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The Murdaugh judge warns against sharing graphic autopsy photos of Maggie and Paul that were accidentally shown during the trial and likens the case to police releasing images of Kobe Bryant’s helicopter.
- Autopsy photos were accidentally shown on a prosecutor’s computer screen
- They were posted on Twitter by some who had been following the live broadcasts of the trial.
- Judge Newman warned against sharing them when he sentenced Murdaugh today.
Before adjourning Alex Murdaugh’s case today, Judge Clifford Newman warned against sharing graphic autopsy photos of the bodies of Maggie and Paul that were accidentally shown during the trial.
He also compared the case to that of Vanessa Bryant, the widow of Kobe Bryant who sued Los Angeles officials for leaking photos of the helicopter crash that killed her husband and daughter.
Photos of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh were inadvertently shown on one of the many livestreams of the trial when a member of the prosecution team displayed them on her computer while questioning pathologist Dr. Ellen Riemer.
Some viewers who had been following the live streams took advantage of the graphic images and shared them on Twitter.
Today, after sentencing Murdaugh, Judge Newman warned against reposting them online.
Judge Clifton Newman warned against sharing graphic autopsy photographs that were accidentally shown in court during the trial.
Maggie and Paul Murdaugh (right) were shot to death on June 7, 2021. Graphic autopsy footage was shown during the trial.
‘Secondly, there is now a complaint about the posting of autopsy photos that come from the courtroom, according to the address of the photos, they come from the court pit.
“Of course, one of the reasons we have tried to seal graphic photos is because the parties have a right to privacy and a right to have those matters not disclosed publicly.
“If anyone has heard of the recent agreement that Kobe Bryant’s wife just made with Los Angeles County and others regarding certain disclosures, involving the death of Kobe Bryant, the liability may be substantial and is a risk, in your opinion. For the most part, that’s not worth taking.
“We’ll let everyone judge themselves accordingly,” he said.
It will be up to the South Carolina police to investigate the leak.
Bryant and his daughter Gigi tragically died along with seven others on January 26, 2020, when their helicopter pilot ignored warnings of severe weather and accidentally flew into a Los Angeles hillside.
In the aftermath of their deaths, gruesome photos from the crash site were leaked by members of the emergency services and police who first arrived on the scene, showing some of their charred remains.
Vanessa Bryant received $28.5 million from Los Angeles County. She sued after leaked images of the graphical crash of the helicopter where the remains of her husband and her daughter were found.
Kobe and Gianna Bryant were killed along with seven other people when their helicopter crashed on January 26, 2020.
Bryant’s widow, Vanessa, successfully sued Los Angeles County and accepted a settlement this week for $28.9 million.
Judge Newman also warned against harassing jurors who wish to remain anonymous.
One has already come forward to explain how they reached their verdict and why they thought Murdaugh was guilty all along.
But the others, Justice Newman said, were entitled to anonymity.
During one day of the trial, a courtroom camera that followed Murdaugh as he left court unintentionally captured the jurors as well.
Their faces appeared in a live broadcast that was being watched around the world.
Jurors have the right to continue that privacy, but are not required to do so. I wouldn’t be surprised if the jurors decide to come forward and speak.
They are encouraged to do so if that is their wish. I have no problem with jurors unmasking and talking to the media.
‘They’ve been through a life-changing experience. If anyone tries to harass or annoy them, please let me know and I will address the issue,” Judge Newman said.
Murdaugh was sentenced to two consecutive life terms.
Murdaugh leaving court on Friday after being sentenced to life in prison