Impact of Influence: The Murdaugh Family Murders and Other Cases

Years after Mallory Beach's tragic death in a boat crash, one lawsuit still lingers. It is the "Outrage" case against Parker's Corporation.

Impact has done a few episodes on this case. In this episode the discussion revolves around attempts to get depositions that have been requested by both sides.

Attorney, Matt Siembieda, joins Seton and Matt to discuss how depositions work and what bis going on in this case.

Seton Tucker and Matt Harris began the Impact of Influence podcast shortly after the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. Now they cover true crime past and present from the southeast region of the U.S.

#TrueCrime #Investigation #CrimeStory #EvanHawthorne

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Many cases Impact has covered have updates and listeners and they respond to listener and viewers comments on those episodes.

Here are some of the things discussed in this episode.

First up, Seton Tucker, Matt Harris and attorney Matt Siembieta address accusations made against Seton by a podcaster.

Attorney Matt Siembieta and Impact discuss the importance of being present in the courtroom during a trial like the Murdaugh case . For journalists, understanding the dynamics of the courtroom not only enhances credibility but also enriches the narrative they share with the public.

The Berach V Parker Outrage lawsuit has updates and we get insight to how a deposition works.

Impact takes on listener complaints on how Impact covered the South Carolina Supreme Court arguments in Alex Murdaugh's appeal.

There is an update on the Scott Spivey Case.

The March 14th episode featuring an interview with FITSNews founder Will Folks was not without controversy. Those complaints are taken head on.

There is more discussion about Becky Hill and jury tampering.

Plus, an update involving some of the players in the Rose Petal Murder case.

Attorney Matt Siembieda is a graduate of Penn school of Law and a profesor at Temple Law School.

Seton Tucker and Matt Harris began the Impact of Influence podcast shortly after the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. Now they cover true crime past and present from the southeast region of the U.S.

Impact of Influence is part of the Evergreen Podcast Company.

Look for Impact of Influence on Facebook and Youtube.

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In the fall of 2015 4 people were found murdered in a mobile home. The victims, all from the same family, were stabbed to death and then shot. The scene was brutal. Amy Vilardi, a member of the same family, made the 911 call alerting authorities to the crime. No arrests were made.

Almost eight years later, Amy and Ross Vilardi were arrested for the murders.

February 27, 2026, Amy Vilardi was found guilty of the murders and sentenced to four consecutive life sentences.

Lori Murray was her defense attorney. Lori joined Impact to discuss why she was stunned by the verdict and she broke down what she believes were flaws in the prosecution's case.

Seton Tucker and Matt Harris began the Impact of Influence podcast shortly after the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. Now they cover true crime past and present from the southeast region of the U.S. Impact of Influence is part of the Evergreen Podcast Company.

 Look for Impact of Influence on Facebook and Youtube. 

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Legal defense, criminal trial, evidence analysis, jury selection, case strategy, forensic evidence, DNA, social media, legal appeal, courtroom tactics

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Dec 30, Spencer and Monique Tepe were found dead in their home. Their two young children were home but unharmed. There was no sign of a robbery or a break in. The Columbus Police Department was tight lipped and the speculation became intense.

January 10, an arrest was made of Monique's ex-husband, Michael David McKee. McKee is a vascular surgeon near Chicago.

Bo Barton joined Impact prior to the arrests to discuss profiling this type of case. Barton worked for years with the South Carolina Law Enforcement division in various roles including as a homicide detective. Barton became a certified profiler and at the time he was one of only 108 certified profilers on the planet.

Seton Tucker and Matt Harris began the Impact of Influence podcast shortly after the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. Now they cover true crime past and present from the southeast region of the U.S. Impact of Influence is part of the Evergreen Podcast Company. Look for Impact of Influence on Facebook and Youtube. Please support our sponsors Elevate your closet with Quince. Go to Quince dot com slash impact for free shipping on your order and three hundred and sixty-five -day returns

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In December of 2025, Former Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill pleaded guilty to multiple charges but avoided prison time.  Becky Hill admitted to obstruction of justice, perjury, and two counts of misconduct in office. 

The Hill investigation was released and there are questions about the media and their relationship with Hill.

In this in-depth interview, Will Folks from FITSNews discusses the controversial handling of sealed court documents, allegations of jury rigging, judicial corruption, and the broader implications for justice and media integrity in high-profile cases like the Murdaugh trial.

For more from Will, FITSNews.com

Seton Tucker and Matt Harris began the Impact of Influence podcast shortly after the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. Now they cover true crime past and present from the southeast region of the U.S.

Impact of Influence is part of the Evergreen Podcast Company.

Look for Impact of Influence on Facebook and Youtube.

Please support our sponsors

KeywordsFITSNews, Will Folks, Murdaugh trial, sealed court documents, jury tampering, judicial corruption, media ethics, South Carolina justice, court transparency, investigative journalismKey Topics

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A judge has denied Weldon Boyd’s request for “stand your ground” immunity, clearing the way for Scott Spivey’s family to move forward with a wrongful death lawsuit against Boyd, who fatally shot Spivey in 2023.

To hear complete breakdown of the case check out the Impact episode from 11/06/2025. The interview with WSJ reporter Valerie Bauerlein tells the story.

Attorney, Matt Siembieda joined Impact to analyze the judges ruling.

Seton Tucker and Matt Harris began the Impact of Influence podcast shortly after the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. Now they cover true crime past and present fro the southeast region of the U.S.

Impact of Influence is part of the Evergreen Podcast Company.

Look for Impact of Influence on Facebook and Youtube.

