True Sunlight

MMP Remastered #58 - ‘If You Come For The King, You Best Not Miss’ - Chaos In The Murder Case

Nov 15, 2025
Guest
Dick Harpootlian
Dick Harpootlian, a prominent defense attorney known for his strategic courtroom maneuvers, discusses the chaotic aftermath of the Alex Murdaugh murder charges. They explore how his tactics confounded the prosecution, turning procedural motions into a media spectacle. The conversation highlights pivotal moments like the demand for missing evidence, the impact of press conferences, and why the defense's requests were often seen as dramatic. Harpootlian's flair for theatrics contrasts sharply with the quest for truth, emphasizing the lingering chaos in the unfolding drama.
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INSIGHT

Procedural Theatre As Media Strategy

  • Dick Harpootlian weaponized procedural filings to create media chaos and control headlines.
  • His aim was to win the court of public opinion rather than the courtroom itself.
INSIGHT

Speedy Trial As Pressure Tactic

  • Defense sought an absurdly fast January murder trial to manufacture urgency and media fodder.
  • That timeline was unrealistic and amplified the chaos rather than genuine preparation.
INSIGHT

Discovery Requests Doubled As Messaging Tools

  • Harpootlian's Rule 5 requests were exhaustive and meta, demanding even documents about documents.
  • That meticulousness functioned as both legitimate litigation tactic and a trigger for publicity.
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