Episodios

  • From Banker to Thief Russell Laffitte Finally Admits to Murdaugh Scheme
    Apr 26 2025
    From Banker to Thief Russell Laffitte Finally Admits to Murdaugh Scheme
    Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.

    This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.

    Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.

    Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime, or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week in Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle.
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    11 m
  • From Banker to Thief: Russell Laffitte Finally Admits to Murdaugh Scheme
    Apr 18 2025
    From Banker to Thief: Russell Laffitte Finally Admits to Murdaugh Scheme The Banker Finally Blinks After two years of pretending he just didn’t know any better, former Palmetto State Bank CEO Russell Laffitte has finally admitted what everyone else already knew: he’s a crook. In a guilty plea deal made public this week, Laffitte confessed to six criminal counts, copping to a scheme with Alex Murdaugh that laundered and stole at least $3.5 million from vulnerable clients over an 11-year stretch. That’s more than a decade of playing dumb while using his bank like a personal vending machine for fraud. But unlike previous courtroom performances, Laffitte now admits he wasn’t just “naive” or “misled.” He knew exactly what he was doing—and it was illegal. This is a major shift from the story Laffitte has been trying to sell since the walls started closing in. Back in his 2022 trial, the man spent five hours on the stand denying everything but bad judgment. He painted himself as the village idiot of banking, manipulated by Murdaugh into funneling millions out of client settlements without understanding what was going on. He even pulled the classic “not intentionally” line when asked if he’d helped Murdaugh steal. But now, in black and white, Laffitte is admitting he did help. Intentionally. Repeatedly. And he knew it was against the law. This admission changes everything—especially for the people he hurt. It also spares them from enduring a second trial that would’ve rehashed painful memories and exposed them to more cross-examinations from Laffitte’s legal team. Instead of dragging them through that again, Laffitte gets five years. It’s a cut from the seven-year sentence he was serving before his conviction was overturned on a technicality. And it’s a far cry from the nine to eleven years prosecutors were originally gunning for in their 2023 sentencing memo. That memo was brutal. Prosecutors said what made Laffitte stand out wasn’t just the crimes—plenty of people commit bank fraud—it was the audacity to lie about it over and over. They detailed how Laffitte had spun tales in a civil deposition, during a disciplinary review, at his bond hearing, and at trial. And even after a jury found him guilty, he still tried to appeal, blaming everyone but himself. But now, thanks to this plea deal, there will be no retrial, no appeals, and no last-ditch arguments about ineffective legal counsel. Laffitte has waived all of it. It’s a legal dead-end for him and a sigh of relief for prosecutors and victims alike. And let's talk about the company he kept. Laffitte wasn’t pulling these moves with some faceless fraudster—he was in business with Alex Murdaugh, arguably South Carolina’s most radioactive defendant. By the time Laffitte’s case came up for a retrial, Murdaugh was already a convicted murderer and convicted thief. The idea of facing a jury while being tied at the hip to that guy? Not a good look. In the background of all this are the stories of the people they stole from. The Plyler sisters, Hannah and Alania, had their settlement money drained. Natarsha Thomas lost $350,000. Arthur Badger, left to raise six children after his wife’s death in a crash, had over a million siphoned from his rightful settlement. Laffitte helped reroute that money through his bank into accounts he and Murdaugh controlled, like some twisted game of Monopoly where the victims always lost and the banker pocketed Boardwalk. Emails between Laffitte and Murdaugh discussing Badger’s money were described by attorney Mark Tinsley as especially damning. Which is why, Tinsley says, this guilty plea isn’t a surprise—it’s damage control. For the victims and their attorneys, this deal is about more than just prison time. It’s closure. It’s avoiding another public trial. And most importantly, it’s proof in writing that Laffitte wasn’t just a clueless banker caught in the crossfire—he was an active, informed participant in a massive fraud. Now, even as he faces civil lawsuits where he continues to deny responsibility, his federal guilty plea will hang around his neck like a cement necktie. Because no matter how many depositions he gives, the ink on that 10-page agreement doesn’t lie. Russell Laffitte may have spent years denying, deflecting, and dodging the truth. But this week, he finally ran out of exits. #AlexMurdaugh #RussellLaffitte #PalmettoStateBank #WhiteCollarCrime Want to listen to ALL our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, ...
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    11 m
  • Alex Murdaugh Murder Appeal Delayed 120 Days – Here’s What Happens Next
    Apr 16 2025
    Alex Murdaugh Murder Appeal Delayed 120 Days – Here’s What Happens Next
    In this episode, we’re diving into the latest twist in the Alex Murdaugh murder appeal—the South Carolina Supreme Court’s unexpected decision to grant prosecutors a 120-day extension to respond. With the new deadline now set for August 8, 2025, Murdaugh's defense team is sounding the alarm, accusing the Attorney General’s Office of stalling and mismanaging the case. The State, on the other hand, claims “extraordinary circumstances” justify the delay, pointing to a massive 6,000-page trial record and staff turnover.
    This isn’t just a boring scheduling change—it’s a courtroom clash that exposes just how complicated, politically sensitive, and high-stakes this appeal really is. The defense argues the longer this drags out, the longer Murdaugh sits in prison on what they claim was a structurally flawed trial. Prosecutors say they need time to do it right. Legal analysts say it’s rare to see such a public fight over an appellate deadline, especially one involving a case this notorious.

