Alex Murdaugh’s Partner-In-Crime Seeks New Trial Based on Family Murderer’s Testimony

TL;DR

Russell Lafitte, a friend of Alec Murdoch and former CEO of Palmetto State Bank, is requesting a new trial in federal court based on Alec Murdoch's sworn testimony that Lafitte was not involved in the financial crimes.

Transcript

which part of what I just asked you about the pliers that you take issue with you take issues that y'all didn't Inspire to do that you and Russell you have an issue with that take issue with that okay I can tell you that Russell's feet Russell Lafitte never conspired with me to do anything based on those words from Alec Murdock Russell Lafitte is a... Read More

Key Insights

• 👶 Russell Lafitte's request for a new trial is based on Alec Murdoch's testimony, which suggests Lafitte's innocence in the financial crimes he was convicted of.
• ❓ The timing of the trials prevented Alec Murdoch from testifying in Lafitte's federal trial, as it could have affected his murder trial.
• 👶 If granted a new trial, the question of whether Alec Murdoch would testify and the potential risks involved in his testimony may arise.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is Russell Lafitte's basis for requesting a new trial?

Russell Lafitte contends that Alec Murdoch's sworn testimony stating that Lafitte was not involved in the financial crimes provides grounds for a new trial. He argues that this testimony undermines the mental state element of willfulness required for his convictions.

Q: Why didn't Russell Lafitte's attorneys call Alec Murdoch as a witness during the federal trial?

The timing of the trials played a role in Alec Murdoch not testifying in Russell Lafitte's federal trial. Murdoch's murder trial was impending, and his defense team would not have allowed him to testify as it could have jeopardized his murder trial.

Q: If Russell Lafitte is granted a new trial, would Alec Murdoch testify?

It remains to be seen if Alec Murdoch would be willing to testify in a federal proceeding to assist his friend, Russell Lafitte. However, the federal prosecutors may argue against using the transcript from the state court hearing, as it would not provide the opportunity for a full and fair cross-examination.

Q: Does Alec Murdoch's word hold weight in obtaining a new trial?

Alec Murdoch's credibility is questionable, considering his confession to stealing money from clients. While his testimony may favor Lafitte, the federal prosecutors may argue against its credibility when it comes to obtaining a new trial.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Russell Lafitte, convicted last year of bank fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy, claims that Alec Murdoch's testimony clears him of any wrongdoing and warrants a new trial.

• Lafitte argues that Murdoch's statement, stating that Lafitte was not involved in the crimes and that Murdoch used him, undermines the willfulness element of Lafitte's conviction and calls for a dismissal or a chance to call Murdoch as a witness.

• Murdoch's credibility in providing a new trial is questioned, as he confessed to stealing money from clients but denied any conspiracy with Lafitte during his murder trial.