Blake left the Bengals after the 1999 season. Alex Murdaugh's family long dominated the legal scene in his small South Carolina county but for the past six weeks, Murdaugh has been on the other side of the courtroom, standing trial on murder charges in the shootings of his wife and son. Maggie was enjoying her home in nearby Edisto Beach and hadn't planned to see her husband that night, Proctor said. The trio formed an explosive offensive trifecta that swept through the NFL, beginning with the Dallas Cowboys. Bears starter Rex Grossman was injured early in the 2005 season, and Blake battled for the starting job with Kyle Orton. He was surrounded by his wife Judi, children Timothy and Lucy and stepdaughter Cara. Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Marian Proctor, Maggie Murdaugh's sister, testified that Maggie called her in the late afternoon on the day she died. Named AFC Offensive Player of the Week 3 times and NFC Offensive Player of the Week once during his NFL career. We dont have much information about Hes past relationship and any previous engaged. "I lied about being down there. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our guidelines. Having trouble with comments? When he later tried to call her, he said, he wasn't concerned when she didn't answer her phone. Murdaughs brother, John Marvin Murdaugh, was the last defense witness. It wasn't immediately clear which part of the 911 conversations which went past 10 p.m. included that statement. And I'm so sorry that I did," he said. Blake's best seasons came with Cincinnati in the mid-to-late 1990s (when he was often referred to as "Shake-N-Blake" by local media and fans); he established great rapport with Bengal receivers Carl Pickens and Darnay Scott, helping the former vie for the receiving title in 1995. A central contention by Murdaugh's defense team that sloppy police and forensics work undermines the evidence against him found real traction in court. Click to Subscribe to Get Our Free HollywoodLife Daily Newsletter, Kelly Ripa & Mark Consuelos Romance: From Meeting On All My Children To Working On Live, Galentines Day: Jennifer Aniston & Courteney Cox Plus More Cute Celeb Besties, Pamela Anderson & Tommy Lees Relationship Timeline: From Marriage To Divorce & Where They Stand Today. There was a time when Blake considered getting into politics in Texas, but according to Shake n' Blake, that time has passed. Murdaugh cited paranoia from his opioid addiction, his distrust of state investigators, and his growing suspicions as police swabbed his hands for gunpowder residue and asked about his relationships with his family. It has been compared to Donna Tartt's 1992 blockbuster, The Secret History. Proctor testified that even after the murders, Murdaugh was focused on a different case, over a fatal boating accident in which Paul was criminally charged. "I know what he was wearing the day he left the house.". As a member of the United States Congress, he is entitled to an annual salary of $174,000. Murdaugh said he tried to check for a pulse and tried to turn Paul over. Blake finished sixth in the 1991 Heisman Trophy voting, while leading East Carolina to an 111 record and the #9 ranking at seasons end. Prosecutors took more than a year to charge the disgraced lawyer with murder but decided not to pursue the death penalty. She said Murdaugh paced back and forth as he told her he'd worn a Vineyard Vines shirt the day Paul and Maggie were killed. I would never hurt Maggie Murdaugh. He faces 30 years to life in prison if convicted. The defense also called an expert who testified the killings likely required two shooters because both Paul and Maggie Murdaugh appeared to be taken by surprise. In September 2021, three months after the killings, his law firm concluded that Murdaugh had stolen the money and fired him. "I would never do anything intentionally to hurt either one of them," Murdaugh said as he openly wept. During the last game of the regular NFL season, Blake was put in to replace Kyle Orton during the fourth quarter, completing eight of nine passes. It took hours for agents from across the state to get deep into the South Carolina Lowcountry. The following season fared slightly better with Blake's ability to throw a beautiful deep ball landing him in the Pro Bowl. Newman said the defense "opened the door" by asking witnesses about Murdaugh's character and possible motive. