Stephen Smith's death is being investigated as a homicide, officials confirm
The teenager's body was found on a rural road near the Murdaugh family's South Carolina estate in 2015.
South Carolina
Buster Murdaugh decries "baseless rumors"
Buster Murdaugh, the son of convicted South Carolina murderer Alex Murdaugh, denied "baseless rumors" his family had something to do with his former classmate's 2015 death. Stephen Smith's family wants his body exhumed as questions about his death resurface. CBS News national correspondent Nikki Battiste has more.
Buster Murdaugh releases statement on former classmate's death
"This has gone on far too long," he said. "These baseless rumors of my involvement with Stephen and his death are false. I unequivocally deny any involvement in his death, and my heart goes out to the Smith family."
Body of Stephen Smith to be exhumed by family
The investigation into Smith's 2015 death was reopened after authorities said they found new evidence during the investigation into the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh.
FBI investigating "suspicious" death of woman on Carnival cruise ship
On Feb. 27, Carnival's Sunshine crew members and medical staff responded immediately to an unresponsive female passenger, the FBI said.
The Trial of Alex Murdaugh
"48 Hours" explores the double life of a once prominent lawyer and his stunning fall from grace. Murdaugh is now an admitted drug addict, thief and convicted murderer. "48 Hours" contributor Nikki Battiste reports.
Murdaugh defense team plans to appeal conviction
Disgraced former attorney Alex Murdaugh spent his few nights in a South Carolina prison after being convicted Thursday in the murders of his wife and son. He will undergo an array of tests and assessments before being placed in a maximum-security prison. Nikki Battiste has the latest.
Alex Murdaugh sentenced to life in prison
Just one day after being convicted of the murders of his wife and son, disgraced former lawyer Alex Murdaugh has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Nikki Battiste has the details.
Officer who responded to scene discusses Murdaugh case
Sgt. Daniel Greene was the first officer at the scene of the murders of Alex Murdaugh's wife and son. He spoke to CBS News about the case.
Alex Murdaugh trial attorneys talk about case
CBS News' Nikki Battiste sat down with Alex Murdaugh's defense attorneys and the lead prosecutor in the case following his murder conviction. She asked each side about their reactions to the jury's quick verdict and what their plans are for future appeals.
Legal expert on Murdaugh's murder conviction
Former South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole Friday, one day after a jury found him guilty in the 2021 murders of his wife and son. CBS News national correspondent Nikki Battiste and CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson examined the outcome of the trial.
Scenes from court in Murdaugh murder verdict
After less than three hours of deliberations, a South Carolina jury found disgraced former attorney Alex Murdaugh guilty on Thursday in the murders of his wife and son. CBS News producer Elizabeth Campbell and CBS News legal contributor Jessica Levinson joined "CBS News Prime Time" to discuss the verdict.
Murdaugh sentenced to life without parole
Disgraced former South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh was sentenced Friday to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole, one day after a jury found him guilty of murdering his wife and son. Nikki Battiste reports from Walterboro, South Carolina.
Murdaugh sentenced to life without parole
Alex Murdaugh has been sentenced to life in prison for the murders of his wife and son. CBS News correspondent Nikki Battiste and CBS News field producer Elizabeth Campbell join us from Waterboro, South Carolina, to discuss this morning's sentencing hearing and what it has been like covering the trial.
CBS News legal analyst on Murdaugh conviction
After a nearly six-week trial, disgraced South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh was found guilty of the murders of his wife and son. Murdaugh faces 30 years to life in prison without parole for each murder charge. CBS News analyst Rikki Klieman joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the conviction and where the defense may have gone wrong.
Jury finds Murdaugh guilty of murder
A jury delivered a guilty verdict on all counts in the double murder trial of disbarred lawyer Alex Murdaugh. The jury reached its decision in just two hours and 41 minutes, after nearly six weeks of testimony. Nikki Battiste reports.
Murdaugh defense to deliver closing arguments
Defense attorneys in the double murder trial of disgraced South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh will present their closing arguments. Murdaugh has pleaded not guilty to the June 2021 killings of his wife and son. Nikki Battiste reports.
South Carolina AG on Murdaugh conviction
After a nearly six-week trial, disgraced attorney Alex Murdaugh was found guilty in the murder of his wife and son, facing 30 years to life in prison, without parole, for each murder. South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, who helped prosecute the case, joins "CBS Mornings" to discuss the verdict and upcoming sentencing hearing.
