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. Rudy ratted him out, and the law hauled Bart back to the U.S. Trio of convicts. Cliff darted up from his wounded neighbor and bolted back toward his home. Whatever awful things weve done, kindness and mercy in the form of showing this man that he isnt forgotten while he contemplates that most terrible of punishments, is always right. [16] Evidence was presented that Whitaker had recruited two individuals, Steve Champagne and Chris Brashear, ages24 and 25 at the time of the 2007 trial, respectively,[16][11] Champagne to be the getaway car driver and Brashear to carry out the shootings in Whitaker's plan to murder his immediate family. Police attempted to arrest her wife, Naria Jenna Whitaker, 33, later that the same day at the couple's home in Marion, Indiana, but Whitaker died by suicide, shooting herself shortly after police arrived, the Outlook reported. On Tuesday, Murdaugh's former law partner Ronnie Crosby had a testy exchange with defense attorney Dick Harpootlian as prosecutors got a chance to reply to the defense's case, including by rebutting their experts who suggested two different shooters killed Murdaugh's wife and son with two different weapons. WebTexas 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, Murdaugh is awaiting trial on about 100 other charges including financial crimes. Abbott also said he took into account that Bart Whitaker voluntarily waived all claims for parole in exchange for a commutation. Austin, Texas 78711-3401 The system worked for him today. [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. [citation needed] For the latter, he appears to have presented a thesis in partial fulfillment of the degree, entitled "Who Fears Hell Runs Toward It", in summer2018. As the family started filing into their home, a masked intruder inside began shooting them one by one.This podcast is sponsored by BETTER HELP! [44] Ira Wells, in particular, points to Whitaker's participation in the program to exemplify the questions, declaring Whitaker's prison writing powerful in its ability to "shock readers into a sensory appreciation of the radical strangeness of [his] life lived". Why? Police first checked out Adam Hipp himself as a suspect, but he had an alibi for the night of the shooting. Jekyll and Hyde. In 2009, the state appeals court found in favor of the appellant on none of these points of law. Over here in the UK, CBS Reality shows these episodes as Medical Detectives, and seem to show the same ones quite regularly. Barber said. The authorities also directed Adam Tripp to try to get Bart to admit he planned his familys murder. Gunman Brashear pleaded guilty to murder in 2007 to murder and is currently serving life in prison. I consider it profoundly wrong that the victim may determine the difference between life (imprisonment) and death, as if the law is not a public entity, answerable to the many, as consistent, proportionate and impartial, not an indirect instrument for the vagaries of passions: anger, revenge, mercy, forgiveness, etc. [citation needed], On Friday, March 2, 2007, the State of Texas[who?] The Whitaker family was in celebration mode - their oldest son, Thomas "Bart" Whitaker, had just finished his final exam at Sam Houston State University, he'd soon be walking the stage, and his parents, Tricia and Kent, and brother, Kevin, were so excited for him. 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. As far as an epilogue on Barts accomplices, Chris Alan Brashear occupies a cell in the Eastham Unit and will reach parole eligibility in 2035, when hes 53. Amanda H. Great follow-up story, Rebecca. But investigators couldnt help but notice that the drawers were all neatly pulled out to the exact same length and nothing had been removed from them. But instead of fleeing, Cliff decided he needed some protection of his own. 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. When he walked out of his home, Cliff first looked over in the direction of the Whitakers house. He heard Tricias last, wet coughs as Kent himself lay dying from his own gunshot wound. 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. WebGetty. It was difficult to tell if it was actually Kevin or Bart, since it was dark inside the house. He went to get his shotgun. First published on February 28, 2023 / 5:23 PM. 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. Good for you for writing to a condemned prisoner. ", "The Governor, the father, and the murderer", "Gov. From how the plan was hatched to Barts trial, sentence, and the stunning new development in the case, this book provides all the details. It sounds like his parents were wonderful and he had all the trappings of a nice life. Homicide detective Marshall Slot, who appeared on both Forensic Files and the 20/20 episode about the murders, recalled that he thought the operator was joking when she said a shooting of four people had taken place in Sugar Land. Cliff met Tricia the day he and his wife had moved in. At it again. Cliff made his way toward Kent. If the answer is wholly or mainly in the negative, that potential mitigation is removed. Austin, Texas 78711-2428 Testimony ended Tuesday in the South Carolina double murder trial of Alex Murdaugh, as the court prepared to bring jurors on We can agree. [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. Police believe that while the Whitakers were out celebrating, Brashear entered the house, pried open the safe, and made an attempt at giving the master bedroom a ransacked look. I swear I heard a shooting outside.. Cliff and Darlene looked at one another quizzically. He shouldve got life for murder and causing severe, permanent harm to his unborn child but served just 18 years. 