Hidden Killers Live! Daily True Crime News & Breakdowns

By Hidden Killers PodcastNews True Crime News Commentary

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Hidden Killers Live! Daily True Crime News & Breakdowns episodes

September 01, 2023 140: Judge Grants Custody to Mother Who Talked of Killing Children, Then Kills Them
Leannah Jean Gardipe, a 35-year-old Montana woman, has recently pleaded guilty to the deliberate homicide of her two young children, aged 3 and 5. Gardipe, arrested and booked into the Missoula County Jail, asserted during her plea that she "saved her babies" by killing them. The sentencing is scheduled for 10 a.m. on November 20, and according to the plea agreement, the prosecutors will recommend consecutive life terms on two counts of deliberate homicide. Additionally, Gardipe is required to pay court fees amounting to $1,050.

The tragic incident occurred on November 19, 2021, when the defendant’s mother contacted 911 after receiving a call from Gardipe, who claimed to have “saved” her 3-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son. The children's grandmother, alarmed by the implications of the call, questioned Gardipe if this meant she had killed the children, Jane and John Doe, which led to Gardipe breaking down in tears. Following this conversation, Gardipe called 911 herself to "report a murder" and mentioned that her mother should also be calling.

Gardipe disclosed to the officials that she had stabbed her children that morning on her bed using a knife. She also requested medical help as she heard one of her children making noises. During the call, she expressed, “I was supposed to die today.” When the deputies arrived at her residence, Gardipe momentarily left her home but subsequently returned inside and locked the door. Despite the dispatcher’s assurances that the deputies were there to help, Gardipe responded, “No, they are not, not for what I did.”

Upon entering the residence, the deputies discovered the children in a bedroom, tucked into bedsheets, with lacerations on their throats, and defensive wounds on their hands and fingers. A medical examination later confirmed the children’s deaths. Additionally, a bloody serrated steak knife was found under the bed, and a pool of blood was discovered in the 3-year-old girl’s bedroom. A chilling note found at the threshold of the bedroom read, “[i]t was the only way that we all wouldn’t burn, now I’m the only one of us that will.”

The children's father had previously expressed concerns about Gardipe’s mental health to local outlet Montana Right Now. He reported an incident where Gardipe, during a mental health episode, visited an emergency room claiming she was harming her children. However, she later retracted this statement, attributing it to her mental health challenges. Subsequently, Child Protective Services granted the children's father temporary custody, while Gardipe underwent weekly therapy, regularly consulted her doctor, and completed a three-week program at the Pathways Treatment Center in Kalispell. Despite these efforts, a court eventually awarded Gardipe primary custody of the children, granting their father visitation rights every Wednesday and two weekends a month.

This tragic case highlights the urgent need for improved mental health support and more thorough evaluations in child custody cases. It is a stark reminder that mental health issues, if left unaddressed, can lead to devastating consequences.

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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
9 min
August 31, 2023 139: Guilty From The Grave: 1974 Murder Solved
The decades-old mystery surrounding the death of a woman found nearly decapitated in Provincetown has finally been solved. Investigators have officially closed the case of the woman, known for nearly 50 years as the "Lady of the Dunes," after identifying her as Ruth Marie Terry and naming her husband, Guy Muldavin, as the suspect in her murder.

In a significant breakthrough made in October 2022, the FBI positively identified the "Lady of the Dunes" as Ruth Marie Terry. Her body was discovered in a sand dune on July 26, 1974, with her hands cut off and her head nearly severed from her body. The investigators used investigative genealogy to identify Terry, a resident of Tennessee. The FBI revealed that Terry had suffered a blow to the head and was most likely killed several weeks before her body was discovered.

The Massachusetts State Police took over the investigation from Provincetown Police in 1982. Terry's skull, which was kept in police custody and not buried with her other remains, was sent to labs for testing. In 2021, Othram was able to create a DNA profile that eventually led to a positive identification. The Chief Medical Examiner's Office issued Terry's death certificate on April 5.

