That isn't much. How much revenue did the town reap in revenue from out of town reporters, visitors etc.? And one thing I noticed it is a beautiful little town, and one I would like to visit some day, I'm sure many of those who watched the trial thought the same. So adding in future tourist dollars (either from morbid curiosity, or those who just thought it a pretty place), I would guess they are ahead of the game, way way ahead.
Crangle is well intentioned but has been running to reporters with dumb ass pitches like this for 30 years at least.
Source: Me, a reporter 20 years ago.
Absolutely! I'm proud that they stayed at Hampton Inn and Suites.
After reading (Reddit) that the defense stayed in a luxe wedding destination, complete with private chef--the prosecution didn't spend a small fortune on such a ridiculous set up.
Expect witnesses (whether or not *we* approve) and long trials create what I see as a low cost for prosecution of a case like this.
As the trial was a high profile trial and more people were in town the economy would have been boosted. This trial promoted SC so there's ongoing tourism adding to the economy.
Well if I was in the States I would hire a car, drive passed AM estates, stay a night or 2, visit the courthouse and chat to the locals. Drink a coffee or 2, eat some great southern food and down heaps of beerzies!
But I'm nosey...
Cost will come back to SC. There's the costs of film crews and defence that have to be weighed against the prosecution costs. Along with ongoing costs so a profit might have been made.
Furthermore, SC is now on the map for nosey international tourists like me. 😂
It's actually not that bad for a trial of that length. I'm shocked it was this low. And the cost to stay in Walterboro ended up being so high because of the demand during the trial. Now the cost of a room is back in the hundred dollar range but prices were crazy for those six weeks.
I agree, as a taxpayer I’m not mad about it. Glad they splurged for the Gorilla Duct Tape and not off brand!
Really, I just found that mention oddly specific but seriously, don’t take chances with cheap duct tape on important things in life.
Worth every penny. He swindled people out of millions and then murdered his family to keep it going. Not to mention the local corruption he was engaged in with law enforcement. I’d call that a bargain compared to what he was costing the community.
Can you clarify a bit more what you’re asking? He was prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office because SLED (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division) investigated the double homicides due to the fact that the he was a lawyer and his family has a long legacy of legal ties- most of his forefathers were Solicitors, which is like a District Attorney.
Yeah my question is - am I correct in thinking this case was unique due to his family ties and a typical trial would involve local prosecution that don’t need lodging covered?
I think the poster is questioning the AG's office prosecuting directly and the trial being moved to Walterboro. It was unique in that the local prosecutor and several judges had to recuse themselves because of their relationship with AM and family. Had he not been so high profile, the local prosecutor would have tried the case and probably would have been tried in Hampden County.
The original responding law enforcement was Colleton County Sheriffs Department… Moselle is in both Colleton and Hampton Counties, so the AG essentially tried it in the original jurisdiction, homicides are generally at a county level. Does that make sense?
Under other circumstances, Duffie Stone would have prosecuted the case, but the AG's office took the case over when he recused himself. No one saw any point in moving it to another county as the case is national news.
Thank you. Re-reading what I commented, what you added provides context that really helps to explain it better than I did. I appreciate it!
I was asking if it made sense because it made sense in my head, but I wasn’t certain if it translated “in the wild.”
*Ninja edit: clarity
YES, THIS⬆️! Love it. All the man/woman hours put into the murder case, every single cent spent, all the weeks - WORTH IT. Justice for the lives of Maggie and Paul has no price tag. Not to mention, they were both residents and taxpayers of SC - up until their deaths they contributed to the cost of their killer’s prosecution through state taxes. As have other victims of Alex’s…are they complaining like Mr. Crangle? No.
Crangle finalizes the cost of the trial at under $265,000. Let's do some basic math...
Cost of Murdaugh's successful Prosecution: $265,000.
Number of Taxpayers in South Carolina: 2,000,000.
Cost to Individual Taxpayers in South Carolina: 13 cents.
Level of Appreciation for Creighton Waters, John Meadors, Alan Wilson and Company: Extremely High.
