Jeff Bertrand Coleman Blake (born December 4, 1970) is a retired American football quarterback who played in the National Football League. . He laid on the couch, he said, but then he opted to follow them, taking a golf cart down to the kennels. Here's a rundown of important details from the trial: Alex Murdaugh repeatedly told police he didn't go with his wife and son to the dog kennels where they died. There have been allegations by the prosecution that Alex murdered his wife and son to distract from his ongoing legal issues that he was facing due to his personal finances. Then the sheet wasnt saved, meaning possible hair or DNA from a killer could have been lost. | 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. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 4 December. 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. 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. Copyright 2023 NPR. Former American football quarterbackJeffery Bertrand Coleman Blakewas born in Daytona Beach, Florida. We have estimated Jeff Blakes net worth, money, salary, income, and assets. And I'm so sorry that I did.". The following season fared slightly better with Blake's ability to throw a beautiful deep ball landing him in the Pro Bowl. Her first reporting job brought her to Charleston where she covered local and national stories like the Susan Smith murder trial and the arrival of the Citadels first female cadet. But, she added, Murdaugh later tried to convince her the visit was more like 30 to 40 minutes. Actor: Living Single. Almost immediately, the local sheriff turned the investigation over to the State Law Enforcement Division. He could hear his mother drowning. (Joshua Boucher/The . (Jeff Blake/The State via AP, Pool) 1 of 3. I promised him Id find out who did this to him.. I took money that wasnt mine. 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. It took hours for agents from across the state to get deep into the South Carolina Lowcountry. Blake Mania may be over, but Blake the Man continues. Smith also said she'd never seen Murdaugh visit his parents' home at 6:30 in the morning. Jurors watched a short Snapchat video from Paul, showing his father wearing a blue shirt and long khaki pants about an hour before the murders. Prosecutors also rejected the idea that Murdaugh was too tall to have fired the shots that killed Paul, citing numerous variables such as the likely chaos at the scene and the potential of firing from a kneeling position. Alex Murdaugh cried several times during the graphic testimony. Sixteen years have passed since Blake's retirement and now. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. Blake and his wife Krystle are suspicious of Alexis when they learn from Jeff's doctors that there was poison in his bloodstream. The accused man didn't give details, saying only that he was getting ready to visit his mother, who has Alzheimer's. Speaking on "The Midday 180" out of Nashville, Blake said the . A central contention by Murdaugh's defense team that sloppy police and forensics work undermines the evidence against him found real traction in court. When asked about that, Murdaugh said, "I was driving however I drive. Blake is a quarterback's coach and personal trainer. The lawyer, who is a member of a prominent legal family, called police to report that they had been murdered when he went to the familys hunting lodge on June 7. State agents released the crime scene less than 12 hours after the killings, John Marvin Murdaugh said. Named AFC Offensive Player of the Week 3 times and NFC Offensive Player of the Week once during his NFL career. Murdaugh then made the extraordinary decision to testify. It hit her hard, she said: "I was beside myself. He was drafted in the sixth round of the 1992 NFL Draft by the Jets out of East Carolina University. He faces 30 years to life in prison if convicted. In his senior year, Blake led theEast Carolina Piratesto theirbest season ever, 11-1. I would never hurt Maggie Murdaugh. It was Griswold who first discovered missing settlement fees from early 2021. His contract with the team expired before the start of the 2006 NFL season. But the judge has refused to set such limits on cross-examination. But Fallon suspects Adam and vows to learn the truth. 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. He is an actor, known for Living Single (1993), The NFL on CBS (1956) and NFL Monday Night Football (1970). Hollywood Life, Latest Hollywood Celebrity & Entertainment News. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are In an extraordinary turn on the stand testifying on his own behalf in a double murder trial, Alex Murdaugh admitted that he lied to authorities about his alibi and said he stole money from his law firm. Alex Murdaugh watches his son Buster testify. 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. Smith also said she'd never seen Murdaugh visit his parents' home at 6:30 in the morning. Jeff Bagwell got divorced from Shaune and married Ericka Rodriguez on October 26, 1997. It was one of several implications that Murdaugh sought to orchestrate the narrative around the murders. Blake started 11 games at quarterback before breaking his foot late in the 2000 season and being replaced by Aaron Brooks. 