Attorney Criticizes Hulu’s Alex Murdaugh Series: ‘Gloria Was Much More’

Hulu’s latest series, “Murdaugh: Death in the Family,” premiered on October 15, 2023. This eight-episode scripted dramatization is inspired by the infamous Murdaugh family saga, which includes murders and financial crimes in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. The show focuses on Alex Murdaugh, a disbarred attorney who was found guilty of killing his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and their son, Paul Murdaugh, on June 7, 2021.

Key Themes and Characters

The series also highlights key figures such as Gloria Satterfield and Stephen Smith, who are connected to the Murdaugh family events. Gloria Satterfield worked for the Murdaughs and tragically passed away in February 2018. Her character is portrayed as more than just a housekeeper, showing her importance to the family. The family attorney, Eric Bland, expressed gratitude for the show’s depiction of Gloria. He noted, “Gloria was so much more than that to the entire Murdaugh family.” Bland represents Gloria’s sons, who received compensation from a nonprofit formed in her honor, the Gloria’s Gift Foundation.

Unsolved Case: Stephen Smith

Another central narrative involves Stephen Smith, a young man whose cold-case homicide became prominent as the Murdaugh drama unfolded. Smith’s body was discovered on July 8, 2015, on Sandy Run Road, with fatal injuries. Initially classified as a hit-and-run, the case was reopened in June 2021, and the investigation was elevated to a murder inquiry. Although the Murdaugh name arose during early inquiries, no confirmed link has ever been established between Smith’s death and the Murdaughs.

Legal Consequences for Alex Murdaugh

• In March 2023, Alex Murdaugh received consecutive life sentences for the murders.
• He is appealing the verdict while facing over 100 criminal charges related to financial misconduct.
• Murdaugh was implicated in an insurance fraud scheme involving Gloria Satterfield’s death.

After Gloria’s death, Alex Murdaugh and his associate, Cory Fleming, offered her sons the opportunity to sue his insurance company, promising to secure them funds. However, they ultimately received nothing, which led to legal intervention and recoveries for the Satterfield family.

Current Developments and Public Interest

The public interest in both Gloria Satterfield and Stephen Smith has surged, particularly following the airing of episodes in “Murdaugh: Death in the Family.” The Smith family organized a memorial walk titled “Walking With Stephen” on July 12. This event aimed to honor his memory while raising awareness and funds for a scholarship fund in his name. Recently, the family declared a $50,000 reward for information that could lead to an arrest in Stephen’s unsolved homicide.

As the investigation into both cases continues, the impact of the Murdaugh narrative remains significant, revealing deep community ties and the quests for justice surrounding these tragic stories.