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The trial of the murder of Christina Parcell began on February 10, 2025.It concluded 2/21/2025 with Zachary Hughes being sentenced to life for the murder of Parcell.  www.Fitsnews.com⁠⁠ dubbed the homicide the Rose Petal Murder because rose petals were found scattered around Parcell’s body.

This episode features a detailed discussion on the murder case, legal strategies, and the intricacies of criminal law, including concepts like malice, evidence admissibility, and appeal processes.

Attorney, Matt Siembieda joined Impact to analyze the appeal of Zachary Hughes, exploring how legal procedures and evidence impact verdicts and appeals.

You will hear from Hughes defense attorneys, Andy Moorman and Mark Moyer. Those clips were pulled from a previous impact episode released April 3, 2025.

Listen to Impact's episodes on this case from 2025, Jan 10, 13, 21, Feb 14,17,24, March 4, 27 and April 3.

This is a brief background on the case

On Oct 13, 2021, 41 year old Christina Parcell was found brutally murdered in Greer, SC. Parcell had suffered 31 stab wounds and⁠ www.Fitsnews.com⁠ dubbed the homicide the Rose Petal Murder because rose petals were found scattered around Parcell’s body. When word of Christina Parcell’s murder spread, there was an outpouring of kind words about Christine. However, sometimes things are not what they seem. 

Shortly after her murder Parcell’s fiancé was arrested, but not on charges relating to her murder. Parcell had also been involved in a contentious custody battle with the father of her child.

Eventually an arrest was made for the murder of Christine Parcell but it was not her not her fiancé or the father of her child.

This horrific story involves murder and allegations of criminal sexual conduct with minors and buggery.

The trial of the murder of Christina Parcell began on February 10, 2025. It concluded 2/21/2025 with Zachary Hughes being sentenced to life for the murder of Parcell.

Hughes had a very unusual defense. He admitted to killing Parcell but he claimed it was to protect her daughter.

Seton Tucker and Matt Harris began the Impact of Influence podcast shortly after the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. Now they cover true crime past and present fro the southeast region of the U.S.

Impact of Influence is part of the Evergreen Podcast Company.

Look for Impact of Influence on Facebook and Youtube.

Jenn Wood and Fits News have been covering this case in great detail and have been really digging into the large amount of documents that have been filed To see their great reporting ⁠https://www.fitsnews.com/⁠

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Attorney, Matt Siembieda, joins Seton and Matt to delve into the oral argumenst of Alex Murdaugh's appeal before the South Carolina Supreme Court. They discuss the dynamics of judicial questioning, the significance of the egg juror's testimony, and the implications of financial evidence presented during the trial. The conversation highlights the credibility of witnesses, the strategies employed by both the state and defense, and predictions regarding the potential for a new trial.

Matt Siembieda is an attorney and law professor at Temple Law School.

Seton Tucker and Matt Harris began the Impact of Influence podcast shortly after the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. Now they cover true crime past and present from the southeast region of the U.S.

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Oral arguments on Alex Murdaugh's appeal are set for February 11, 2026.

Seton and Matt bring back interviews with key players from the Alex Murdaugh double murder trial. A legal saga that has captured national attention.

This Impact episode provides listeners with a unique glimpse into the complexities of the legal battle, featuring insights from both the prosecution and defense.

You will hear from South Carolina solicitor, Creighton Waters, and Murdaugh's defense attorneys, Jim Griffin and Dick Harpootlian.

You can lsten to the full inetrviews in the following episodes

March 20, 2023 epsidoe: Creighton Waters Got Murder Conviction But Says He Still Has More Work To Do

 March 23, 2023 episode: Alex's Attorney, Jim Griffin & Legal Analyst, Sara Azari Speak Out

May 12, 2025 episode: Dick Harpootlian Talks About Alex Murdaugh's Chances for New Trial & His New Pee Wee Gaskins Book

Seton Tucker and Matt Harris began the Impact of Influence podcast shortly after the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. Now they cover true crime past and present from the southeast region of the U.S.

Murdaugh case, true crime podcast, legal system, fair trial, defense attorney, financial crimes

Tags: Murdoch case, legal insights, true crime, courtroom drama, defense attorneys, prosecution, financial crimes, public opinion

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Oral arguments on Alex Murdaugh's appeal are set for February 11, 2026.

= In the latest podcast episode, we dive deep into the complexities surrounding the Alex Murdaugh appeal, featuring insights from author Blanca Simpson and legal expert Joe McCulloch. Their perspectives shed light on the emotional toll of the trial and the intricacies of the appeals process.

In the podcast, Blanca Simpson reflects on the emotional burden she carries as she contemplates the possibility of a retrial for Alex Murdaugh.

Attorney, Joe McCulloch breaks down what might happen in front of the SC Supreme Court., stating, "The 11th is not a retrial. It is an appeals process in front of the South Carolina Supreme Court." This distinction is crucial as it highlights the technical nature of the proceedings, focusing on legal arguments rather than rehashing the trial itself.

We discuss with Joe what the possible outcomes might be.

This episode highlights the emotional and legal intricacies of the Alex Murdaugh case, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the stakes involved. Blanca's heartfelt reflections remind us of the human impact behind legal proceedings, while Joe's legal expertise clarifies the nuances of the appeals process. As the case progresses, staying informed and understanding the legal landscape will be crucial for all those following this high-profile story.

Blanca's book is Within The House of Murdaugh Amid A unique Friendship Blanca and Maggie Plus check out the Within the House of Murdaugh FB page https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576950225105

Seton Tucker and Matt Harris began the Impact of Influence podcast shortly after the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. Now they cover true crime past and present from the southeast region of the U.S.

Tags: Alex Murdoch, Murdoch case, legal insights, appeals process, Blanca Simpson, Joe McCulloch, emotional impact, true crime, podcast discussion, jury tampering

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