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. But, she said, that's what he did one day shortly after the shootings, carrying what looked like a blue vinyl tarp that was bundled up as if something was inside. Months after the murders, Griswold testified, she was getting a file in her boss's office when a check "floated like a feather to the ground," revealing he was siphoning money. He spent the second half of his career playing for the New Orleans Saints from 2000 to 2001 and one season each with the Baltimore Ravens, Arizona Cardinals, Philadelphia Eagles, and Chicago Bears. That led him to lie to investigators about being at the scene of the crime the day of the killings, he said. WALTERBORO, S.C. A series of revelations have emerged in the more than monthlong murder trial of Alex Murdaugh, the disbarred South Carolina lawyer accused of killing his wife and son. Blake was a member of seven teams during his career, playing his longest stint with the Cincinnati Bengals from 1994 to 1999. He's struggled to find a job coaching in pro football since retirement, though he continues to coach at the amateur level. No mother or father or aunt or uncle should ever have to see or do what I had that day, he said. The weapons used to kill the victims have not been produced. There, Murdaugh said, the dogs were running around. Two years after saying goodbye to the NFL, the East Carolina University inducted Blake into their hallowed Hall of Fame. Blake left the Saints after the 2001 season. "Go be with him if he needs you," Proctor said. Prosecutor Creighton Waters emphasized that body-cam footage showed Murdaugh lied to Colleton County Sheriff's Sgt. Copyright 2023 NPR. 1 goal was clearing Paul's name," Proctor said of Murdaugh, her voice cracking. In his senior year, Blake led theEast Carolina Piratesto theirbest season ever, 11-1. The "Hillbilly Bone" singer was still married to his first wife when he fell for Miranda, who was engaged to country singer Jeff . Murdaugh said his wife "wasn't planning to go with me" to see his mother, adding, "Maggie didn't really like to visit my mom.". His surviving son Buster has sat behind his father during the trial and testified as part of the defense. (Jeff Blake/The State via AP, Pool), Alex Murdaugh sits during a break in his double murder trial at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, S.C., Monday, Feb. 27, 2023. Jeffrey Bertrand Blake (born December 4, 1970) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons. Then the sheet wasnt saved, meaning possible hair or DNA from a killer could have been lost. His position was filled by Kyle Orton, who was demoted after the Bears signed Brian Griese to serve as Grossmans back-up. WATCH: Alex Murdaugh returns to the witness stand for cross-examination, Alex Murdaugh's murder trial begins in the shooting deaths of his wife and son. And I'm so sorry that I did," he said. (Joshua Boucher/The . Cate Blanchett plays a charismatic conductor who uses her power to take sexual advantage of young women she's mentoring. Former NFL quarterback Jeff Blake says he oversaw the deflation of footballs on the sideline right before games during his career. Blake has remained close to the gridiron in retirement. And on a night with misting rain and drizzle, Paul and Maggie's bodies were covered by sheets rather than tarps. The Bengals wantedBoomer Esiasonas their new starting QB, so Blake was traded from Cincinnati after the '99 campaign. Alex Murdaugh is seen handcuffed in court for a bond hearing in September 2021. The two people broke up on July 2, 1996. Blake left the Bengals after the 1999 season. Also learn how He earned most of networth at the age of 50 years old? The lawyer was denied bond in his murder trial in July 2022. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 4 December. Blake set 32 passing records at East Carolina University and finished ninth balloting for the 1991 Heisman Trophy. Despite the large and complex crime scene, state law enforcement released Moselle back to the family on the morning after the murders, according to Murdaugh's brother, John Marvin. Blake never played with a team for more than one season again. Led the NFL in Yards per Pass Completion (13.8) in 1994. Getty Sen. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) and his wife Cheryl Flake leave the U.S. Capitol as they are trailed by reporters, October 24 in Washington, DC. Their first questions were whether he killed his wife or son, which he denied forcefully. They died on June 7, 2021, at the family's sprawling Moselle hunting estate in South Carolina's Lowcountry. (Jeff Blake/The . Smith also said she'd never seen Murdaugh visit his parents' home at 6:30 in the morning. Jeff Blake was born on December 4, 1970 in Daytona Beach, Florida, USA. ", "I don't think I ever really knew him," Seckinger said. During his Bengals tenure, Blake was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1995. Jeff Blake Wikipedia Biography, Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth, Family. Murdaugh, 54, is standing trial in the murders of his wife Maggie, 52, who was killed by four or five rifle shots; and their 22-year-old son Paul, who died from two shotgun blasts on June 7,. He would deny ever hurting them again and again in questions from his lawyer and cross-examination by prosecutors. There was nothing to keep cars away, and first responders were walking around inside a taped-off area, he testified, adding that he saw water dripping from the kennel roof onto Paul's body. Although he finished his career with the Chicago Bears, he was formerly a quarterback for the New York Jets, Cincinnati Bengals, New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, Arizona Cardinals and Philadelphia Eagles. 