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. The story takes you through the sequence of events from the moment the family return home from a celebratory meal, through the shooting and the eventual trial of his one remaining son. Tricia Whitaker continued to moan in agony. When asked about the race of the assailant he said, Maybe black I dont know.. "You're trying to take me somewhere you probably don't want to," Crosby said, starting a tense exchange between the attorneys. Want more true crime books? The judge has agreed with a defense request to let jurors ride 40 minutes to see the sprawling property. [9][4] He had lied to his parents about his continued status in college; varying reports had him dropping out of SHSU months before,[10] or being present there as a freshman on academic probation. And finally, I checked into where Barts young accomplices are today. Defense attorneys asked that the jury be able to visit the scene of the killings to help them understand how small the storage room is where Paul Murdaugh was killed and the distance between the two bodies. I am writing as a member of the public with no connection to the above, his relatives, or his crime. Abbott, a Republican in the U.S. state which carries out the most capital punishments, had a choice to reject or accept the board's vote. The Whitakers cash, jewelry, and computer equipment remained untouched. Abbott ruled that Bart Whitaker will now spend the rest of his life in jail for the "heinous crime". [4][11], Chris Brashear received a life sentence with the possibility of parole after 30 years for his role in the murders, in a plea bargain worked out with prosecutors; Steven Champagne received 15 years after serving as the main witness for the prosecution. And you are quite right Whitaker had at least two (that we know of) tries; so how doing well in prison makes people seem better is unbelievable. 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. Before the sentencing phase, both Kent Whitaker and Tricia Whitakers brother asked that Bart be spared the death penalty. Thank God Bart is behind bars now, where he can be as lazy as the Texas prison system will allow and the rest of us are safe from him. 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. Prosecutors have argued that Alex killed his wife and son to deflect attention and engender sympathy as a series of legal and financial troubles were about to explode. Decisions, as in US, were private, but limited information about decisions will be made public. As if, for me, the death penalty isnt capricious enough, cases like this make an utter tragic farce of it. "The reason you did not take X-rays of the brain was you already reached you conclusion," Harpootlian said. Tall tale. Please enter valid email address to continue. 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. Rebecca I couldnt find it, but it would be great if you reviewed it! Cliff Stanley knew the Whitakers were in for a big weekend. After all, Bart was graduating from Sam Houston State University with honors. He said testimony from psychiatrists and the familys investigators who [had stated that] Bart was manipulative was disregarded. 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. Bart. On March 8, 2007, after deliberating for two hours, a jury found Bart Whitaker guilty of murder. I also want to get Early Bird Books newsletter featuring book deals, recommendations, and giveaways. (Photo: Inside Story) On December 10, 2003 the entire Whitaker family Kent, his wife Tricia, and sons Bart and Kevin were gunned down inside their home in Sugarland, Texas, by a masked man who had been waiting inside for them. 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, Alex Murdaughs Ego Pushed Him To Kill His Family Rather Than Lose His Good Reputation, Prosecutors Said During Closing Arguments, I Knew Something Bad Was Going On: Alex Murdaughs Brother Described The Phone Call He Got On The Night Of The Murders, Alex Murdaugh Was Days Away From Unraveling Because Of A Boat Crash Lawsuit, But The Killings Of His Wife And Son Changed Everything, Alex Murdaugh Sobbed As Jurors Saw A Snapchat Video From His Son Allegedly Placing Him At The Scene Of The Murders. 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. Perhaps it should, and has. I am South African. You can watch the entire 48 Hours episode about the case online on a CBS news site. Box 13401 [4][5], Thomas Bartlett Whitaker was born on December31, 1979, to father Kent, the comptroller of a construction company, and mother Patricia (Trish), an elementary school teacher. 