Trial lawyer reacts to Murdaugh's sentencing
Arthur Aidala, a trial lawyer based in New York City, joins CBS News' Errol Barnett and Elaine Quijano to provide his reaction to the sentencing of Alex Murdaugh to life without parole. This comes after jurors convicted the former South Carolina lawyer of murdering his wife and son on Thursday.
Trial attorney on Alex Murdaugh's life sentence
Disgraced South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh has been sentenced to life in prison for the murders of his wife and son. A jury found him guilty after deliberating for less than 3 hours. Trial attorney Paul Batista joins CBS News' Anne-Marie Green and Nancy Chen to discuss the outcome of the case.
Alex Murdaugh trial: What to know about the double murder case
The former South Carolina attorney has been convicted of killing his wife, Maggie, and younger son, Paul.
Murdaugh trial verdict coming within 3 hours was "shocking," legal analyst says
Alex Murdaugh was found guilty of murdering his wife and son after less than three hours of deliberation by a South Carolina jury.
Murdaugh found guilty of murdering wife, son
After deliberating for about three hours, a South Carolina jury found former attorney Alex Murdaugh guilty of murdering his wife and son. Nikki Battiste has the latest on the verdict.
Closing arguments in Murdaugh trial
Closing arguments are wrapping up today in Alex Murdaugh's double murder trial. CBS News correspondent Nikki Battiste joins Elaine Quijano and Errol Barnett from Walterboro, South Carolina, with the latest.
Alex Murdaugh trial closing arguments
Closing arguments are expected to wrap up today in the Alex Murdaugh double murder trial. CBS News national correspondent Nikki Battiste joined Vladimir Duthiers and Anne-Marie Green with the latest from Walterboro, South Carolina.
Johnson says boat strike hit "able-bodied" survivors who were "not injured"
House Speaker Mike Johnson said he's satisfied with the intelligence and legality of the operation that killed two survivors of a U.S. strike on an alleged drug boat.
Tens of thousands ordered to evacuate in Washington amid severe flooding
Heavy rain has triggered flooding, rescues and road closures in Washington state, with Gov. Bob Ferguson declaring a statewide emergency.
Trump pardons election official Tina Peters, but she was charged in state court
President Trump said he is granting a pardon to Tina Peters, a former Colorado county clerk who was convicted of allowing unauthorized access to voting machines — even though the pardon power is widely understood to only apply to federal crimes.
Noem confronted by Democrats, including about allegedly removing veterans from U.S.
House Democrats pushed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for answers on the Trump administration's immigration operations, with one lawmaker confronting her with a veteran who he said had been issued a removal order.
Erika Kirk: Controversial Charlie clips lack context
The CBS News town hall with Erika Kirk will air Saturday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia leaves ICE detention after judge ordered release
A federal judge in Maryland on Thursday ordered Kilmar Abrego Garcia's immediate release from Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody.
Vaccine vote signals turbulence for immunization policy, public trust
Clinicians and epidemiologists warn the decision could unravel decades of progress and expose newborns to a deadly, preventable disease.
Exclusive
See how Minnesota fraudsters spent millions earmarked for hungry kids
Documents and images show luxury purchases and wire transfers to China and East Africa.
Trump signs executive order to block "excessive" state AI regulations
President Trump has signed an executive order to block states from regulating artificial intelligence.
U.S.
More U.S.
Trump pardons election official Tina Peters, but she was charged in state court
President Trump said he is granting a pardon to Tina Peters, a former Colorado county clerk who was convicted of allowing unauthorized access to voting machines — even though the pardon power is widely understood to only apply to federal crimes.
Johnson says boat strike hit "able-bodied" survivors who were "not injured"
House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters he's satisfied with the intelligence and legality of the operation that killed two survivors of a U.S. strike on an alleged drug boat.
Erika Kirk: Controversial Charlie clips lack context
The CBS News town hall with Erika Kirk will air Saturday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.
Bessent calls for overhaul of regulator that protects U.S. financial system
Treasury Secretary's proposal to revamp the Financial Stability Oversight Council would expose Americans to risk, critics say.
Camp Mystic hopes new flood warning system will prevent future catastrophes
In early July, more than 130 people were killed in catastrophic flash flooding in the Texas Hill Country region, including 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic.
MoneyWatch
More MoneyWatch
Trump signs executive order to block "excessive" state AI regulations
President Trump has signed an executive order to block states from regulating artificial intelligence.
Bessent calls for overhaul of regulator that protects U.S. financial system
Treasury Secretary's proposal to revamp the Financial Stability Oversight Council would expose Americans to risk, critics say.