The investigation then turned to Terry's husband, Guy Muldavin. The couple got married in Reno, Nevada, in either 1973 or 1974, and traveled to Tennessee to visit Terry's family. Muldavin and Terry traveled together in the summer of 1974, but Muldavin returned alone. He indicated to witnesses that Terry had passed away but told her brother that they had a fight during their honeymoon and he had not heard from her again.

The District Attorney's Office revealed that Muldavin was also believed to be the prime suspect in the disappearance of his ex-wife and stepdaughter in Seattle in 1960. Investigators determined that Muldavin was responsible for Terry's death in 1974.

Muldavin, who also went by the names Raoul Guy Rockwell and Guy Muldavin Rockwell, died in 2002. In November 2022, Massachusetts State Police announced they were seeking information about him. Detectives investigated the 1960 disappearance of his wife and stepdaughter and later found human remains in the septic tank of their home. Although Muldavin was arrested for unlawful flight and convicted of grand larceny, he was never charged in relation to the Seattle killings.

A news article dated December 1, 1960, reported that Muldavin was arrested in New York City after the mutilated bodies of Manzanina Mearns and her 18-year-old daughter, Dolores Ann Mearns, were found in the septic tank. The article noted that detectives found dismembered remains and other parts of human tissue. Dolores and Manzanita disappeared on April 1, 1960.

Muldavin was 78 years old when he died.

The resolution of this case brings a measure of closure to a mystery that has perplexed investigators for decades. Although Muldavin was never brought to justice for his crimes, the identification of Ruth Marie Terry and the determination of her killer have finally shed light on the dark events of the past.
8 min
August 31, 2023 139: James Craig Plea Hearing Delayed Until October
James Craig, the Aurora dentist accused of poisoning his wife, will not enter a plea in his murder case until early October. Dressed in an orange jail jumpsuit, Craig listened as his attorneys argued that they were not ready for the arraignment, originally scheduled for Tuesday, as they still had 2,000 pages of discovery to comb through. John Kellner, the 18th judicial district attorney, objected to the postponement, stating Angela Pray Craig's siblings "want to continue without delay."

Craig's sister and two brothers attended the hearing via WebEx, as did the relatives of her husband. Meanwhile, the couple's six children deferred their opinion on the postponement to both parties, according to their attorney.

James Craig, 45, faces a first-degree murder charge for the death of his wife, Angela, 43, who died under mysterious circumstances on March 18, 2023. Craig was arrested the next day. Aurora police believe Craig had a motive to kill his wife as his marriage and business were struggling, and he had recently started a romantic relationship with a Texas orthodontist when he allegedly began his plans, according to the arrest affidavit.

Prosecutors claim that Angela Craig died from a combination of cyanide and tetrahydrozoline, a decongestant found in over-the-counter eyedrops like Visine. The arrest document noted that Angela first visited the Parker Adventist Hospital on March 6, complaining of dizziness and feeling that "her head wasn't right," but was released that day. She visited again three days later when her symptoms reappeared and remained in the hospital for five days.

On March 16, her brother, Mark Pray, rushed her to the CU Anschutz emergency room, where she collapsed and died two days later. Police suspect that James Craig poisoned his wife with potassium cyanide, which he allegedly disguised in her protein shakes, as the arrest affidavit contended.

However, Craig's lawyers argued during the preliminary hearing that there was no evidence that the poison originated in the drink that Craig claimed he prepared for her after a workout.

James Craig is expected to enter a plea on October 9 in Arapahoe County Court.

The case has garnered significant attention, not only because of the nature of the crime but also due to the insidious method allegedly employed by James Craig. As previously discussed by retired FBI Special Agent Jennifer Coffindaffer on the "Hidden Killers" podcast, poisoning is a rare and calculated method of murder, often chosen by particularly sadistic individuals. Coffindaffer noted that while poisoning is not a common choice for murderers, it is often selected by those with a patient and calculating mind, characteristics that seem to align with the actions of James Craig as described in the arrest affidavit.

