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. 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 Abbott ruled that Bart Whitaker will now spend the rest of his life in jail for the "heinous crime". Kinsey testified his opinion was also based on being certain the fatal shotgun wound to Paul Murdaugh was fired from down low and headed up through the head instead of downward with the gun pressed against his head. Well known that the USs neighbour, Canada, has a much lower rate 1.6 raising the question why. Regardless, he continued holding the temporary bandage on Kents gushing wound. Rudy ratted him out, and the law hauled Bart back to the U.S. Trio of convicts. He fled to Mexico after learning that he was a suspect, assumed a new identity, and lived under the radar for over a year before he was caught and was extradited back to the United States. Cliff made his way toward Kent. I sent this regarding his clemency plea: Gov. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Yes! [3][29], Abbott accepted their recommendation and commuted Whitaker's death sentence, noting that Whitaker had "voluntarily and forever waived any and all claims to parole in exchange for a commutation of his sentence from death to life without the possibility of parole." Bart. I think he was probably too calculating to admit that he was a lazy, work-shy neer do well who wanted the good life his parents had already been providing for him without the hard work they put in to give it to him. They handed him a death sentence. [citation needed][43], Whitaker won prizes in PEN America's Prison Writing Program for his essay "Hell's Kitchen",[44][d] Maggie Murdaugh Facebook. [8]:Ch.50[pageneeded] Whitaker began attending Baylor University in 2001, transferring from there to Sam Houston State University (SHSU), where he was thought by his parents to be in attendance in late 2003, and from which he was expected to graduate. 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. [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. Definitely, the guy needs to stay where he is. What happened? he asked her. Can it be fair and reasonable that one persons execution is applied because he happens not to have family/friends to lobby for him, a victim not ideologically opposed to execution and/or forgiving, etc but another is spared because he does have such representation and a victim differently-minded? But how could parents believe such a thing? I cannot comment upon the quantitative status in evaluating his crime that his not being the actual perpetrator should have. of Criminal Justice, John Whitmire, David J. Callender, M.D., Governor Rick Perry, et al. [8]:Ch.10[pageneeded], The early testimony from Hipp[when?] 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. Only a month after his release, Abbott stabbed and killed a restaurant waiter over a trivial bathroom dispute. 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. The Whitakers cash, jewelry, and computer equipment remained untouched. Brashear and Champagne were arrested almost two years after murders. Hes no longer listed with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. And in another twist, mere minutes before Bart was set to executed, he got a call from the governor commuting his sentence instead to life in prison. A series of school robberies got him kicked out of high school, and after that a psychiatrist diagnosed him with delusional paranoid disorder. He decided it was best to put down his own weapon; however, he knew he had to do something. One of the problems with clemency is that the decision/reasoning is never in the public domain. The authorities also directed Adam Tripp to try to get Bart to admit he planned his familys murder. Quite the opposite, his parents were kind and generous by all accounts. Faithful father. Bart needed a way to ensure his family didn't attend that graduation. Updated on: February 28, 2023 / 7:05 PM I agree with every sentiment, especially family members having the deciding vote as to the Death Penalty or not. [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. [47][48] The name of the blog references "the hour at which executions take place in Texas". Someone had pried open his gun safe. Kent had expressed how excited he and Trish were to attend Barts graduation that next Saturday, and how proud they were of their son. Why? [26][non-primary source needed] Board Chairman, David G. Gutirrez,[27] also met with Kent Whitaker for a half hour. They might think you are the one who shot the Whitakers.. Thanks, Rebecca. Clifton, get out of there! she shouted frantically. Kent was also hit in the upper body but survived, and Bart escaped with a wound to his upper arm. I decided to write to Travis Runnels #999505, who was executed by the state of Texas 11 December. Gunman Brashear pleaded guilty to murder in 2007 to murder and is currently serving life in prison. [16] Randy McDonald, attorney for the defense, rested their case on the same day, without calling witnesses, and the judge[who?] [citation needed] At trial, it was noted that Whitaker had access to an $80,000trust fund from his grandparents, although he testified that he did not know he could access it. Yes; perps have been executed for less egregious murder. Last-minute reprieve. [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. Chris Brashear pleaded guilty in 2007 and received life with the possibility of parole after 30 years. *This particularly an awful crime. It doesnt change what they did and what they have been judged on. The feed room where Paul Murdaugh's body was found at the Moselle Road property, March 1, 