Here's how Trump's $1 million "gold card" visa will work
The Trump administration says it's also creating a $5 million platinum card visa that will allow foreigners to live in the U.S. for 270 days a year.
Former officials warn of safety risks because of consumer watchdog cuts
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has lost key leadership and staff over the past year. Now two former commissioners removed by the Trump administration are raising concerns over safety risks.
Trump says "prices are coming down." Here's what the data shows.
President Trump says he's winning the war against inflation. But a look at prices around the U.S. shows why many Americans still feel financially squeezed.
Politics
More Politics
Trump signs executive order to block "excessive" state AI regulations
President Trump has signed an executive order to block states from regulating artificial intelligence.
Trump pardons election official Tina Peters, but she was charged in state court
President Trump said he is granting a pardon to Tina Peters, a former Colorado county clerk who was convicted of allowing unauthorized access to voting machines — even though the pardon power is widely understood to only apply to federal crimes.
Johnson says boat strike hit "able-bodied" survivors who were "not injured"
House Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters he's satisfied with the intelligence and legality of the operation that killed two survivors of a U.S. strike on an alleged drug boat.
What one California candidate for governor says about how he'd try to repeal controversial laws
Just how much power will the next governor have to repeal controversial California laws?
Bessent calls for overhaul of regulator that protects U.S. financial system
Treasury Secretary's proposal to revamp the Financial Stability Oversight Council would expose Americans to risk, critics say.
HealthWatch
More HealthWatch
Vaccine vote signals turbulence for immunization policy, public trust
Clinicians and epidemiologists warn the decision could unravel decades of progress and expose newborns to a deadly, preventable disease.
Botulism outbreak tied to ByHeart products includes 51 babies in 19 states
Health officials say an infant botulism outbreak tied to ByHeart baby formula has been expanded to include all illnesses reported since the company began production in 2022.
Extended interview: Dr. Rochelle Walensky
CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook speaks at length with former CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky about the hepatitis B vaccine and last week's vote by the CDC's vaccine advisory panel to change the recommendation for when children should get their first dose of the vaccine.
Nursing home chain avoids settlement payouts after bankruptcy filing
Genesis HealthCare's bankruptcy case in Dallas will allow the nursing home chain to avoid paying millions of dollars it promised for residents who were injured or died while in its care.
Nuts sold at Wegmans stores in 9 states recalled over salmonella risk
Mixed nuts from Ohio-based Mellace Family Brands sold at some Wegmans stores could be tainted with Salmonella, FDA warns.
World
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Watch of hiker killed by bear reveals his harrowing final moments
The hiker's GPS watch, which uses satellite signals to log routes and monitors heart rate, was retrieved after the fatal attack, the Asahi Shimbun reported.
Serial killer linked to at least 3 women's cold case murders
Police said forensic testing and genetic genealogy identified Kenneth Smith as the person who killed two women in the 1980s and a third woman in the 1990s.
6.7 magnitude earthquake strikes off northern Japan coast
Friday's 6.7 magnitude earthquake brought only small waves, but came just days after a larger temblor in the same region that left dozens injured.
Skydiver dangles from plane in midair after parachute mishap, video shows
The skydiver survived after sawing through the tangled lines with a hook knife and landing safely with only minor injuries.
U.S. sanctions 3 of Maduro's nephews, 6 oil tankers
The U.S. has imposed sanctions on three nephews of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and half a dozen shipping vessels accused of transporting Venezuelan oil.
Entertainment
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Director found guilty of scamming $11M from Netflix and buying luxury cars, mattresses
Carl Erik Rinsch, a Hollywood director, has been convicted on charges that he scammed Netflix out of $11 million for a show that never materialized.
Taylor Swift talks docuseries, favorite songs
Taylor Swift appeared on "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" on Wednesday while promoting her upcoming docuseries. She spoke about her life after the Eras Tour, her favorite songs from her catalogue and who she turns to for advice.
"Waiting to Exhale" stars on 30th anniversary
The iconic movie "Waiting to Exhale," starring Angela Bassett, Whitney Houston, Loretta Devine and Lela Rochon premiered 30 years ago this month. The film, which had an all Black cast and focused on female empowerment, was a box office hit. "CBS Mornings" co-host Gayle King spoke with the stars of the film about the movie and what Houston would think.
Sombr talks about writing breakout hits
Singer-songwriter Sombr is up for Best New Artist of the Year at the Grammy Awards. He was the only writer on his debut album, "I Barely Know Her." He spoke to Anthony Mason about where his journey began and his whirlwind year.
