S8 E146: The Trial of Alex Murdaugh: Crime Scene Investigator Opinion on the Shootings Timeline — Part 5

·22 min·2 clips

Defense attorney Dick Harpootlian crouches to show how a shooter would have fired the second shotgun blast at Paul Murdaugh.

The episode continues from the previous installment, covering day 17 of the Alex Murdaugh trial. Defense attorney Dick Harpootlian cross-examines Orangeburg County crime scene investigator Dr. Kenneth Kinsey. Harpootlian focuses on Kinsey's analysis of the two shotgun shots that killed Paul Murdaugh, particularly the second shot which had an upward trajectory of about 135 degrees. Kinsey demonstrates that the shooter would have had to crouch or hold the shotgun in an awkward low position to fire that shot. Harpootlian uses a tape measure to show the entrance wound on Paul's chest was at approximately 4 foot 3 inches. The defense attorney questions when Kinsey was hired, noting he was contacted months after another expert, Tom Bevel, issued a report. Harpootlian asks about body camera footage where Alex Murdaugh said Paul's phone fell from his pocket, not exploded out. Kinsey reviews SLED reports but emphasizes he forms his own conclusions. The discussion turns to shell casings, with Kinsey stating they only give a general idea of shooter location within a few yards. Harpootlian probes the spread of shotgun pellets in Paul's shoulder, which Kinsey says is consistent with close proximity. Kinsey admits he cannot determine the exact position of the shooter relative to Maggie Murdaugh due to possible movement. The tire impression on Maggie's leg is examined, with Kinsey saying it matches the ATV tire at the scene but cannot be definitively linked without scale photos. Prosecutor Creighton Waters redirects, asking if Kinsey was told what conclusions to reach; Kinsey says he made independent judgments. Waters clarifies that shell casings were found near Maggie and that shooting events can be fluid. He notes the easel drawing used earlier was reversed from reality. Harpootlian recrosses, using colleague Philip Barber to physically reenact the shotgun angle for the second shot. Judge Newman calls for a lunch break, ending the testimony.

As heard by us

A careful courtroom hour that makes forensic detail feel central rather than ornamental.

Jury Duty stays tightly focused on the mechanics of the Alex Murdoch trial, following Dr. Kenneth Kinsey through Dick Harpoolian's cross-examination on shell casings, shot distance, wound angle, and what the physical evidence can and cannot prove.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Follow the cross-examination where every shell casing matters.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Jury Duty