The new hard-hitting True crime Netflix series ‘Murdaugh Murders’ just got released on February 22, 2023, followed by the shocking testimony of Alex Murdaugh, the very next day on February 23, has got audiences and the general public digging deep within the surfaces of the internet to find out more details about the notorious family and their members. People are intrigued to know more about Alex’s eldest son, Buster Murdaugh’s involvement in a hit-run case that killed a 19-year-old man in 2015.

What happened in 2015?

In 2015, Buster Murdaugh was involved in a hit-and-run accident that resulted in the death of a 19-year-old man, Stephen Smith. While initial reports indicated that the incident was a hit-and-run, it was later revealed that Buster was the driver of the vehicle involved. The accident occurred near the family’s property in Hampton County, South Carolina.

Despite the severity of the incident, Buster was not charged or arrested in connection with Smith’s death. The South Carolina Highway Patrol conducted an investigation into the accident but ultimately closed the case, stating that there was not enough evidence to support criminal charges against Buster.

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The incident has since resurfaced in the wake of the tragic deaths of Buster’s mother, Maggie and brother, Paul in June 2021. The murders of Buster’s family members have led to increased scrutiny of the Murdaugh family, and questions have been raised about whether Buster received preferential treatment in the handling of the 2015 accident.

Some have suggested that Buster’s status as a member of a prominent South Carolina family may have played a role in the outcome of the investigation. The Murdaugh family has long been influential in the state’s legal and political circles, and some have speculated that this influence may have swayed the handling of the case.

Others have pointed to the involvement of the Hampton County Sheriff’s Office in the investigation. The sheriff’s office has been accused of mishandling evidence in the investigation into the deaths of Buster’s mother and brother, which has raised concerns about the integrity of the department. Some have suggested that similar issues may have impacted the investigation into the 2015 accident, leading to a lack of accountability for Buster’s actions.

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Despite these concerns, it is worth noting that the evidence in the 2015 accident was limited. There were no eyewitnesses to the accident, and the investigation was complicated by the fact that it occurred in a rural area with limited surveillance footage or other forensic evidence. As a result, it is possible that the lack of evidence played a role in the decision not to pursue charges against Buster.

Regardless of the specifics of the case, the incident has highlighted broader issues with accountability and fairness in the legal system. Questions about the role of privilege and influence in the handling of criminal cases have become increasingly salient in recent years, as more people have become aware of the ways in which the justice system can be stacked against marginalized groups.

The tragedy that has befallen the Murdaugh family in recent months is a reminder that no one is immune to the consequences of these systemic issues. While it is unclear whether Buster Murdaugh received preferential treatment in the 2015 accident, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for transparency, accountability, and justice for all. Only by addressing these issues can we hope to create a more equitable legal system that serves the needs of all members of society.