In Hampton County, South Carolina, the Murdaugh family's influence in law and order has been longstanding, spanning decades. In 2019, Paul, the youngest child of Alex and Maggie Murdaugh, was accused of a highly publicized crime involving the death of 19-year-old Mallory Beach in a boating accident where he was the driver. While Murdaugh initially faced charges related to boating under the influence and a minor in possession of alcohol, questions arose about his potential involvement in a subsequent cover-up. The case garnered significant attention due to Murdaugh's family connections, adding complexity to the investigation and legal proceedings.
Paul and Morgan Daughty dated for four years
Paul was raised by a nanny and housekeeper that died under mysterious circumstances involving the Murdaugh's dogs. It was said that Ms. Gloria loved Paul and took care of Paul more than his actual family.
Paul was close with his grandfather, Randolph, often calling him when he was in need.
Mallory Beach was friends with Morgan and also the girlfriend of one of Paul's best friends, Anthony Cook
On the night of February 24, 2019, Paul, Morgan, and a group of friends board a boat and head to an oyster roast. The decision to take the boat was allegedly due to potential roadblocks that they would encounter on the way. Before boarding the boat, Paul stops at a Parker’s Gas Station and uses his older brother Buster's ID to buy drinks for his friends.
While at the party, several friends suggest that the group doesn't need to get back on the boat and catch an Uber. Paul refuses and the friends leave with him although he's visible intoxicated. On the way home, Paul and friend Connor decide that they aren't ready to call it a night. They decide to dock in downtown Buford. Connor and Paul go into Luther's Bar and order a few shots.
The group is seen eventually leaving downtown Buford
While on the boat, the group begins to argue over Paul's erratic behavior. He leaves the wheel unattended to argue, speeding up or slowing down, or driving in circles. He even slaps Morgan in front of the group. In the final moments, Paul increases the boat to full speed, and the group crashes into a bridge off Archer's Creek, sending everyone into the water. When the group gains their bearings, several have made it to the shore or climbed back into the boat, except for Mallory.
Connor makes a call to 9-1-1 and what follows is a bizarre string of events orchestrated by Paul's family to shift the blame from their son to someone else.
SOURCES:
Netflix Documentary: Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal
https://country1037fm.com/2023/04/28/south-carolina-true-crime-is-focus-of-disturbing-netflix-show/
https://www.wjcl.com/article/alex-murdaugh-timeline/43207793
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/228354955/paul_terry-murdaugh
https://www.augustachronicle.com/videos/news/crime/2022/01/11/paul-murdaugh-boat-crash-alcohol-gas-station-mallory-beach/9162636002/
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mallory-beach-death-alex-murdaugh-boating-crash/
https://www.wsav.com/news/local-news/judge-michelle-childs-recused-from-murdaugh-case/
DEATH OF MALLORY BEACH
https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/mallory-beach-boat-crash-death-alex-murdaugh-family/3/