As the case progresses, the details of Angela Craig's final days and the actions of James Craig will be meticulously examined in court. With the arraignment postponed until October 9, both the prosecution and defense will have additional time to prepare their cases, ensuring that all aspects of this tragic event are thoroughly investigated.
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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
9 min
August 30, 2023 138: Fake Kidnapping Victim Sheri Papini Released Early
The curious case of Sherri Papini, a married mother-of-two, captivated the nation when she mysteriously disappeared in 2016, only to reappear weeks later, 'dazed, battered, and bruised,' claiming she was held captive by two fictional Latina women. The saga unfolded with more twists as investigators uncovered Papini's past and her involvement with an ex-lover, James Reyes, whom she convinced to help her escape her allegedly abusive husband. Ultimately, Papini was arrested in March 2022 and pleaded guilty to the allegations in April 2022. She was sentenced to probation for 36 months and served her sentence at the Federal Correctional Institute in Victorville before being moved to a halfway house run by Sacramento's Residential Reentry Management field office.

The bizarre case began in November 2016 when Papini's husband reported her missing after she failed to pick up their children from school. Her cell phone and earbuds were later found on the running track she used. Weeks later, she was found by the side of the road on Thanksgiving, allegedly tortured and starved by her captors, whose faces she claimed she never saw. However, police revealed that she made up the entire story for attention and was actually staying with her ex-boyfriend, James Reyes, during the 22 days she was missing. This revelation drew comparisons to the plot of Gillian Flynn's thriller novel, "Gone Girl."

Papini and Reyes reconnected in 2016 after dating in 2006. Papini convinced Reyes to help her escape her 'abusive' husband, Keith, by arranging for him to pick her up and drive her to his Southern California apartment. Reyes, who admitted to the plot after being identified by DNA found on Papini's clothes, confessed that he thought their relationship would become romantic again, but it never did. Instead, Papini locked herself in his bedroom, starved herself, cut off her hair, and inflicted injuries on herself, even convincing Reyes to brand her with a hot tool. Reyes drove her back to her home in Redding on November 24, unaware of the media storm that had erupted during her disappearance.

Keith Papini, who was duped by his wife, filed for divorce in April 2022, two days after she pleaded guilty to faking her own kidnapping. The couple, who married in 2009, share two children, Tyler, 10, and Violet, 12. Sherri Papini issued a statement last year apologizing for the pain she caused her family and friends and vowing to make amends for the rest of her life. She received over $30,000 worth of psychiatric care for anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, billed to a state victim compensation fund, which is now part of her restitution.

In a shocking revelation, Mike Mangas, a Roman Catholic Deacon and news anchor, disclosed in the upcoming HLN investigation documentary, "Runaway Mom: The Sherri Papini Story," that investigators found a Bible verse, Exodus 21:16, branded onto Papini's shoulder. The verse reads, 'if anyone has kidnapped someone, they should be put to death.'

The Sherri Papini case highlights the complexities of deception, the impact of false allegations on the community, and the consequences faced by those who fabricate stories that captivate the public's attention. As Papini continues her journey of restitution and self-reflection, the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of truth and the damaging repercussions of deceit.
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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
13 min
August 30, 2023 Buster Murdaugh: Dad Is Innocent And Fears 'Somebody Is Still Out There'
Buster Murdaugh, the son of convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh, vehemently defends his father's innocence despite the latter being found guilty of murdering his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and their son, Paul Murdaugh. This revelation came to light during the FOX Nation special, 'The Fall of the House of Murdaugh', premiering on its streaming service. Alex Murdaugh, once a respected South Carolina attorney, is currently serving two life sentences for the murders that occurred on the family’s 1,770-acre property in Islandton, S.C.

Buster Murdaugh adamantly expresses his belief that his father is not responsible for the deaths of his mother and brother. He told FOX Nation, “I do not think that he could be affiliated with endangering my mother and brother… We have been here for a while now and that’s been my stance.” He went on to express his fear for his safety, stating, “I think I set myself up to be safe but yes, when I go to bed at night I have a fear that there is somebody that is still out there.”