    We break down what this extension means, how it affects the timeline of the appeal, and what it tells us about the strategies on both sides. From the controversial role of court clerk Becky Hill to the looming oral arguments in late 2025 or early 2026, this delay sets the tone for what could be one of the most consequential appellate rulings in South Carolina history. Subscribe now for all the updates as this legal saga continues to unfold.

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    The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
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    31 m
  • Murdaugh to SC: You’ve Had Long Enough
    Apr 9 2025
    Murdaugh to SC: You’ve Had Long Enough The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office wants more time to answer Alex Murdaugh’s Supreme Court appeal—and Murdaugh’s team isn’t having it. In a rare move that flips the courtroom script, it’s the defense pressing to move things forward, while the prosecution is asking the highest court in the state to slow it down. On April 3, the AG’s Office asked for a second extension in Murdaugh’s appeal process. They’re asking for 120 more days, which would push their deadline to respond until August 8. But Murdaugh’s lawyers fired back almost immediately with a simple message: No. Richard Harpootlian, one of Murdaugh’s lead attorneys, didn’t mince words. In an email directly to the state’s attorneys, he said, “We will not consent.” The state’s request comes in response to a 121-page appeal filed by Murdaugh’s legal team back in December. That appeal is no small document—it accuses former Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill of jury tampering, questions the way evidence was presented, and basically asks the court to take a second look at one of the most widely followed trials in recent memory. The Supreme Court received both motions—the AG’s request for time and the defense’s refusal—but hasn’t yet ruled on either. Murdaugh, the disbarred attorney turned convicted murderer, was sentenced to back-to-back life terms last year for the 2021 shooting deaths of his wife Maggie and son Paul. He has always denied involvement in the killings. His legal team filed for appeal last December, citing what they claim were serious errors during the trial, including that explosive allegation of jury tampering. Originally, the AG’s Office had 90 days to respond to the appeal—a deadline they agreed on with the defense. That gave them until April 10. But now they want four more months, claiming the scope of the case is just too big to tackle in time. Their reasoning? For starters, the trial transcripts span over 6,000 pages. Add to that audio recordings, video exhibits, legal briefs, and side hearings, and you’ve got a mountain of material to review. The AG’s team also says they’re dealing with other major cases, including death penalty litigation, and their attorneys are simply stretched thin. But Murdaugh’s side isn’t buying it. They say this appeal has already been pending far too long. They point out that if the extension is granted, it will have taken the state an entire year to respond to their brief. They say they’ve never heard of that happening in any criminal case—capital or otherwise. They also argue that if the Attorney General’s Office can’t keep up with its caseload, they should hire outside help. With 90 attorneys on staff, the defense questions why this one case needs so much extra time. Then there’s the most telling part: Murdaugh’s lawyers say they believe the state’s case won’t hold up on appeal. They argue that dragging this out only delays justice—and that unless the AG’s Office is hiding some blockbuster argument, the state’s trying to stall a process that could ultimately lead to overturning the murder convictions. Let’s be clear: even if Murdaugh wins this appeal, it doesn’t mean he walks out of prison. He’s already pleaded guilty to a laundry list of financial crimes—millions stolen from clients and colleagues—and those come with their own steep sentences. But overturning the murder convictions would shake up the legacy of a trial that gripped the country. Now, it’s up to the South Carolina Supreme Court to decide whether the state deserves more time—or if the clock has already run out. #AlexMurdaugh #SouthCarolinaSupremeCourt #LegalNews #TrueCrime Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
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    17 m
  • Alex Murdaugh’s Appeal: The Legal Battle That Could Change Everything
    Feb 26 2025
    Alex Murdaugh’s Appeal: The Legal Battle That Could Change Everything
    Alex Murdaugh’s appeal is shaping up to be just as explosive as his trial, and we’re diving deep into the legal battle that could change everything. With claims of jury tampering, courtroom misconduct, and the media’s overwhelming influence, this case isn’t just about guilt or innocence anymore—it’s about whether the justice system itself was compromised. In this episode, we break down the strongest arguments in Murdaugh’s appeal, the shocking allegations against court clerk Becky Hill, and what the South Carolina Supreme Court’s ruling could mean for one of the most infamous murder cases in modern history.
    Did Becky Hill’s alleged private conversations with jurors impact the verdict? Could the overwhelming media coverage have tainted the jury pool beyond repair? And if the Supreme Court grants a new trial, how could prosecutors and Murdaugh’s defense team approach the case differently the second time around? We explore the high-stakes legal chess match playing out behind the scenes and the broader implications for the criminal justice system.