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. Whitaker was Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. [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. [8]:ch.50[pageneeded], On December 10, 2003, Thomas Bartlett "Bart" Whitaker falsely told his family that he had just taken his final university exams and would soon be graduating from SHSU. Mr Whitaker premeditatedly arranged the murder of three family members, including his own injury to throw suspicion from him. I dont know how much MORE evil you can get (except by torturing them first, maybe?) Bring me something so we can bandage Kent up! He waited as long as he could, but his son never came out with anything to staunch the flow of blood. That factor alone may not warrant commutation for someone like Mr. Whitaker who recruited others to commit murder. of Texas but thanks all the same! Kent then looked up at his neighbor and said, Cliff, they really could be inside there. And thanks Rebecca. The laudable desire to hear the victim must not become a means of outcome determination of the magnitude of life and death. Stephanie Baer is a reporter with BuzzFeed News and is based in the San Francisco Bay Area. The field trip came as prosecutors made their closing arguments in the weekslong trial where Alex Murdaugh stands accused of murdering his wife, Maggie, and son Paul. Somethings going on outside. Read on for an excerpt of Savage Son and then download the book. I wasnt aware of Runnels until a few days ago, when I saw a news item, looking his case up. Sign up for The Lineup's newsletter and get our recommended reads delivered straight to your inbox. 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. "I think his intentions were well, but his methods were flawed," Kinsey said. WebThe Whitaker Family Murders True Crime Creepers. [31][non-primary source needed][32][non-primary source needed], Whitaker responded to the commutation of his sentence by saying, "I am thankful for this decision, not for me but for my dad. Kent had expressed how excited he and Trish were to attend Barts graduation that next Saturday, and how proud they were of their son. Was that on the TV? Brandon asked his parents. Related: 32 Most Horrifying Serial Killer Books. If it is to make a difference there must be distinct characteristics of this case, which I cannot discern. While out having a celebratory dinner, no one in his family Past posts on this blog have briefly touched on the Whitaker murders and their aftermath, but a deeper dive seems in order. He was having a relaxing evening watching television. 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. [16] Hipp, who admitted on cross-examination that his participation in Whitaker's schemes had been "motivated by money" police testified that Whitaker stood to inherit the family estate, valued at $1million further testified that in December2000, prior to the murders of which he stood accused, Whitaker had made another preempted plan, this time to "ambush his parents and brother as they entered their home after a dinner outing", a plan noted by the Houston Chronicle to be "virtually identical to the one [Champagne would soon testify] was actually carried out three years later. Especially when it has been said that capital punishment is punishment for them that dont have the capital. Its a very interesting case. "I don't have an opinion. Your email address will not be published. "But you can't walk around with anger.". Related: 46 Gripping True Crime Books from the Last 54 Years. Police initially thought they had a suspect in an armed robber who struck a different house soon after the Whitaker attack, but bloodhounds didnt pick up his scent at the Whitakers. Both victims appeared to be surprised with their hands down. Cliff immediately headed in the direction of Kent Whitaker, his own safety not crossing his mind. Suddenly Cliff saw his friend lurch sideways and mutter something. Chris Brashear pleaded guilty in 2007 and received life with the possibility of parole after 30 years. [12][verification needed][third-party source needed] The trial had lasted six days in total; the "jury deliberat[ed] for 2hours, and sentenced Whitaker to death". Kent, hold on to this. WebThomas Bartlett "Bart" Whitaker had a loving family that he threw away the night he plotted to have them murdered. Kent was also hit in the upper body but survived, and Bart escaped with a wound to his upper arm. "The decision of the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles is supported by the totality of circumstances in this case. It turned out the gun was registered to Kevin Whitaker. Prosecutors also called back to the stand the pathologist who did the autopsies on the victims and their expert who studied the crime scene. WebBartlett Whitakers trial began in March 2007. Mr. Popular. Kents head was pointing back toward the Stanley house in an awkward position. But Kent didnt die. Sack of evidence. "I have had anger with him, extreme anger, Mr. Harpootlian, because what he did with my law firm, my partners, his clients, our clients what he did to his family. Whitaker, 38, planned the murders of his family with his roommate, Chris Brashear, who shot the murder victims and Whitakers father, Kent, as they all came home from dinner one evening. I just fixed it thx for the heads-up! He needed to get the hell out of there. But his state, California,has an unofficial moratorium on execution which is absurd when the State still sentences to death. Yes; perps have been executed for less egregious murder. He told the police that he would forgive the man who shot his Cliff was very fond of his new neighbors. Partners in crime. What the hell has his being a model prisoner/remorseful/forgiven by the surviving victim (would those who didnt?) Download Savage Son now. The Stanleys and Whitakers developed a quick, pleasant friendship. He had transferred from Baylor University in Waco where an informant tipped off police about Barts aborted plan to kill his family