and overdrafts. He said the bank would have cut Murdaugh off if it found out earlier that he was stealing from clients.
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