    From Netflix documentaries to social media-fueled speculation, the Murdaugh case has played out in front of millions. But beneath the headlines and viral clips lies a deeper story—one about power, corruption, and the fine line between justice and spectacle. Join us as we unpack the latest developments in the Murdaugh appeal, what the legal experts are saying, and how this case could set a precedent for high-profile trials in the digital age.
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    The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
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    29 m
  • 6 Years Ago: The Shocking Cover-Up Behind the Murdaugh Boat Crash
    Feb 25 2025
    On the night of February 24, 2019, a boating trip turned deadly when a boat owned by Alex Murdaugh—a powerful South Carolina attorney—crashed into a bridge, throwing 19-year-old Mallory Beach into the dark waters of Archer’s Creek. What seemed like a tragic accident soon unraveled into something much darker: a web of privilege, power, and an alleged cover-up designed to protect the Murdaugh family name. With Paul Murdaugh at the helm, intoxicated, reckless, and shielded by generations of influence, questions arose about who would be held accountable—and who would walk free.
    This episode dives deep into the Murdaugh family’s long history of legal and political control, the night of the fatal crash, and the shocking efforts to manipulate the investigation. From the disturbing behavior of Paul Murdaugh that night to his father’s alleged interference at the hospital, we explore the evidence of obstruction, the lawsuits that followed, and how this single event set off a chain reaction that led to the murder of Paul and his mother, Maggie, in 2021. Could the boat crash have been the catalyst that brought down the Murdaugh dynasty?