However, authorities remain convinced of Alex's guilt, backed by what state Circuit Judge Clifton Newman described as “overwhelming” evidence, which included blood spatter on Alex's clothes and his admission of lying about his whereabouts on the night of the murders. Despite this, Buster stands firm on his father's innocence, describing the situation as "a terrible thing to place on somebody with absolutely no fact." He explained the impact on his reputation, stating, “I mean, people perceive me as a murderer.”

This gripping saga also encompasses the mysterious death of Stephen Smith, an openly gay teenager and Buster's high school classmate, in July 2015. Rumors have circulated regarding Buster’s relationship with Smith, fueled by small-town gossip and state trooper investigations. However, Buster vehemently denied any involvement in Smith's murder or any physical relationship with him. This denial came after the exhumation of Smith's body for a second autopsy and the increase in speculation following Alex Murdaugh's trial. South Carolina’s Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has been investigating Smith's death since June 2021, with SLED Chief Mark Keel classifying it as a homicide.

The Murdaugh family, once a powerful dynasty in Hampton County, has experienced a precipitous fall from grace, marred by murder allegations and trials that have captivated the nation. The charges against Alex Murdaugh included not only the murders of his wife and son but also fueled rumors about the involvement of his other son, Buster, in another murder case. Despite the overwhelming evidence against Alex and the ongoing investigation into Stephen Smith's death, Buster remains steadfast in defending his father's innocence and denying any involvement in Smith's death.

As Buster Murdaugh continues to grapple with the loss of his family members and the cloud of suspicion hanging over him, the upcoming FOX Nation documentary promises to shed more light on the intricate web of allegations, investigations, and trials that have come to define the Murdaugh family legacy. The special is set to premiere on Thursday, Aug. 31, marking the second time the public will hear from Buster since the onset of the trials.
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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
10 min
August 29, 2023 No Surprise: After Admitting to Abuse & Released, Man Murders Girlfriend
The life of 33-year-old Danicka Bergeson came to a tragic end in her Hopkins, Minnesota, home on July 8, when she was found dead, wrapped in layers of blankets. Nearly two months after her demise, her boyfriend, 39-year-old Matthew Brenneman, is facing serious charges, including second-degree murder and second-degree murder while under a restraining order. The status of his plea or whether he has retained legal counsel remains unclear.

The discovery of Danicka's body was prompted by her building manager, who reported hearing "groaning, yelling, and banging" sounds coming from her apartment. Responding officers found Brenneman inside the bathroom, "grunting, and growling," and reeking of bleach, as detailed in the complaint filed.

Danicka's father, David Bergeson, expressed his grief to KARE11, remembering his daughter as a vivacious woman with a strong moral code. "Everything with her was always black or white. She knew exactly what was right and wrong," he said. Nancy Andrews, a close friend of Danicka, echoed similar sentiments on her obituary page, noting her infectious smile, compassion for animals, and a passion for learning.

The complaint outlines a timeline of events that led to the discovery of Bergeson's body. Concerns for her safety were first raised by friends and family on July 2. On July 7, a message sent from Bergeson’s phone to her mother raised further suspicions, as it did not sound like something she would say. Phone records indicate that Brenneman was near Bergeson's residence on June 29, only two days after being released from jail for a prior assault on her. At that time, a restraining order against him was active.

The complaint goes on to document a history of violence between the couple, with multiple alleged incidents of assault, including biting and punching. Following an attack in April, Brenneman reportedly texted a friend, claiming he gave Bergeson a black eye and that she "deserved it, if any woman ever has."

During the investigation, police found what appeared to be bloody clothing in a guest bedroom of the apartment. Additionally, Brenneman left a series of notes throughout the apartment, proclaiming his innocence and denying ever being physically abusive to a woman. However, this claim was contradicted by the mother of Brenneman's child, who alleged that he had pinned her to the bed and hit her on one occasion.

