Alex Murdaugh
Crime and Cask News Breakdown: Nathan Tuten’s Testimony in the Alex Murdaugh Trial
As we continue to investigate and break down the intricacies of the Alex Murdaugh trial, Nathan Tuten’s testimony provides more than just a glimpse into the Murdaugh family dynamics—it uncovers the personal ties and relationships that could have significant implications for the case.
A Close Friendship with Paul Murdaugh
Nathan Tuten, a lifelong friend of Paul Murdaugh, painted a picture of a family he was intimately connected to. He and Paul grew up together in Hampton, South Carolina, and shared a bond built around hunting, fishing, and spending time with friends. Tuten described Paul as “the definition of a good person and a good friend.” His testimony also revealed a close relationship with Maggie Murdaugh, whom he described as “one of the sweetest ladies” he’d ever known, almost like a second mother to him.
But Tuten’s connection to the Murdaugh family runs even deeper. He lived with Paul at the cabin off Moselle Road for a summer, becoming familiar with every corner of the sprawling property. He noted that it was common for Alex or Maggie to drive by the kennels to say hello if he and Paul were there.
The prosecution subtly implied that on the night of the murders, Alex Murdaugh should have stopped by the kennels, as he typically would. However, the defense contends that Alex was rushing to visit his mother after a long and stressful day, which might explain why he didn’t follow this usual routine.
A Web of Connections: Tuten, Connelly, and Wilson
Interestingly, our investigation into Tuten’s testimony has uncovered key relationships that extend beyond the Murdaugh family. Tuten is known to be close friends with Shawn Connelly, a name that has surfaced in connection with both the Stephen Smith case and the broader Murdaugh circle. Tuten and Connelly even vacationed together in Las Vegas, further strengthening the bond between the two.
In addition to his friendship with Connelly, Tuten is also friends with Patrick Wilson, another significant figure in the South Carolina landscape of investigations. Wilson, who has been involved in numerous unsolved cases, shares close ties with the same individuals who have played roles in or around the Murdaugh saga. Wilson is also friends with Connor Cook, a friend who was involved in the 2019 boat wreck that killed Mallory Beach and broke Connor’s jaw. Connor has a child with Miley Altman, Patrick Wilson’s cousin. These relationships raise questions about how interconnected these individuals are, and whether those personal connections may have influenced key moments in the investigation.
Tuten’s Role at the Murdaugh Law Firm
Beyond his personal connections, Tuten worked as a runner for Alex Murdaugh’s law firm from 2019 to May 2022. His duties included cashing checks at Palmetto State Bank on Alex’s behalf. Tuten testified that he frequently returned from the bank with cash in a bank envelope and handed it to Alex in his office, where others—including attorneys Cory Fleming, Chris Wilson, and Yemassee Police Chief Greg Alexander—were sometimes present.
In a crucial moment during the trial, Tuten revealed that, in the weeks leading up to the murders, Alex suddenly stopped asking him to cash checks—an odd shift given the routine nature of these transactions. Tuten also played a key role in helping Jeanne Seckinger, the firm’s chief financial officer, investigate suspicious financial activity tied to Alex. The fact that Seckinger, the sister-in-law of Russell Lafitte, former president of Palmetto State Bank, directed Tuten in this investigation adds another layer to the already complex financial schemes surrounding Murdaugh.
Guns at Moselle: Familiar Territory for Tuten
Tuten’s testimony also delved into the guns that were regularly used at Moselle. As someone who hunted with Paul and spent a summer living on the property, Tuten was familiar with the firearms kept there, when Paul’s gun was stolen, and who had access to them. His knowledge of these details could become critical as the trial continues to unravel the mystery of which gun was used in the murders.
Cross-Examination and Unanswered Questions
When defense attorney Jim Griffin cross-examined Tuten, the exchange grew tense. Griffin pressed Tuten on the men he had seen in Alex’s office when delivering cashed checks, including Greg Alexander. Griffin asked if Tuten was suggesting that Alex was giving money to Alexander. Tuten responded, “I’m not suggesting anything,” leaving that question hanging in the air. Fernandez quickly objected, and the judge sustained the objection, leaving the implication unresolved.
In Nathan Tuten’s testimony, several questions were left unanswered about the night Paul Murdaugh’s .300 Blackout rifle went missing. Tuten, a close friend of Paul, testified about their shared experiences at Moselle but seemed taken aback when Jim Griffin asked whose gun he thought was stolen, responding, “I’d assume Paul’s.” Tuten also acknowledged that he was unfamiliar with Paul’s replacement rifle, despite spending much time at the Murdaugh property. This raised eyebrows, as it seems odd that someone so close to Paul would not know about a significant event like acquiring a new rifle, especially one that played a pivotal role in the trial. Griffin further pressed him on the .300 Blackout used in court, asking whether it belonged to Buster, to which Tuten angrily replied, “that is the gun that I used at Moselle.”
The shift in Tuten’s body language during this questioning caught the attention of many, including the prosecution. Despite being close to Paul and speaking regularly, it was curious that Tuten had never heard about the new .300 Blackout until the trial, especially given his presence at Moselle. Tuten had previously testified that he was with Paul when the original rifle was allegedly stolen, making his response in 2023 seem inconsistent. This testimony has left many wondering about the gaps in communication between Tuten and Paul, especially considering the significance of the rifle in the tragic events that followed. Wouldn’t Paul, who spoke with Tuten almost daily, have mentioned this crucial detail? The inconsistencies in Tuten’s account raise important questions about what was known and when.
The Bigger Picture: Personal Ties and Legal Implications
Nathan Tuten’s testimony provides more than just background on the Murdaugh family’s habits—it hints at deeper connections and raises questions about the nature of his relationships with individuals like Shawn Connelly and Patrick Wilson. These connections, paired with his insider knowledge of Alex Murdaugh’s financial dealings and the guns at Moselle, paint a picture of a man who knew the family and their circumstances well.
Tuten’s closeness to Paul and Maggie Murdaugh, along with his ties to key figures like Connelly and Wilson, suggest that his role in this saga is more complex than his initial testimony might indicate. As the trial progresses, it will be interesting to see if these relationships will come under further scrutiny, and whether they will play a larger role in unraveling the truth behind this tragic case.
Stay tuned to Crime and Cask News as we continue to break down the Alex Murdaugh trial, uncovering new angles and investigating the people connected to this case.