    Join us as we piece together the full timeline of events, the legal battles that ensued, and the shocking twists that followed. With exclusive details, witness testimonies, and investigative findings, this is the definitive breakdown of the Murdaugh boat crash case. How did one night of reckless decision-making expose an empire of corruption? And what does justice really look like for Mallory Beach and her family? Listen now to find out.
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    The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
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    20 m
  • Buster Murdaugh vs. Netflix: The Lawsuit That Could Change True Crime Forever!
    Feb 21 2025
    Buster Murdaugh is the only surviving son of disgraced South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh, the once-powerful lawyer who was convicted of murdering his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and youngest son, Paul Murdaugh in 2021. As a member of the influential Murdaugh family, which controlled the legal system in South Carolina’s Lowcountry for nearly a century, Buster has lived under intense public scrutiny due to the family’s history of legal scandals, crime, and corruption. While Buster Murdaugh has never been charged with a crime, his name has frequently been linked to the unsolved 2015 death of Stephen Smith, a 19-year-old nursing student whose body was found on a rural road in Hampton County, South Carolina. Smith’s death was initially ruled a hit-and-run, but years of speculation and whispers in the community suggested a possible connection between Buster and the case. No evidence has ever officially linked Buster to Smith’s death, but renewed media interest, especially following his father’s high-profile murder trial, has kept his name in the conversation. In 2024, Buster Murdaugh filed a defamation lawsuit against Netflix, Warner Bros., and several other media companies, alleging that they falsely implicated him in Stephen Smith’s death through true-crime documentaries and news reports. The lawsuit specifically calls out Netflix’s “Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal”, Discovery+’s “Murdaugh Murders: Deadly Dynasty”, and HBO Max’s “Low Country: The Murdaugh Dynasty”, arguing that these productions used misleading reenactments, speculative interviews, and selective storytelling to imply he was involved in a crime he has never been charged with. Buster claims that these documentaries damaged his reputation, fueled baseless public suspicion, and caused him emotional distress. His lawsuit seeks monetary damages and demands retractions or corrections from the media companies. The Ongoing Legal Battle Buster Murdaugh’s lawsuit has now become one of the most closely watched media defamation cases of recent years. The case was initially filed in Hampton County, South Carolina, a jurisdiction where the Murdaugh family once held significant influence. However, Netflix and the other defendants attempted to move the case to federal court, arguing that they are out-of-state corporations and that the lawsuit belongs in a larger legal arena. In December 2024, a federal judge ruled in favor of Buster Murdaugh, sending the case back to state court in Hampton County, where a local jury could ultimately decide whether the media outlets crossed a legal line in their reporting and documentary portrayals. Netflix, Warner Bros., and the other defendants have denied wrongdoing and are expected to fight the lawsuit aggressively, likely arguing that: They never directly stated that Buster Murdaugh was guilty of any crime.They were simply reporting on existing rumors and public interest cases.Buster Murdaugh is a public figure, making defamation harder to prove under U.S. law. This case has sparked a larger debate on the ethics of true-crime documentaries, the responsibilities of media companies when covering ongoing investigations, and the boundaries between storytelling and defamation. The Impact on the Murdaugh Family Name Buster Murdaugh’s legal battle comes at a time when his family name is already synonymous with scandal. His father, Alex Murdaugh, was sentenced to life in prison for the double murder of Maggie and Paul, a crime that exposed the family’s web of financial fraud, legal corruption, and hidden secrets. For Buster, this lawsuit represents more than just a fight against Netflix and Warner Bros.—it’s an attempt to salvage what remains of his reputation. If he wins, it could set a legal precedent that true-crime documentaries cannot rely on speculation and dramatization to tell stories at the expense of real people’s reputations. If he loses, it may further cement his name in true-crime infamy, keeping him permanently tied to Stephen Smith’s case in the court of public opinion. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
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    30 m
  • Millions Ordered in Murdaugh Fraud Scheme as Gloria Satterfield Case Unravels
    Jan 15 2025
    A South Carolina federal judge has ordered Alex Murdaugh and his accomplice, Cory Fleming, to pay millions for orchestrating an insurance fraud scheme that stole over $4 million meant for the family of Murdaugh’s housekeeper, Gloria Satterfield.

    Judge Richard Gergel issued a $14.8 million judgment against Murdaugh and a $3.75 million judgment against Fleming, a former attorney and longtime friend of Murdaugh. These judgments followed a civil trial brought by Nautilus Insurance Company, which sought damages from the fraudulent scheme.

    The case began after Satterfield’s fatal fall on the front steps of Murdaugh’s hunting estate, Moselle. Murdaugh convinced Satterfield’s sons to file a claim against his insurance, promising compensation. Instead, Murdaugh and Fleming embezzled the settlement funds, leaving the family empty-handed.

    Murdaugh admitted to fabricating a story about his dogs causing Satterfield’s death to create liability and secure insurance payouts. “He intended to, and did in fact, steal,” Judge Gergel noted in his January 2 ruling.

    Fleming faced trial for his role in facilitating the fraud. The court found that he committed “multiple acts of unfair and deceptive practices” and acted willfully in violating the South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act. While a jury initially awarded $1.25 million in damages, Gergel tripled the amount to $3.75 million, citing the severity of Fleming’s actions.

    “Fleming’s unfair and deceptive acts played a critical role in Murdaugh’s ability to ultimately steal over $4 million in settlement funds,” Gergel stated in the settlement order.

    The fraudulent settlement funds were part of over 100 financial crimes tied to Murdaugh, including millions stolen from his law firm clients. These crimes have compounded the disgraced attorney’s legal troubles. Murdaugh is already serving two life sentences for the 2021 murders of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul. Prosecutors argued the murders were a distraction to hide his mounting financial crimes.

    While Murdaugh appeals his double murder convictions, the financial fraud cases continue to unfold. Nautilus Insurance Company’s lawsuit against other entities linked to the Satterfield scheme remains active.

    The Gloria Satterfield case has become a cornerstone of the unraveling Murdaugh crime saga, symbolizing the betrayal of trust by two lawyers who exploited a grieving family for personal gain.

    #AlexMurdaugh #GloriaSatterfield #InsuranceFraud #CoryFleming #TrueCrime #SouthCarolina #LegalNews

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    The latest on The Downfall of Diddy, The Trial of Karen Read, The Murder Of Maddie Soto, Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, The Menendez Brothers: Quest For Justice, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, The Murder Of Sandra Birchmore, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
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    12 m
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