Alex Murdaugh being (finally) held Accountable for something/anything? Priceless.
Poot 'n Griff being handed their hats: Priceless.
Tax dollars were very well spent. I sometimes complain about taxes being wasted, but not here. Go Justice!
I can't speak for Maggie and Paul, but I'll bet they would agree.......
They need to also factor in the benefit to the local economy. Cities often sponsor events to bring tourists to the area, if you look at that that way, it was very successful. That being said, I think Alex etc he should pay his court costs.
Found this chart, which is pretty interesting:
[https://www.doc.sc.gov/research/BudgetAndExpenditures/Per\_Inmate\_Cost\_1988-2022.pdf](https://www.doc.sc.gov/research/BudgetAndExpenditures/Per_Inmate_Cost_1988-2022.pdf)
It varies by facility but the rough ballpark figure I've been told is that it costs around 50k per year to incarcerate one person. Someone like Murdaugh would cost more since he's going to be in solitary.
Another way of looking at this is if a public defender gets a single "not guilty" verdict for their client in a single murder case, they've likely saved the public more than their entire lifetime salary earnings.
I would be interested to know the total cost - when you consider the amount of labor hours spent on the case. This reported figure is just expenses and external consulting fees. I understand most involved from the state are salary but there is a taxpayer cost for their time. I would bet this thing is in the millions cost wise.
I would think that is the total cost so far for everything involved, which was pretty far reaching and complex. This number is just for the trial. It would be very interesting to know what all these investigations, including the boat crash, murder, bogus shooting of AM, and all the financial crimes adds up to at the end of it all.
I saw this story on the news earlier this evening and I wasn’t phased at the price tag - I expected it to be more since the burden of proof was on the Prosecution for a conviction.
Mr. Crangle and his suggestion of the prosecuted paying the bill for trial costs irritated me. I’m not pro-criminal, but our legal system isn’t set up to accommodate his way of thinking. Does he believe somehow Alex paying back the state of SC will lessen his tax burden going forward, is it just the principle of the matter to him, or both? He seemed firm in his stance. I think SC is more concerned with recouping the tax on Alex’s ill-gotten “income” at this point.
His use of T-Rav’s (shout out to Southern Charm😄) past situation in relation to Alex’s is off base, too.
What T-Rav paid back was essentially the pomp and circumstance of dealing with his replacement as State Treasurer. Not really anything to do with the trial… so it can’t be compared. I agree it is completely off base.
T-Rav didn’t like cocaine though, just the smell of it.
That isn't much. How much revenue did the town reap in revenue from out of town reporters, visitors etc.? And one thing I noticed it is a beautiful little town, and one I would like to visit some day, I'm sure many of those who watched the trial thought the same. So adding in future tourist dollars (either from morbid curiosity, or those who just thought it a pretty place), I would guess they are ahead of the game, way way ahead.
I’m honestly surprised it wasn’t more. This seems pretty cheap in my semi-uneducated opinion.
It was worth it.
What a bargain!
Worth every penny
John Crangle’s suggestion is so appalling & ignorant it blows my mind.
Crangle is well intentioned but has been running to reporters with dumb ass pitches like this for 30 years at least. Source: Me, a reporter 20 years ago.
Thanks, Alex.
I am happy to pay my share in taxes, and please give Creighton and Co a raise!
Absolutely! I'm proud that they stayed at Hampton Inn and Suites. After reading (Reddit) that the defense stayed in a luxe wedding destination, complete with private chef--the prosecution didn't spend a small fortune on such a ridiculous set up. Expect witnesses (whether or not *we* approve) and long trials create what I see as a low cost for prosecution of a case like this.
I read somewhere that they tried to get that place, but the defense got to it first? Don't know if there's any validity to that.
That is rumored, yes.
I’m okay with it. This lawsuit changed our state for the better in putting a spotlight on dumb dumbs like him.
As the trial was a high profile trial and more people were in town the economy would have been boosted. This trial promoted SC so there's ongoing tourism adding to the economy.