1 goal was to find out who killed my sister and Paul.". He recounted cleaning up parts of Paul's remains that were still sitting out in the open. "I'm very proud of that," he said. Jeff Blake was born on December 4, 1970 in Daytona Beach, Florida, USA. A passenger train and a freight train were traveling down the same track when they crashed head-on, sending the first two passenger carriages flying into the air, twisting backwards and catching fire. Click here to see our full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak. His position was filled by Kyle Orton, who was demoted after the Bears signed Brian Griese to serve as Grossman's back-up. In his version of events, he said he napped in the house while Paul and Maggie visited the dog kennels. Parts of the 911 call were played in court. The prosecution began its closing arguments Wednesday. Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? Murdaugh, are you a family annihilator?, You mean, did I shoot my wife and son? Murdaugh said in a measured tone. "He said his No. Marian Proctor, Maggie Murdaugh's sister, testified that Maggie called her in the late afternoon on the day she died. They have three children. And I shouldnt have done it. She also told jurors about a conversation with her employer two months after the murders. In court, Murdaugh said his phone had fallen between the seat and the console. Watch Live at 7:00 PM: The U.S. and the Holocaust, a film by Ken Burns | Screening & Panel Discussion . Common symptoms of Blake Mania include sudden fits of song and dance. (Jeff Blake/The State via AP, Pool) From left, Randy Murdaugh; John Marvin Murdaugh; his wife, Liz Murdaugh; Brooklynn White; and Buster Murdaugh, the son of Alex Murdaugh, leave the. "He said his No. The 54-year-old attorney is standing trial on two counts of murder in the shootings of his wife and son at their Colleton County, S.C., home and hunting lodge on June 7, 2021. Waters, the prosecutor, asked Murdaugh. That's immediately after the time experts say the murders took place. Smith said Murdaugh stopped by that night for 20 minutes. None.". And on a night with misting rain and drizzle, Paul and Maggie's bodies were covered by sheets rather than tarps. Australian producer and Getaway presenter Jeff Watson has died, aged 80. . His father, Emory, had professional football experience in theCanadian Football Leagueand helped coach Blake at Seminole High School. Blake is a quarterback's coach and personal trainer. Murdaugh, 54, is charged with murder in the deaths of his wife and son. Published March 1, 2023 at 3:20 PM EST Jeff Blake / The State via AP, Pool Alex Murdaugh could face life in prison if he's convicted for the double murders of his wife and son. He repeated that reply when Griffin asked Murdaugh: Did you "blow your son's brains out?". Don't @ me. Much of Murdaugh's testimony also seemed geared to humanize him to the jury, portraying him as a loving father and husband who had recently been to a University of South Carolina baseball game with his family, and who was coping with two ailing parents: his mother with Alzheimer's and his elderly father in a hospital. He is currently single. The defense has called experts who said investigators didnt dust for fingerprints, collect and test blood, or photograph evidence with the angles or clarity needed to study it properly later. She grew up in newspaper newsrooms and has worked as a broadcast journalist for more than 20 years. Dr. Jonathan Eisenstat, a forensic pathology consultant, sketches the difference in shotgun wounds based on distance to the victim during Alex Murdaughs double murder trial at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, S.C.. (Jeff Blake/The State via AP, Pool), Alex Murdaugh, right, confers with defense attorney Jim Griffin during his double murder trial at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, S.C., Monday, Feb. 27, 2023. The first officer arrived at the rural Colleton County estate 20 minutes after Murdaugh called 911. He was drafted in the sixth round of the 1992 NFL Draft by the Jets out of East Carolina University. On the stand, Murdaugh said he couldn't recall bringing a tarp there and he then sought to dismiss Smith's version of events, stating, "Shelley's got something in her mind about that.". The 54-year-old attorney is standing trial on two counts of murder in the shootings of his wife and son