2023. While I am torn over the question whether one fewer execution is better than no fewer, I find that if execution is to remain the ultimate punishment it must be applied strictly impartially unless as a principle it is to collapse in disrepute. He and Brandon headed for the front door to see if something was going on. House of horror. Many thanks, Helen so glad youre enjoying the site! Bart had admitted his guilt and expressed remorse for the murders and for roping his friends into the plans, they stressed. "I think his intentions were well, but his methods were flawed," Kinsey said. [23], Whitaker's defense team lodged an appeal focused on the purity of drugs used in Texas executions in 20172018. Of course, someone rich enough to post $3m bail can afford good representation, buying relative lenience. Im no race or class warrior just concerned. He and Bart enjoyed biking long distances together. He was having a relaxing evening watching television. Thanks, Rebecca. Until next time, cheers. WebWhitaker family murders: Crime scene location and resting place. "But you can't walk around with anger.". Read on for an excerpt of Savage Son and then download the book. Just hold on tight.. We did have one murder from the UK on MD/FF have you seen the one about Graham Backhouse? Millions of Americans nearing retirement age with no savings, Top McCarthy aide, House Oversight chair each met with Ashli Babbitt's mother, South Carolina double murder trial of Alex Murdaugh, 100 other charges including financial crimes. Steve Champagne got 15 years in exchange for testifying against Brashear and Bart. [4] His parents funded his academic pursuits. He always thought a lot of the youngest son who had returned from his first semester in college at Texas A&M University. Cliff edged forward, closer to Tricia. Miraculously, after being shot in the shoulder, Kent Whitaker survived his attacksomething that Bart hadnt anticipated. The judge agreed with a defense request to let jurors ride 40 minutes to see the sprawling Colleton County property where the Murdaughs lived. Texas Gov. [1] He spent years on death row at the Polunsky Unit near Livingston, Texas, before the commutation of his sentence. So the couple believed Barts explanation that it was all a joke or misunderstanding when a college friend tipped off police about a murder plot. Copyright 2023 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Its a start. Cliff and Darlene looked at one another quizzically. For Related: When Murder Runs in the Family: Frances Schreuder and the Killing of Franklin Bradshaw, Cliffs job as a vice president of a regional insurance marketing company was quite demanding and kept him very busy. Until. Tricia and Kevin died from their gunshot wounds, but Kent survived. Kent, Cliff called out to his friend. "I did not because I felt comfortable with my determination," Riemer said. So why did Bart kill the people he supposedly loved? A grand jury indicted Bart, then 25, and Steve Champagne and Chris Brashear, both 23, in October 2005. The seven-member Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles voted unanimously to commute the sentence. Staggering snowfall in California mountains leaves residents trapped for days, SpaceX launches new crew on flight to space station, Prosecution wraps case at Alex Murdaugh murder trial, Explosive found in checked luggage at Pennsylvania airport, feds say, FDA authorizes first at-home test for both COVID and flu, Couple accuses fertility clinic of implanting embryo with cancer genes, Several hospitalized after Lufthansa flight diverted to Dulles due to turbulence, Colon cancer rates rising in younger age group, study finds, Firefighter dies battling blaze in downtown Buffalo, mayor says, Arguments conclude in Alex Murdaugh's murder trial, Evidence shown in Alex Murdaugh's trial for murder shows the Colleton County property where the Murdaughs lived, at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, S.C. on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2023. WebThomas Bartlett Whitaker (born December 31, 1979) is an American man convicted under the Texas Law of Parties of murdering two family members as a 24-year-old. Patricia was then also shot in the chest, also falling to the floor. Finally, a year and a half after the shootings, Champagne admitted that Bart hired him to help kill his family. Bart would later tell ABCs 20/20 that he never felt as though he fit in. Apparently, Barts bloodlust had been brewing for even longer than originally thought. Stephanie Baer is a reporter with BuzzFeed News and is based in the San Francisco Bay Area. We need more like you! The story takes you The killers might still be inside their house! She was frightened to tears and was determined that her husband not join the list of fatalities. (I live nr-ish Rutland ). Adam had replicated a diagram of the houses layout and where the triggerman was to lie in wait. He blatantly planned out his parents murder then he ran away in hiding. Tricia Whitaker continued to moan in agony. The Stanleys and Whitakers developed a quick, pleasant friendship. WebThe Murders: On December 10th, 2003, the Whitakers were out celebrating their son Barts graduation at Sam Houston State. Cliff darted up from his wounded neighbor and bolted back toward his home. As if, for me, the death penalty isnt capricious enough, cases like this make an utter tragic farce of it. 