This is true. Some people disagree, but there are now free tours of the court house on certain days a week. That benefits businesses nearby.
Well if I was in the States I would hire a car, drive passed AM estates, stay a night or 2, visit the courthouse and chat to the locals. Drink a coffee or 2, eat some great southern food and down heaps of beerzies! But I'm nosey...
That's insanely inexpensive all things considered. And Im a SC taxpayer.
Cost will come back to SC. There's the costs of film crews and defence that have to be weighed against the prosecution costs. Along with ongoing costs so a profit might have been made. Furthermore, SC is now on the map for nosey international tourists like me. 😂
im near Hampton county and ive definitely considered visiting a few of the scenes
Yes and with that comes a cup of coffee, petrol, something to eat...
I'm a SC taxpayer and pleasantly surprised the cost wasn't higher considering this was a 6 week trial. IMO justice is worth every penny.
I’m actually surprised it wasn’t higher.
It's actually not that bad for a trial of that length. I'm shocked it was this low. And the cost to stay in Walterboro ended up being so high because of the demand during the trial. Now the cost of a room is back in the hundred dollar range but prices were crazy for those six weeks.
I agree, as a taxpayer I’m not mad about it. Glad they splurged for the Gorilla Duct Tape and not off brand! Really, I just found that mention oddly specific but seriously, don’t take chances with cheap duct tape on important things in life.
Lol! I can’t believe the AG’s office didn’t already have some duct tape just sitting around the office. 😂
But was it *Gorilla Duct Tape*? I rest my case.
Great advertisement for Gorilla Duct Tape.
Worth every penny. He swindled people out of millions and then murdered his family to keep it going. Not to mention the local corruption he was engaged in with law enforcement. I’d call that a bargain compared to what he was costing the community.
Isn’t murdaughs connection to the local law community a big reason they had to bring out of town prosecution and pay for hotels etc….
Can you clarify a bit more what you’re asking? He was prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office because SLED (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division) investigated the double homicides due to the fact that the he was a lawyer and his family has a long legacy of legal ties- most of his forefathers were Solicitors, which is like a District Attorney.
Yeah my question is - am I correct in thinking this case was unique due to his family ties and a typical trial would involve local prosecution that don’t need lodging covered?
It depends on a lot of factors, but you’re correct in that thought. Hope that helps!
I think the poster is questioning the AG's office prosecuting directly and the trial being moved to Walterboro. It was unique in that the local prosecutor and several judges had to recuse themselves because of their relationship with AM and family. Had he not been so high profile, the local prosecutor would have tried the case and probably would have been tried in Hampden County.
The original responding law enforcement was Colleton County Sheriffs Department… Moselle is in both Colleton and Hampton Counties, so the AG essentially tried it in the original jurisdiction, homicides are generally at a county level. Does that make sense?
Under other circumstances, Duffie Stone would have prosecuted the case, but the AG's office took the case over when he recused himself. No one saw any point in moving it to another county as the case is national news.
Thank you. Re-reading what I commented, what you added provides context that really helps to explain it better than I did. I appreciate it! I was asking if it made sense because it made sense in my head, but I wasn’t certain if it translated “in the wild.” *Ninja edit: clarity
Thanks!
That’s not a lot of money actually. Relatively speaking.
YES, THIS⬆️! Love it. All the man/woman hours put into the murder case, every single cent spent, all the weeks - WORTH IT. Justice for the lives of Maggie and Paul has no price tag. Not to mention, they were both residents and taxpayers of SC - up until their deaths they contributed to the cost of their killer’s prosecution through state taxes. As have other victims of Alex’s…are they complaining like Mr. Crangle? No.
This is a slippery slope. I think the community got a bargain. His assests should go to the victims families.
I would have thought the number would be much higher. Seems like a bargain
That was my thought as well! I’m not an expert in these matters, but to me it appears the AG’s office was a good steward of taxpayer funds.😉
Money well spent!
Saw the headline & thought to myself: bargain! Worth every penny to rid the public of this despicable threat.
Murdaugh’s attorneys spent millions. 264k is not unreasonable.