Currently, Brenneman is being held under a $1,500,000 bail for each murder charge. Despite the autopsy revealing numerous wounds on Bergeson's body, the nature of her death was classified as "undetermined."

In the aftermath of this tragic incident, a fundraiser has been organized to assist Bergeson’s family with funeral expenses.

The case of Danicka Bergeson underscores the pervasive and persistent issue of domestic violence that afflicts individuals and families worldwide. It is of paramount importance to offer support to victims and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.
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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
11 min
August 28, 2023 Oklahoma Officials Discover New Evidence at Former BTK Home
Oklahoma officials have recently unearthed crucial evidence from the former property of notorious serial killer, Dennis Rader, situated in Park City, Kansas. The disturbing discovery included "personal items and other binding type items,” according to Osage County Sheriff, Eddie Virden. The sheriff’s department also found pantyhose with unique knots tied around the points where they would potentially wrap around a person’s wrist or ankle.

Dennis Rader, infamously known as the BTK killer – an acronym for "Bind, Torture, Kill" – was a church leader and Boy Scout volunteer. He is currently incarcerated, serving multiple life sentences for 10 murders that took place around Wichita between 1974 and 1991. Today, Rader emerges as the “prime suspect” in the cold case disappearance of Cynthia ‘Cyndi’ Dawn Kinney, a 16-year-old from Pawhuska, Oklahoma. The sheriff's office has also linked Rader to other unsolved murders.

Rader's involvement in these heinous crimes has been a matter of significant speculation. Sheriff Virden is convinced about Rader’s connection to the 1976 disappearance of Kinney. "Rader is 100%, in my opinion, the guy," Virden remarked. However, both Rader and his daughter have persistently denied these accusations.

In a previous excavation conducted in April at Rader's former home, officials uncovered vital evidence that was kept under wraps. This week's dig could have been another discreet operation if not for the word getting out. Sheriff Virden explained that the secrecy was not to hide information but rather to protect the affected families and to ensure the investigation remains uncompromised.

Sheriff Virden provided insight into the recent findings, stating, "The items were deliberately placed 14-16 inches below the ground." This depth is significant as it reflects Rader's meticulous nature and his history of retaining souvenirs from his victims. Two separate locations in the property revealed deliberately buried items. One such location had its soil replaced with a sand-like substance and appeared to have a brick floor with shingles, possibly to shield the buried items. The sheriff remains uncertain whether these found items pertain to the 10 murders for which Rader is currently serving his sentences or if they relate to the newer cases he is suspected of.

One of the primary cold cases linked to Rader is that of Cynthia Dawn Kinney. Kinney mysteriously vanished in 1976 after reportedly leaving her family’s laundromat and possibly entering a 1965 faded beige Plymouth with two women. Several clues hint at Rader's involvement, including a cryptic message in a book he was penning before his arrest, referencing a 1976 killing titled "project bad laundry day." Further, Rader's known familiarity with the Oklahoma region, combined with his occupation as a regional installer for ADT – which would have put him in proximity to the area during Kinney’s disappearance – strengthen suspicions of his involvement.

Rader is also under investigation for his potential involvement in other tragic incidents, like the unfortunate case of Shawna Beth Garber from Missouri.

Kerri Rawson, Rader's daughter, broke her prolonged silence to collaborate with the Osage County Sheriff’s Office in their ongoing investigation. Rawson disclosed that she had directed the sheriff's office to inspect specific areas where Rader had previously buried their family pet. She has also re-established contact with her father, confronting him about the new allegations. Although he reiterated his innocence, Rawson observed that he frequently altered his alibis, which she believes could be attributed to his deteriorating memory due to his age.

However, regardless of these findings and suspicions, Rawson remains conflicted. She commented, “I’m still not 100% sure my dad did commit any more at this point,” but also emphasized the importance of discovering the truth, stating, “If my dad has harmed somebody else, we need answers.”

This case serves as a chilling reminder of the depths of human depravity and the relentless pursuit of justice. The sheriff’s office remains committed to unearthing the truth, ensuring that the victims and their families receive the closure they desperately seek.