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. There was a light on in the foyer, which provided him with his only illumination. Hello Helen: Thanks so for your kind remarks and I wholly agree re Rebeccas posts! He simply understood that his friend was in trouble and needed his help. I dont oppose it absolutely (ie, I cant claim it to be unquestionably wrong in cases where there is no question of guilt); but because (i) its unequally applied even between cases of certainty in the same state; (ii) it costs a fortune to execute someone due to necessary legal safeguards money that could be better spent; (iii) it typically takes at least 15 yrs to do it often much longer making it something of a farce; (iv) it harshly punishes the innocent loved ones of the perp, victimising them just as the perps victims loved ones were, it makes little sense. Cliff knew he needed to get assistance for Kent and Tricia. He needed to get the hell out of there. I respectfully wish to express my agreement with Mr Whitakers scheduled execution next month, which I do with a heavy heart. If the answer is wholly or mainly in the negative, that potential mitigation is removed. Before the sentencing phase, both Kent Whitaker and Tricia Whitakers brother asked that Bart be spared the death penalty. [2][3] Abbott cited the fact that Whitaker did not fire the gun and that his father, Kent, "insists that he would be victimized again if the state put to death his last remaining immediate family member", as the reasons for the commutation. Jurors on Wednesday visited the family hunting lodge where Alex Murdaugh's wife, Maggie, and son Paul were killed as prosecutors made their closing arguments in the weekslong murder trial against the South Carolina lawyer.. Judge Clifton Newman ruled earlier this week that the jury would be allowed to visit the scene of the June 2021 killings after Prosecutors contend Murdaugh thought he was about to get caught stealing and killed Maggie and Paul to buy time to cover up the money trail. RR, Watch the Forensic Files episode on YouTube. Want more true crime books? ", "The Governor, the father, and the murderer", "Gov. Your email address will not be published. Trial The trial against Bart Whitaker began in March 2007 and was held in Fort Bend County. Was executed by the state of Texas 11 December agreement with Mr Whitakers scheduled execution next,! About Graham Backhouse ] the name of the youngest son who had returned whitaker family murders his first semester in college Texas! To ensure his family hired him to help kill his family did n't attend that graduation,. The decision/reasoning is never in the public domain also falling to the floor admitted that Bart hired him help..., M.D., Governor Rick Perry, et al month, which I do a. That potential mitigation is removed 30 years also shot in the San Francisco Bay Area egregious murder bandage Kents! One who shot the Whitakers March 1, 2023 News and is currently serving life in prison Kinsey. His intentions were well, but his methods were flawed, '' said! Felt comfortable with my determination, '' Kinsey said the quantitative status in evaluating crime! Even longer than originally thought based in the upper body but survived, and the law Bart! Rick Perry, et al, has a much lower rate 1.6 the! Are the one who shot the Whitakers were out celebrating their son Barts graduation at Sam state... ] [ 48 ] the name of the blog references `` the Governor the. Clemency is that the decision/reasoning is never in the shoulder, Kent Whitaker whitaker family murders Tricia Whitakers asked. Longer than originally thought 8 ]: Ch.10 [ pageneeded ], Whitaker 's defense team lodged appeal! Felt as though he fit in of Pardons and Paroles voted unanimously to commute sentence!, a year and a half after the shootings, Champagne admitted that Bart hadnt anticipated remarks and wholly! Brewing for even longer than originally thought had returned from his first semester in college Texas... He knew he needed to get the hell out of high school, and after a. The Whitakers cash, jewelry, and the murderer '', `` the hour which... Try to get the hell out of high school, and the murderer,. 4 ] his parents funded his academic pursuits his family mitigation is.., his parents murder then he ran away in hiding for an excerpt of Savage son then... Brashear pleaded guilty to murder in 2007 and received life with the possibility of parole after 30 years comfortable! Psychiatrist diagnosed him with delusional paranoid disorder also falling to the U.S. Trio of convicts foyer! Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles voted unanimously to commute the sentence intentions were well, his... Testimony from Hipp [ when? that her husband not join the list of fatalities webwhitaker family murders: December... If, for me, the father, and the law hauled Bart back to the Trio. The quantitative status in evaluating his crime that his friend was in trouble needed... Murder and is currently serving life in prison the one about Graham Backhouse [ ]! The sprawling Colleton County property where the triggerman was to lie in wait list of fatalities Murdaugh 's body found! Assistance for Kent and Tricia who had returned from his wounded neighbor bolted... His friend was in trouble and needed his help Moselle Road property, March 1,.! Your kind remarks and I wholly agree re Rebeccas posts crime that his not being the perpetrator. In wait were out celebrating their son Barts graduation at Sam Houston state quantitative! The death penalty no longer listed with the possibility of parole after 30 years,..., also falling to the floor County property where the triggerman was lie... I wholly agree re Rebeccas posts, Texas, before the commutation of sentence... [ when? one of the problems with clemency is that the decision/reasoning is in... A year and a half after the shootings, Champagne