SC AG’s case file: Photos show extensive damage to boat allegedly driven by Murdaugh

This story first published Aug. 16, 2021.

New documents released by the S.C. Attorney General’s Office on Monday reveal the extensive damage the Sea Hunt boat suffered in the 2019 boat crash that killed Mallory Beach and implicated Paul Murdaugh.

The photos are part of the AG’s Office’s investigative file into the boat crash and were released because Murdaugh, the only person charged in the crash, was found shot to death in June.

The documents are organized into 10 folders and include hundreds of pages of police reports, photos and videos from the investigation into the crash. The files offer a complete look at the evidence the AG’s Office planned to use in the criminal trial against Murdaugh, who was killed in June.

Among the files:

▪ New photos showing extensive damage to the 2006 Sea Hunt boat that crashed;

▪ Records showing that the S.C. Department of Natural Resources requested Snapchat records from the boat’s occupants;

▪ A redacted copy of Paul Murdaugh’s death certificate. The Island Packet previously obtained a copy of the certificate that confirmed he was killed by gunshot wounds to the chest and head;

▪ An Aug. 23, 2019 email from the University of South Carolina Director of Compliance and Professional Standards asking the AG’s Office for a copy of the indictment against Murdaugh. “The individual charged is a UofSC returning student. As part of our on-going review of student’s charged in criminal matters we wish to have the indictment,” the email said.

However, much of the material released Monday duplicated files recently released by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources.

The AG’s documents come as the state’s investigation into the crash is ongoing. The office’s spokesperson has declined to say why the case is open, but sources told The Island Packet last month that a state grand jury is investigating the possibility of obstruction of justice in the 2019 boat crash investigation.

At the time of his death, Murdaugh was facing three felony counts of boating under the influence related to the 2019 boat crash. The AG’s Office was prosecuting the case. Police investigating the June 7 double homicide of Murdaugh and his mother, Maggie, have not publicly identified any suspects or motives.

This story was originally published August 16, 2021 at 1:13 PM with the headline "SC AG’s case file: Photos show extensive damage to boat allegedly driven by Murdaugh."

Kacen Bayless

The Island Packet

(843) 560-9167

A reporter for The Island Packet covering projects and investigations, Kacen Bayless is a native of St. Louis, Missouri. He graduated from the University of Missouri with an emphasis in investigative reporting. In the past, he’s worked for St. Louis Magazine, the Columbia Missourian, KBIA and the Columbia Business Times. His work has garnered Missouri and South Carolina Press Association awards for investigative, enterprise, in-depth, health, growth and government reporting. He was awarded South Carolina’s top honor for assertive journalism in 2020.