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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
11 min
August 28, 2023 137: Alex Murdaugh to Plead Guilty to Federal Charges of Stealing Millions
In a shocking twist, Alex Murdaugh, the convicted double-murderer and former South Carolina attorney, has agreed to plead guilty to federal charges related to the embezzlement of millions from clients, according to recent court records. If Murdaugh remains steadfast in his decision by September 21, it will be the inaugural occasion he has publicly acknowledged guilt for any crime within a court setting.

Aged 55, Murdaugh is currently enduring a life sentence for the merciless killing of his wife and son, an act he committed in their home about two years ago. Despite the overwhelming conviction, Murdaugh has steadfastly maintained his innocence regarding these murders, vouching for his non-involvement from the witness stand during his trial. He is actively appealing the double murder conviction.

Prosecutors have presented a chilling theory behind the motives of the murders. They believe Murdaugh, foreseeing the imminent discovery of his massive financial thefts, chose to kill his family. The hope was that their tragic deaths would act as a smokescreen, buying him both sympathy and the much-needed time to craft a cover-up.

Should the federal guilty plea materialize, it could spell extended incarceration for Murdaugh. Even if his appeal against the murder conviction were to be successful, the federal charges ensure that freedom remains distant.

Investigators, both state and federal, have unraveled a web of deceit spun by Murdaugh. Before the tragic murders, Murdaugh is believed to have stolen significant sums from clients who were already grappling with debilitating injuries. These were individuals in desperate need of financial relief for medical expenses. Adding to his litany of alleged crimes, he stands accused of pilfering from his family's prestigious law firm, playing a pivotal role in a drug ring designed to launder money, and even conspiring with a friend to stage his own death, all in the name of a hefty life insurance payout. Thankfully for him, the gunshot meant to take his life only managed a superficial wound.

As per the federal court's documentation, Murdaugh's charges are comprehensive. He faces 14 counts of money laundering, five of wire fraud, one of bank fraud, and counts of conspiracy related to wire and bank fraud. As of now, court records do not suggest any quid pro quo in terms of dropping any charges for a guilty plea. The potential penalties are severe, with each charge threatening a prison term ranging from 20 to 30 years.

Following his indictment on 22 federal charges this past May, Murdaugh's legal representatives have remained tight-lipped. However, they hinted at a cooperative Murdaugh, suggesting that the charges would find resolution without the need for a full trial.

Murdaugh's alleged misdeeds extend beyond the federal landscape. Similar accusations are pending in state court. One particularly heinous act involves the theft of around $4 million in insurance settlements. This money was intended for the family of Gloria Satterfield, a dedicated housekeeper who tragically lost her life due to a fall at the Murdaugh residence. Authorities allege that Murdaugh's close associate and former attorney, Cory Fleming, played a crucial role in this theft. Fleming, having pled guilty, is now serving a prison sentence nearing four years.

Further probing reveals a deeper nexus of corruption. Investigators claim that Murdaugh and his banker associate, Russell Laffitte, colluded to misappropriate settlement funds from clients. Laffitte, having faced a November conviction on multiple charges, is appealing his seven-year sentence.

Murdaugh's extensive rap sheet includes charges of creating misleading bank accounts resembling legitimate companies that managed settlements. This was supposedly a tactic to siphon off client funds seamlessly.

Currently, Murdaugh is housed in protective custody at a state prison, following his conviction for the brutal murders of his son, Paul, and wife, Maggie. His legal battles are far from over, with approximately 100 state charges looming, encompassing a gamut from thefts to tax evasion.

A pretrial hearing for these charges is imminent, which will also be Murdaugh's first public outing since his dramatic exit from the Colleton County Courtroom earlier this year.

While his public appearances have been limited, photos of Murdaugh, at times shirtless in his prison cell, surfaced. These were initially released by prison officials but were later retracted, citing that they weren't meant for public consumption.

The Alex Murdaugh case continues to captivate the nation, revealing a story of deceit, murder, and betrayal at every turn.