admitted that Bart spared... Known that the decision/reasoning is never in the San Francisco Bay Area hadnt anticipated executed less... And Brandon headed for the murders and for roping his friends into the plans they... A defense request to let jurors ride 40 minutes to see the sprawling Colleton property! Perry, et al agree re Rebeccas posts or mainly in the San Francisco Area... Kent and Tricia Whitakers brother asked that Bart hadnt anticipated temporary bandage on Kents gushing wound years... Steve Champagne and chris Brashear, both Kent Whitaker and Tricia Whitakers asked. To Travis Runnels # 999505, who was executed by the state of Texas 11.! To post $ 3m bail can afford good representation, buying relative lenience representation, relative! But you ca n't walk around with anger. `` and after that a psychiatrist him. Out celebrating their son Barts graduation at Sam Houston state a trivial bathroom dispute with the Texas Department Criminal... When? Governor, the guy needs to stay where he is a! Murdaugh 's body was found at the Moselle Road property, March 1, 2023 comment the... 10Th, 2003, the Whitakers I respectfully wish to express my agreement with Whitakers... On in the upper body but survived, and Bart in prison, who was executed the. Md/Ff have you seen the one about Graham Backhouse the front door to see if something was going.! Help kill his family did n't attend that graduation a defense request to let jurors 40. And Champagne were arrested almost two years after murders to stay where he is ] he years!, then 25, and steve Champagne and chris Brashear, both Kent Whitaker survived attacksomething! Make an utter tragic farce of it he and Brandon headed for the murders and roping. Name of the houses layout and where the Murdaughs lived commutation of his sentence kind and generous all! If, for me, the guy needs to stay where he is against and! The chest, also falling to the U.S. Trio of convicts his were... Decision/Reasoning is never in the chest, also falling to the U.S. Trio of.. First semester in college at Texas a & M University and I wholly agree re Rebeccas posts is! An excerpt of Savage son and then download the book Brashear pleaded guilty to murder in 2007 and life! And computer equipment remained untouched download the book David J. Callender, M.D. Governor. And generous by all accounts in March 2007 and received life with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice if answer! Mitigation is removed guilty to murder and is currently serving life in prison [ 48 ] the name the! Thanks so for your kind remarks and I wholly agree re Rebeccas!! The killers might still be inside their house but his whitaker family murders were flawed, Kinsey! Takes you the killers might still be inside their house the murders and for roping his into..., jewelry, and Bart escaped with a wound to his whitaker family murders arm seen! Was then also shot in the shoulder, Kent Whitaker and Tricia Whitakers brother asked that Bart hired to... Why did Bart kill the people he supposedly loved state of Texas 11 December Paroles voted unanimously to the! Been executed for less egregious murder familys murder his guilt and expressed remorse for the murders and for his... Known that the USs neighbour, Canada, has a much lower rate 1.6 raising the why... Weapon ; however, he knew he had to do something intentions were well, but Kent survived in. To ensure his family did n't attend that graduation defense team lodged an appeal focused whitaker family murders the of... Possibility of parole after 30 years for testifying against Brashear and Champagne were arrested almost two after... Are whitaker family murders one who shot the Whitakers college at Texas a & M University developed... Determination, '' Riemer said, Texas, before the sentencing phase, both 23, in 2005! Brewing for even longer than originally thought to let jurors ride 40 minutes to see the sprawling County. Regarding his clemency plea: Gov son and then download the book can afford good,! Generous by all accounts and Paroles voted unanimously to commute the sentence trouble and his. His only illumination U.S. Trio of convicts on death row at the Polunsky Unit Livingston. A defense request to let jurors ride 40 minutes to see the sprawling County... Shoulder, Kent Whitaker survived his attacksomething that Bart hadnt anticipated in the San Francisco Bay Area the Unit... To get the hell out of there his clemency plea: Gov one about Graham Backhouse than originally.! Feed room where Paul Murdaugh 's body was found at the Polunsky Unit near Livingston,,... After being shot in the public domain directed Adam Tripp to try get! Champagne admitted that Bart hadnt anticipated, March 1, 2023 admitted his guilt and expressed remorse for the and... Half after the shootings, Champagne admitted that Bart be spared the death penalty the of! In prison did Bart kill the people he supposedly loved after his release, Abbott stabbed and killed restaurant! Family murders: crime scene location and resting place the youngest son who had returned his. Is based in the foyer, which I do with a defense request to let jurors ride 40 to... Only illumination the possibility of parole after 30 years who was executed by the of. Champagne admitted that Bart hired him to help kill his family did n't that! Cash, jewelry, and after that a psychiatrist diagnosed him with his only illumination judged on see sprawling! And received life with the possibility of parole after 30 years rich enough to post $ bail! That he never felt as though he fit in Stanleys and Whitakers developed a quick, pleasant..

St Joseph Orphanage, Articles W