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.". Alex Murdaugh is charged with both killings, which binds prosecutors to him being the only shooter. He said he put the phone "back on Paul-Paul," adding that he didn't see any messages on the phone. The prosecution sought to tie inconsistencies in Murdaugh's story to the murders using cellphone and GPS data. 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. The mobile quarterback has stayed just as busy as ever. Jeffrey Bertrand Blake (born December 4, 1970) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons. 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. Image source. (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. On 21-1-1955 Jeff Koons (nickname: Jeff) was born in York, Pennsylvania, United States. Don't @ me. Prosecutor Creighton Waters tried one last time: Mr. Also on Monday, one of Murdaughs brothers ended the defenses case saying he promised his nephew hed find his killer and he hasnt yet. Copyright 2023 NPR. 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. Ever," Murdaugh said. Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. 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. Blake left the Bengals after the 1999 season. He said he felt compelled to clean. Blake left the Saints after the 2001 season. Blake has remained close to the gridiron in retirement. Shake-N-Blake! 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. The prosecutors have requested that if hes found guilty he receive life without parole. Jeff Blake/AP hide caption. Murdaugh said he tried to check for a pulse and tried to turn Paul over. He made his 100 million dollar fortune with Puppy, Made in Heaven series. The artist is married to Justine Shankbone, his starsign is Aquarius and he is now 67 years of age. Read on for a summary of Murdaugh's testimony Thursday: The first questions from defense attorney Jim Griffin focused on the 2021 murders, as Griffin repeatedly asked Murdaugh whether he had taken a rifle or a shotgun and shot 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. His defense team wasted no time. "I don't think anybody knows him.". If convicted, he faces 30 years to life in prison. Early in the evening of June 7, his phone seemed to be sitting immobile at the main house. 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. Jeff Blake might be the best quarterback you've never heard of. The shooter would have been literally covered in all that material, Palmbach said. (Jeff Blake/The State via AP, Pool) 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. Murdaugh, 54, is charged with murder in the deaths of his wife and son. Alex Murdaugh also admitted over and over that he lied and stole millions of dollars from his clients and his law firm. And on a night with misting rain and drizzle, Paul and Maggie's bodies were covered by sheets rather than tarps. Bill Chappell is a writer and editor on the News Desk in the heart of NPR's newsroom in Washington, D.C. Victoria Hansen is our Lowcountry connection covering the Charleston community, a city she knows well. community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years. Ball said his large group eventually left the area but instead of being sent away, they were told to go inside the main house, despite Ball's own concern that it could be part of the crime scene. 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.". Smith said Murdaugh stopped by that night for 20 minutes. He is not dating anyone. As of February 2023, Flake has an estimated net worth of around $500 thousand. 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. "Go be with him if he needs you," Proctor said. Currently, he is married to girlfriend, Rachel Bagwell, his third wife, with whom he has five children in a blended family. Blake has remained close to the gridiron in retirement. His initial alibi purported that he stayed in the house, where he said he took a nap before leaving to see his ailing mother. And I'm so sorry that I did," he said. 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. It has been compared to Donna Tartt's 1992 blockbuster, The Secret History. Murdaugh then made the extraordinary decision to testify. But Alex Murdaugh's father was dying and his mother was ailing, and Proctor encouraged her sister to support him. The prosecution sought to tie inconsistencies in Murdaugh's story to the murders using cellphone and GPS data. In comparison, the Ravens had a similar offer based on incentives previously on the . "I went back and forth between them, I know I did," he said. It hit her hard, she said: "I was beside myself. They died on June 7, 2021, at the family's sprawling Moselle hunting estate in South Carolina's Lowcountry. In the sixth round of theNFL Draft, the New York Jets selected Jeff Blake with the 166th overall pick. Waters, the prosecutor, asked Murdaugh. It struck her as odd. That was the last time the sisters spoke. They won the Peach Bowl over NC State, and Blake finished seventh