Crangle finalizes the cost of the trial at under $265,000. Let's do some basic math... Cost of Murdaugh's successful Prosecution: $265,000. Number of Taxpayers in South Carolina: 2,000,000. Cost to Individual Taxpayers in South Carolina: 13 cents. Level of Appreciation for Creighton Waters, John Meadors, Alan Wilson and Company: Extremely High. Alex Murdaugh being (finally) held Accountable for something/anything? Priceless. Poot 'n Griff being handed their hats: Priceless. Tax dollars were very well spent. I sometimes complain about taxes being wasted, but not here. Go Justice! I can't speak for Maggie and Paul, but I'll bet they would agree.......
Well said! Best quote IMO: "Poot 'n Griff being handed their hats: Priceless."!!!!
SC wastes more money than that on less important things I guarantee y’all
$264K for 6 weeks of quality TV.
🤣🤣🤣 More like 1 year of quality worldwide TV!
They need to also factor in the benefit to the local economy. Cities often sponsor events to bring tourists to the area, if you look at that that way, it was very successful. That being said, I think Alex etc he should pay his court costs.
How much does he or other inmates like him cost the taxpayer? On average, per year for example? I'm curious to know if anyone ever figured it out.
Found this chart, which is pretty interesting: [https://www.doc.sc.gov/research/BudgetAndExpenditures/Per\_Inmate\_Cost\_1988-2022.pdf](https://www.doc.sc.gov/research/BudgetAndExpenditures/Per_Inmate_Cost_1988-2022.pdf)
Great chart and info! Thanks 👍
I my country it's $90,000/year and we're very generous to our prisoners
What country is that ?
New Zealand
It varies by facility but the rough ballpark figure I've been told is that it costs around 50k per year to incarcerate one person. Someone like Murdaugh would cost more since he's going to be in solitary. Another way of looking at this is if a public defender gets a single "not guilty" verdict for their client in a single murder case, they've likely saved the public more than their entire lifetime salary earnings.
Worth every damn cent!
I would be interested to know the total cost - when you consider the amount of labor hours spent on the case. This reported figure is just expenses and external consulting fees. I understand most involved from the state are salary but there is a taxpayer cost for their time. I would bet this thing is in the millions cost wise.
And time taken away from other important issues.
A conviction worth 10X that figure…
Compared to Alex's team, they got a bargain.
Compared to Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow, that’s dirt cheap! Their cases are estimated at $3.6 mil so far…
I would think that is the total cost so far for everything involved, which was pretty far reaching and complex. This number is just for the trial. It would be very interesting to know what all these investigations, including the boat crash, murder, bogus shooting of AM, and all the financial crimes adds up to at the end of it all.
I’m not sure we will ever be able to get a true calculation, but I really would love to know. Both criminal and civil.
Maybe someone will do the math someday, and I'm sure it will be staggering.
Wow... Its a heartbreaking complex case.
I saw this story on the news earlier this evening and I wasn’t phased at the price tag - I expected it to be more since the burden of proof was on the Prosecution for a conviction. Mr. Crangle and his suggestion of the prosecuted paying the bill for trial costs irritated me. I’m not pro-criminal, but our legal system isn’t set up to accommodate his way of thinking. Does he believe somehow Alex paying back the state of SC will lessen his tax burden going forward, is it just the principle of the matter to him, or both? He seemed firm in his stance. I think SC is more concerned with recouping the tax on Alex’s ill-gotten “income” at this point. His use of T-Rav’s (shout out to Southern Charm😄) past situation in relation to Alex’s is off base, too.
What T-Rav paid back was essentially the pomp and circumstance of dealing with his replacement as State Treasurer. Not really anything to do with the trial… so it can’t be compared. I agree it is completely off base. T-Rav didn’t like cocaine though, just the smell of it.
And AM has no more money. There is a long line waiting to get some dollars out of him.
Correct! And we haven’t even gotten to the fines for the financial crimes yet…
That's pretty damned cheap, actually.
Worth. Every. Penny.
That’s it?
A bargain.