at their Colleton County, S.C., home and hunting lodge on June 7, 2021. Jeff Bertrand Coleman Blake (born December 4, 1970) is a retired American football quarterback who played in the National Football League. Murdaugh admitted numerous misdeeds, and several of his former colleagues described him as a duplicitous man who was hard to read. What Happened to Daunte Culpepper and Where is He Now. A mobile quarterback, Blake ran for 2,027 career rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. "People just kept piling in, just more and more people kept showing up," said Mark Ball, Murdaugh's former law partner. Those clothes have never been found. He also spoke about another aspect of the case that has raised many questions: his change of clothes, and the apparent use of a shower at Moselle. Smith felt so uncomfortable, she said, that she immediately called her brother, who works in law enforcement. South Carolina Public Radio's Victoria Hansen reported from Walterboro, S.C.; Bill Chappell reported from Washington, D.C. But she grew suspicious and told the firm's chief financial officer, Jeanne Seckinger. They stopped using their cellphones within seconds of each other. Telephone: 808-529-4747, Last-minute problem keeps SpaceX rocket, astronauts grounded, Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney Steve Alm seeks pay raises, Biden to nominate Julie Su as next U.S. labor secretary, Man in serious condition after crashing into rock wall. On the witness stand Thursday, the disbarred lawyer blamed his erratic behavior on paranoia caused by an opiate addiction. The prosecution will resume questioning on Friday at 9:30 a.m. Murdaugh, 54, faces the possibility of life in prison if he's found guilty of two counts of murder and other charges related to the shooting deaths of Maggie Murdaugh, 52, and her son Paul, 22. She also told jurors about a conversation with her employer two months after the murders. Actor: Living Single. Copyright 2023 NPR. "And, I thought that was so strange because my No. Defense attorney Dick Harpootlian told the judge its important for the jury to travel to the Middaugh property to see how small the feed room is and where the feed room is compared to Maggies body.. The Blackout rifle has been mentioned repeatedly, as experts concluded that rifle shell casings from the murder scene matched tool markings on weathered casings found near the house, indicating they were cycled through the same gun. I would never hurt Paul Murdaugh under any circumstances.. Griswold said she initially assumed Murdaugh had misplaced them. listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information. is how, on July 5, 1976, five-year-old Jeff Blake knew to drop what he was doing at a nearby playground and run to the water's edge. Also on Monday, one of Murdaughs brothers ended the defenses case saying he promised his nephew hed find his killer and he hasnt yet. Jeff Bertrand Coleman Blake (born December 4, 1970) is a retired American football quarterback who played in the National Football League. Telemetry data from Murdaugh's car showed he stopped in his mother's driveway for a period of time sparking theories that he might have used that time to stash evidence nearby. Murdaugh is awaiting trial for the many financial crimes he admitted to on the stand and insurance fraud charges for asking someone to kill him so his surviving son could get his $12 million in life insurance as well as tax evasion and money laundering charges. He has been married to Lewanna since 1992. Cindy McCain, the wife of late GOP Sen. John McCain, was confirmed to the rank of ambassador during her tenure of service as U.S. Representative to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture. Shake-N-Blake! But they never produced the murder weapons a .300 Blackout assault-style rifle prosecutors say was used on Maggie and a 12-gauge shotgun used on Paul. His contract with the team expired before the start of the 2006 NFL season. Paul's was apparently stolen in 2017, and a replacement was bought; that newer gun has not been found. I hate the fact that I did it. He made his 100 million dollar fortune with Puppy, Made in Heaven series. Backup quarterback for 2004 NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles. According to our Database, He has no children. The Murdaughs originally had two custom Blackout rifles, given to Paul and his brother, Buster, as Christmas presents. Seckinger, who has known Murdaugh since high school, said that when she went to confront him about the missing money on June 7, he shot her a dirty look that she'd never seen before, asking, "What do you need now?". Murdaugh, 54, is charged with murder in the deaths of his wife and son. He frequently works withamateur athletes and focuses on total athlete wellness. 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