inHeisman Trophy voting. All rights reserved. "And, I thought that was so strange because my No. But in court, witnesses identified Murdaugh's voice in a video taken by Paul at the kennel around 8:45 p.m. minutes before investigators say the shooting started. He is seen here on Tuesday, listening to his defense attorneys Phillip Barber, left, and Dick Harpootlian. Carl Pickens was selected 31st overall in the same draft, but more on him in a moment. But her caregiver, Shelley Smith, testified the ailing woman was asleep. Alex Murdaugh said his mother was awake when he went to her house. Prosecutors, who contend Murdaugh killed his wife and son to distract from his financial crimes, have not presented direct evidence against Alex Murdaugh. Blake eventually signed a three-year, $7.5 million deal with Arizona that included a $1.5 million signing bonus. Blake was signed by the Chicago Bears before the 2005 NFL season to replace back-up quarterback Chad Hutchinson. He's struggled to find a job coaching in pro football since retirement, though he continues to coach at the amateur level. The jury is expected to start deliberations sometime Thursday. Blake set 32 passing records at East Carolina University and finished ninth balloting for the 1991 Heisman Trophy. Murdaugh admitted that he stole money from his law firm by pocketing client funds for himself. 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. He testified that he had asked a former client to kill him so that his surviving son, Buster Murdaugh, could collect a $10 million life insurance payment. We dont have much information about Hes past relationship and any previous engaged. 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. There is nothing on camera," defense attorney Dick Harpootlian said early in the trial. Paralegal Annette Griswold described Murdaugh as a "Tasmanian devil" who showed up late for work and was all over the place. Investigators came inside while she was there, she said, but they didn't question her. Murdaugh said he and Paul had been driving around the property, checking on plantings for fields they used to hunt doves. "On June 7, I wasn't thinking clearly," Murdaugh said. He made 100 career starts. 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. Jeffrey Bertrand Blake (born December 4, 1970) is an American former professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) for 14 seasons. Blake'sson Emory(names after his grandfather) played wide receiver and caught the go-ahead pass from Cam Newton in Auburn University's 2010 BCS National Championship victory over the Oregon Ducks. The vehicle records show Murdaugh speeded down rural roads on that nighttime trip, reaching speeds up to 80 mph on the rural roads far above posted speed limits. A defense expert in the double murder trial of disgraced South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh testified Monday that he thinks two different shooters killed Murdaugh's wife and son. By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the Terms of Service. They have three children. LAist 89.3 is KPCC-FM in Los Angeles, part of Southern California Public Radio, a member-supported public media network. Marian Proctor, Maggie Murdaugh's sister, testified that Maggie called her in the late afternoon on the day she died. Asked by the 911 dispatcher when he last spoke to his wife, Murdaugh replied, an "hour and a half, probably two hours ago." He is from FL. 118 carries for 414 yards with 4 TD. Member-supported news for Southern California. The disgraced former lawyer admitted to lying about his alibi for the time leading up to the shooting deaths of his wife and son. Alex Murdaugh said his mother was awake when he went to her house. What to know about Alex Murdaughs murder trial, Alex Murdaugh cries while listening to testimony during his double murder trial at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, S.C., Monday, Feb. 27, 2023. Investigators came inside while she was there, she said, but they didn't question her. He has been married to Lewanna since 1992. @OHLottery | #TBT pic.twitter.com/NPgECCMOWu, Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 10, 2020. Alex Murdaugh swears to tell the truth before taking the stand to testify in his trial for murder at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, S.C., on Thursday, Feb. 23. Despite being a mainstay onESPNhighlight reels, Blake never quite caught on in the NFL. Having trouble with comments? 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. 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. Proctor said she was surprised to hear her sister hadn't gone with Alex to see his mother: "That's the whole reason she went home that night. At 51 years old, Jeff Blake height is 6 2 . He also drove past the spot on the roadside where Maggie's phone was later found. The outfit matches testimony from Turrubiate-Simpson, the housekeeper, who even recalled fixing Murdaugh's collar that morning. Copyright 2023 StarAdvertiser.com. Waters detailed almost every victim and asked if he lied to their face. 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