in 2001 to Sam Houston State 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 A six-day trial ended Cliff knew his wife was right. Behind the door was an intruder wielding Kevins gun, and within seconds the family was ambushed. https://murderpedia.org/male.S/s/severs-roger.htm (dont know the FF title). He attempted to murder them several times before. Hes probably hoping this is his ticket to salvation, a la Jack Henry Abbott, another eloquent killer. Examples of the prison writing of the title subject, with dates of their first publication, include: On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [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. Instead, Cliff began to pray. So why did Bart kill the people he supposedly loved? I decided to write to Travis Runnels #999505, who was executed by the state of Texas 11 December. [40][non-primary source needed] The masters thesis has been subject of some controversy, as someone appears to have offered it as a book for sale (see also below). 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. https://murderpedia.org/male.S/s/severs-roger.htm, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7geqiz8wb7I, The Lindbergh Kidnapping: Forensic Files Lost Episode, Dawn Fehring: A Missionary Dies Too Young, Ron Gillette: An Air Force Man Who Didnt Exactly Aim High. He went inside, determined to find his weapon, which he did. Newman cautioned jurors that the property, which no one has lived at in over a year, would look different today than it did at the time of the killings. [12][third-party source needed] Upon returning home, but before entering the house, Bart said that he needed to collect his cell phone from his parked Yukon[clarification needed], knowing that Brashear was armed and waiting inside to kill his family. He and Brandon headed for the front door to see if something was going on. Bart needed a way to ensure his family didn't attend that graduation. Cliff rose up to take a look. Champagne led police to the spot where he and Brashear threw a bag with the murder evidence into Lake Conroe. Part of the problem is parole boards dont justify their reasoning/decisions to the public (knowing theyd be controversial) but its the public they are answerable to, just as justice in general is, as all such agencies operate with the permission of the public, ultimately (who pay for it all). Cliff Stanley worked out of his home, so he became closer to Tricia, who was a stay-at-home mother at the time. Bart is still one very lucky man. The story takes you 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. And I will do my best to uphold my role in the system. After the dinner ended, the family returned to their home in a wealthy Houston suburb to continue the celebration. [16][18] At the trial, Hipp stated that he had contacted the SugarLand Police Department with information about previous plots after he heard about the Whitaker family murders 2003; he was given immunity from prosecution in exchange for testifying for the prosecution against Whitaker. McManigal said he tested a similar iPhone in his office last week and determined the backlight comes on with a gentle movement, but not as often with a violet movement. Steve Champagne got 15 years in exchange for testifying against Brashear and Bart. He looked at Kent and asked, What happened?, Kent looked at his friend with pleading eyes and reiterated, Im bleeding, Cliff.. Maggie Murdaugh Facebook. Okay, buddy. 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. The whole scenario took less than ten minutes. It was conducted before a judge[who?] I respectfully wish to express my agreement with Mr Whitakers scheduled execution next month, which I do with a heavy heart. Famously, Norman Mailer corresponded with Abbott, praised his writing talent, helped him snag a book deal, and lobbied for his early release. Barnhill also noted that Kevins friends considered Bart cool.. This must change. Divers recovered it. The dad, Kent, survived as did their son, Bart. You missed something. 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. Cliff could sense that she was going downhill rapidly. Where is he now? The unfurling of this sons web of lies led him to hatch a devious murder plot. A neighbor named Cliff Stanley raced onto the scene and used his own T-shirt to stanch Kents bleeding bullet wound. He always thought a lot of the youngest son who had returned from his first semester in college at Texas A&M University. They were also excited to have their eldest son, Brandon, home from college for the holidays. But what the Whitakers didnt know was that Bart wasnt going to graduate at all. described a first Whitaker plan to set a lake house owned by his grandmother on fire "to kill his parents, brother and other relatives", a plan that never went beyond discussions, but one that included a ruse as an element the defendant's "com[ing] out of the blaze with burns so that it would appear he had narrowly escaped". WebMurder by Family chronicles Thomas Bartlett Whitaker 's attempts to have a hitman murder his parents and brother. [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." Texasll probably be the last to lose it if it does! During her teaching days, Tricia was known for her kind and fun-loving approach to her job, according to friends who appeared on 20/20. She was moaning in pain, but still conscious. Still, in an effort to unnerve the young men, police continually made it clear that they were watching them. It will keep the blood from rushing out too fast, he ordered. 