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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
10 min
August 28, 2023 Alex Murdaugh's Close Connection To Criminals
Convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh found an unlikely mentor behind bars: a lifelong criminal. This surprising relationship is explored in John Glatt's new book, "Tangled Vines: Power, Privilege and the Murdaugh Family Murders." Glatt, a bestselling true-crime author, delves into the Murdaugh family's ascent to power, the double homicide that shocked the nation, and how the former attorney adapted to life in prison.

“We really hit it off, and I liked him,” Murdaugh was quoted as saying to his sister-in-law in 2022. “He was always in trouble with guns but laid-back and very jail-smart. He taught me a lot about being in here that helped me.”

This unusual mentorship forms a key aspect of Glatt's narrative. According to Glatt, the patriarch befriended a "hardened" criminal who had spent most of his life in prison. This unnamed lawbreaker became "a mentor for the former attorney and assistant solicitor."

Glatt reveals that the jailhouse calls he obtained under a Freedom of Information Act request made by another reporter were crucial to understanding Murdaugh's life behind bars.

“I listened to every one of those 200 calls,” Glatt explained. “... He didn’t talk a lot about what happened, but he would talk about his life in prison. And it was amazing how he’d settled in. He was a gambler. He loved all the basketball games, especially the Gamecocks. He was a sports enthusiast. And that didn’t change behind bars.”

Murdaugh was found guilty of murdering his wife and son, a crime allegedly committed to cover up his financial wrongdoings. Despite this, he seemed to adapt remarkably well to prison life, a transformation Glatt attributes to the guidance of his new mentor.

"He assimilated very easily into the jail system," he explained. "… He was a master manipulator, which you could hear from the jailhouse calls."

The mentor's influence is palpable in Murdaugh's activities behind bars. He made friends over poker and chess, but remained cautious "against a possible snitch." He also described befriending a confidante who did him favors in exchange for small bribes.

“It would amaze you, the trade system in here,” Murdaugh told his brother. “And how innovative these folks are and resourceful with so little. I’ll have to tell you about it later and not on the phone because I know they listen to every single phone call I make.”

Murdaugh's jailhouse activities and the financial trades he engineered, Glatt notes, highlight his continued manipulation and cunning, traits that were likely honed under the guidance of his prison mentor.

Interestingly, despite the hundreds of recorded calls, Murdaugh never mentioned his late wife or son during his conversations, instead, he instructed his other son, Buster, to always put flowers on their graves.

Ultimately, Glatt's book offers a comprehensive and detailed account of the Murdaugh family saga, shedding light on new aspects of the story, including the surprising mentorship that Alex Murdaugh found behind bars.

"In summary, while the Murdaugh family may have appeared close and loving on paper, a hidden demon tore them apart," Glatt reflects. “I don’t think there is any remorse at all,” he said. “During the trial, he always had a handkerchief totally at the ready to wipe his eyes when something gruesome or emotional came out. It was like he was playing to the jurors… He knows how to play the game in closing arguments and civil cases… He [thought] he could do that with this jury. And it rebounded on him... Of course, Alex has never admitted to killing them, and I’m sure he never will."

This riveting narrative, detailed in "Tangled Vines," showcases the Murdaugh family's journey from power to downfall, highlighting the unlikely relationship that helped Alex Murdaugh adapt to life behind bars.
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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
8 min
August 27, 2023 WEEK IN REVIEW-The Day Of Reckoning For The Kohberger Defense
Welcome to the "Week In Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.

This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.

Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.

Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week In Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle.
Want to listen to ALL our Podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for 3 days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Chad & Lori Daybell, The Long Island Serial Killer, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
7 min

About Hidden Killers Live! Daily True Crime News & Breakdowns

From the publisher's feed

Hidden Killers Live! is your daily true crime podcast delivering two hours of nonstop coverage every weekday. Hosted by Tony Brueski & Robin Dreeke this show dives into the most compelling stories in the true crime world — from murder trials and cold cases to criminal psychology, investigations, and the dark motives behind real-life crimes.