New Book From Juror 864 Provides Readers a Front Row Seat to 'Trial of the Century'

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer

Even before the high profile court proceedings kicked off in early 2023, the country was well aware of Alex Murdaugh, the prominent South Carolina attorney accused of killing his wife and son two years earlier. The impending case that rocked rural Colleton County, made national headlines long before the six week trial culminated in a double murder guilty verdict.

With such intense media coverage and interest in the case, there have been an onslaught of books written about Murdaugh and the trial overall. Several of the writings have come from news reporters. However, 'The Long Road To Justice: Untangling Alex Murdaugh's Tangled Web' comes from a different perspective. 

Written by low country resident Amie Williams with help from Shana Hirsch, the new book recalls Williams' time as a juror on the murder case. Surprisingly, Williams had a two percent chance of serving as a juror, as she was just one of 900 people called for jury duty. As juror 864 she was the last to take the 12th seat in the juror's box.

Covering 244 pages, Williams from her own point of view takes a deep dive into the trial, profiling each member of the defense team as well as the prosecution. Williams further reflects on everyone who took the witness stand, including Murdaugh himself, who Williams alludes was often aloof, suggesting by his words and mannerism he was better suited to try the case.

Williams asserts while she had very little experience as a juror prior to self proclaimed 'trial of the century', she held her position as a juror in high regard, especially given the gravity of the case brought against Murdaugh. She admits it was not only her civic duty, but one she would take seriously.

Obviously unaware she would be co-authoring a post trial book, Williams says she stayed mentally focused during the six week ordeal, contacting several people after the trial ended to further validate her assessment of the proceedings, before undertaking the arduous journey of putting her words on paper.

Williams chronicles each day of the trial, detailing the mood and sentiment of those on the stand, as well as cross examinations by the legal teams. She draws more than a handful of references to pop culture (music and TV) when describing the difference between fictional courtroom dramas, i.e. 'Perry Mason', and actual courtroom drama. A rather unique spin!

Several chapters reflect iconic song titles or phrases including 'Return to Sender' (Elvis Presley), 'Land of Confusion' (Genesis), and 'Here Come the Judge', a comedic expression used often in the 1960's and 70's on shows such as 'Laugh-In'.

Perhaps the most unique and fitting chapter name 'House of the Rising Sun', draws a clever parallel between The Animals 1964 hit referring to moral decline, and the time the jury visited the crime scene. Walking the once heralded grounds where the Murdaugh murders took place, Williams describes in detail how seeing the property first hand provided her and fellow jurors a better outlook on the trial, rather than just relying on images in the courtroom.

It appears 'The Long Road To Justice' wasn't something Williams or Hirsch took lightly, not trying to cash in on all the Alex Murdaugh frenzy. Rather Williams' book is a detailed synopsis of everything surrounding the trial, including a small and bizarre look into the legal system overall.

One particular oddity is best described in Part II: Chapter Two whereby Murdaugh's defense team did their utmost to overturn the verdict, citing 'jury tampering'. Just another ploy in the justice system that will allow readers 'Something To Talk About' (Bonnie Raitt).

If you seek a different angle on the Alex Murdaugh double murder courtroom drama, and some of the happenings before and after the six week televised legal case, than I recommend reading what the 12th juror on the trial offers. 'The Long Road To Justice' is one woman's account of all she observed while having a front row seat to 'the trial of the century'.

For more on Williams and how to purchase her book visit https://thelongroadtojustice.com/