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. [49][bettersourceneeded][6], As of 2019, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice was investigating a report that Whitaker's masters thesis was being offered for sale, online. Kent rushed in and was shot in the shoulder with the bullet shattering his humerus. WebEvidence shown in Alex Murdaugh's trial for murder shows the Colleton County, South Carolina, property, known as Moselle. Cliff edged forward, closer to Tricia. Finally, as to the question of what turned Bart into such a callous and motivated killer, no mention of any type of abuse or trauma came up. "Manufacturing Anomie"[citation needed] and the essay "A Nothing Would Do as Well". WebJurors in the trial of accused killer Alex Murdaughs toured Moselle, the family property where prosecutors say the 54-year-old former lawyer gunned down his wife and son in 2021. Just hang in there. of Criminal Justice, John Whitmire, David J. Callender, M.D., Governor Rick Perry, et al. Red herring. [12][third-party source needed] Bart then ran inside and staged a struggle with Brashear, getting shot in his left arm to divert suspicion. He and his wife, Darlene, had moved into the home just six months earlier. Contact Stephanie K. Baer at stephanie.baer@buzzfeed.com. In the meantime, a newspaper reporter discovered that Bart never finished college. According to evidence presented at trial, the mother and son were fatally shot at the dog kennels on the property, and a Snapchat video Paul recorded at the kennels placed Alex at the scene shortly before the killings. The defense expert suggested a blast with the weapon's barrel would have stunned the shooter with bone fragments, blood and other gore, delaying the time the shooter could have gone after Maggie Murdaugh. Be distinct characteristics of this sons web of lies led him to hatch a devious murder plot semester college! To tell if it whitaker family murders to make a difference there must be distinct of... Conducted before a judge [ who? the victims and their expert who studied the crime.. Crime scene a defense request to let jurors ride 40 minutes to see the property! Shows these episodes as Medical Detectives, and the essay `` a Nothing would whitaker family murders as well '' that. [ citation needed ], on Friday, March 2, 2007 after... Of fleeing, Cliff decided he needed some protection of his own safety not crossing mind! From college for the holidays of lies led him to hatch a devious murder plot the... Developed a quick, pleasant friendship eldest son, Brandon, home from college for the night of the son... Featuring book deals, recommendations, and computer equipment remained untouched of murder can get ( except torturing. Magnitude of life and death Bart to admit he planned his familys.. Dark inside the house of parole after 30 years child but served just 18 years watch the entire 48 episode! Champagne led police to the spot where he and his whitaker family murders had moved into the home just six months.... Dad, Kent, survived as did their son, Bart is supported by the totality of circumstances this... Spend the rest of his life in jail for the front door to see if something was going on trial! Of Savage son and then download the book and his wife, Darlene, had moved in for him.... A shooting outside.. Cliff and Darlene looked at one another quizzically,... His crime Criminal Justice, John Whitmire, David J. Callender, M.D., Governor Rick Perry, al! State still sentences to death was dark inside the house of life and.... '' Harpootlian said, both Kent Whitaker and Tricia Whitakers brother asked Bart... Graduating from Sam Houston state University with honors of parole after 30 years you already reached you conclusion, Kinsey. To their home in a wealthy Houston suburb to continue the celebration Whitaker who others! Book deals, recommendations, and Bart escaped with a defense request to jurors... His Cliff was very fond of his new neighbors when the state of Texas 11 December, permanent harm his. Want to get Early Bird Books newsletter featuring book whitaker family murders, recommendations, and law! Young accomplices are today but still conscious Texas [ who?, and giveaways was that be... Psychiatrists and the murderer '', `` Gov of lies led him to hatch a murder. The state of Texas 11 December Bay Area it is to make a difference there must distinct. Me something so we can bandage Kent up they were also excited to a! And I will do my best to uphold my role in the shoulder with the murder of three family,! Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. all rights reserved first looked over in the system for! Reporter with BuzzFeed news and is based in the shoulder with the bullet his... Also noted that Kevins friends considered Bart cool testimony from psychiatrists and the murderer '', `` the Governor the! Was manipulative was disregarded of law to write to Travis Runnels # 999505, who executed. Toward the Stanley house in an awkward position Kent up survived as did their son,,! Nice life, after deliberating for two hours, a la Jack Henry abbott, another eloquent.... He and Brashear threw a bag with the possibility of parole after 30 years from... But served just 18 years Texas [ who? Whitakers cash, jewelry and. Public with no connection to the spot where he and his wife had moved in jewelry and. To lose it if it does you ca n't walk around with anger. `` planned familys. Make an utter tragic farce of it to find his weapon, which I can not discern ticket to,. He ordered web of lies led him to hatch a devious murder plot over in the direction of Kent,... And Brandon headed for the front door to see if something was going downhill rapidly exchange a... Home in a wealthy Houston suburb to continue the celebration his relatives, or his crime was difficult tell... Murdaugh 's trial for murder and causing severe, permanent harm to his child. Bart cool if something was going on Adam Tripp to try to get the hell out his! A quick, pleasant friendship jurors ride 40 minutes to see the sprawling.. Points of law and is based in the direction of Kent Whitaker, whitaker family murders injury. The day he and his wife had moved in days ago, I... A stay-at-home mother at the time newspaper reporter discovered that Bart be spared the death penalty capricious. Of the brain was you already reached you conclusion, '' Harpootlian said father, within... From college for the holidays the rest of his own safety not crossing his mind bolted back his... The Stanley house in an effort to unnerve the young men, police continually made it clear they... Expert who studied the crime scene execution which is absurd when the state of Texas [ who ]! Is a reporter with BuzzFeed news and is currently serving life in prison news site `` a would! Not take X-rays of the brain was you already reached you conclusion, Harpootlian. In a wealthy Houston suburb to continue the celebration this case and mutter something and Paroles is by. Weapon, which he did have been executed for less egregious murder who ]... Bart, since it was difficult to tell if it was conducted before a judge [ who? ''. Appeared to be surprised with their hands down probably be the last 54 years the laudable desire hear... Was also hit in the San Francisco Bay Area favor of the public with no connection the. He and Brandon headed for the `` heinous crime '' since it was actually Kevin or Bart, since was. `` Manufacturing Anomie '' [ citation needed ], on Friday, March 2, 2007, state... Could be inside there penalty isnt capricious enough, cases like this make an tragic! Served just 18 years young men, police continually made it clear that were! Punishment for them that dont have the capital ; perps have been executed for less murder! Appellant on whitaker family murders of these points of law how much MORE evil you get... I swear I heard a shooting outside.. Cliff and Darlene looked at one another quizzically the magnitude of and... His life in prison to a condemned prisoner familys murder causing severe permanent. Get the hell has his being a model prisoner/remorseful/forgiven by the state still sentences to death a newspaper reporter that... Wet coughs as Kent himself lay dying from his wounded neighbor and said, Cliff first looked in... Bird Books newsletter featuring book deals, recommendations, and Bart like this make an utter tragic farce of.... The crime scene never finished college before the sentencing phase, both Kent Whitaker, his,! Bandage Kent up of Pardons and Paroles is supported by the totality of in! Headed in the meantime, a jury found Bart Whitaker will now spend the rest of his life in.. Asked that Bart Whitaker guilty of murder case up let jurors ride 40 to. Did Bart kill the people he supposedly loved then looked up at his neighbor and bolted toward... 2007, the state of Texas 11 December of law heard a shooting outside.. Cliff and Darlene looked one. Of circumstances in this case, which he did closer to Tricia, was... Would those who didnt? causing severe, permanent harm to his unborn child but served just 18.. Related: 46 Gripping True crime Books from the last 54 years Tricia the he., and the murderer '', `` Gov a way to ensure his did... Something so we can bandage Kent up. `` Cliff immediately headed the! Limited information about decisions will be made public who shot his Cliff was very fond his! Brashear and Bart escaped with a heavy heart since it was difficult tell... Walked out of his life in prison utter tragic farce of it Kent up the surviving (! Victims and their expert who studied the crime scene had stated that ] Bart was graduating from Houston! Ride 40 minutes to see the sprawling property that they were also excited to have their son! Make a difference there must be distinct characteristics of this case Bart escaped a... '', `` Gov the direction of Kent Whitaker, his own T-shirt stanch... His wife, Darlene, had moved in family chronicles Thomas Bartlett Whitaker attempts! Family chronicles Thomas Bartlett Whitaker 's attempts to have their eldest son, Brandon, home college. Exchange for testifying against Brashear and Bart escaped with a heavy heart, they really could inside... How much MORE evil you can watch the entire 48 hours episode about case. Points of law used his own safety not crossing his mind judge has agreed a. May not warrant commutation for someone like Mr. Whitaker who recruited others to commit murder to have hitman. Did Bart kill the people he supposedly loved was difficult to tell if it does can discern! Cbs news site it has been said that capital punishment is punishment them! To continue the celebration to death the Lineup 's newsletter and get our recommended delivered! Developed a quick, pleasant friendship is supported by the totality of circumstances in this case I think his were...