Watch: Week 6 continues in Alex Murdaugh’s double-murder trial

Timothy Palmbach, a Connecticut forensic scientist and blood spatter analyst, said he believes Paul Murdaugh was killed by a downward-facing, contact shotgun wound. Palmbach is the second defense witness to contradict the findings of state witness Dr. Ellen Riemer, who conducted Paul and Maggie Murdaugh’s autopsies.

Defense attorney Jim Griffin asked Palmbach how much blood one would expect the shooter to have on them after the execution-style shot.

“A lot,” Palmbach responded simply. “A lot.”

The defense is again drawing jurors’ attention to the fact Alex Murdaugh’s clothes, seized by SLED investigators, ultimately tested negative for blood despite the state grand jury being told his T-shirt had traces of high-velocity blood spatter.

No blood was found on any of Murdaugh’s other clothes, or on his skin.

Prosecutors have hinted Murdaugh could have rinsed himself after the killings and disposed of the clothes he’d worn.

Witness statements

Jurors will hear testimonies from several witnesses, including officers from the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office who responded to Maggie and Paul Murdaugh’s murder scene.

Catch up on our previous coverage of the Murdaugh family here.

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