Carly Pearce on new music
Grammy-winning country music superstar Carly Pearce joins "CBS Mornings" to talk about her highly-anticipated fifth studio album, fans relating to the lyrics in her music and being vulnerable.
Technology
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Technology
Time editor explains "architects of AI" cover
Time announced its highly anticipated "Person of the Year" cover on Thursday. This year, the magazine is recognizing the "architects of AI." Charlie Campbell, Time editor-at-large and one of the co-authors of the article, joins "The Daily Report" to explain the decision.
Disney announces deal with OpenAI
A new agreement between Disney and OpenAI will allow users to generate their own AI videos of iconic characters like Mickey Mouse, Elsa, Darth Vader and dozens more. Wired executive editor Brian Barrett joins to discuss.
How AI powered robots are helping small farms
From labor shortages to environmental impacts, farmers are looking to AI to help revolutionize the agriculture industry. One California startup, Farm-ng, is tapping into the power of AI and robotics to perform a wide range of tasks, including seeding, weeding and harvesting.
Time magazine reveals 2025 Person of the Year
Time magazine has just announced its 2025 Person of the Year, recognizing not just one person, but a group its calling "the architects of AI." The digital article is out now.
Time magazine reveals its 2025 Person of the Year
Time magazine named "the architects of AI" its 2025 Person of the Year on Thursday, calling out tech industry leaders behind the rise in artificial intelligence.
Science
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Fossil footprints in Bolivia reveal dinosaurs' awkward attempts to swim
Paleontologists have discovered and documented 16,600 footprints left by theropods, the dinosaur group that includes the Tyrannosaurus rex.
"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
CEO of genetics firm says parents have a right to choose unborn child's traits
Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO at Nucleus Genomics, tells "CBS Mornings" that parents have every right to select the qualities and traits they desire in their child.
Sick ants invite self-sacrifice to save colony: "Come and kill me"
Ant colonies act as one "super-organism" which works to ensure the survival of all, according to a team of scientists.
Mystery owner of ancient foot found in Africa identified, scientists say
The discovery could cast some doubt on the status of Lucy's species as the direct ancestor of Homo sapiens.
Crime
More Crime
Serial killer linked to at least 3 women's cold case murders
Police said forensic testing and genetic genealogy identified Kenneth Smith as the person who killed two women in the 1980s and a third woman in the 1990s.
Analysis: U.S. arrests plummet since pandemic
The number of people arrested yearly in the U.S. has dropped since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to analysis from the Council on Criminal Justice. CBS News' Anna Schecter has more.
Latest in Luigi Mangione pretrial hearings
Luigi Mangione was back in court for Day 6 of a crucial evidence hearing on Thursday. Lawyers for the man accused of gunning down UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson want to keep some key pieces of evidence out of his upcoming murder trial. CBS News legal reporter Katrina Kaufman has more.
Latest on Sherrone Moore arrest
Ex-University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore remains in jail Thursday, a day after he was fired by the school. The university said an investigation had found "credible evidence" he had been engaged in an "inappropriate relationship with a staff member." CBS News national correspondent Jericka Duncan reports.
Suspected KSU gunman faces judge
The suspected gunman in the deadly Kentucky State University shooting has faced a judge in his first arraignment hearing since police caught him on Tuesday. CBS News correspondent Skyler Henry reports.
Space
More Space
NASA says Maven spacecraft that was orbiting Mars has gone silent
NASA has lost contact with a spacecraft that's been orbiting Mars for more than a decade.
Black hole spotted blasting winds at 130 million miles per hour
The European Space Agency said that the black hole inside the spiral galaxy NGC 3783 has the mass of 30 million suns.
3-man crew undocks from space station, wrapping up 8-month stay
Russian Soyuz crews are now spending eight months aboard the space station instead of six to stretch supplies and lower costs.
"Space gum" discovered in asteroid Bennu samples, NASA reveals
Samples collected from the asteroid Bennu are continuing the shed light on the origins of the solar system and how life developed on Earth, scientists say.
Air Force approves SpaceX launch pad expansion
The U.S. Air Force has approved SpaceX's plan to redevelop a historic launch pad at Cape Canaveral. CBS News correspondent Mark Strassmann reports.
Latest Galleries
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Notable Deaths in 2025
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The life & near death of prizefighter Christy Salters-Martin
Christy Salters-Martin dominated in the boxing ring but faced her toughest challenger at home.
Timeline: The disappearance of George Smith
Family seeks answers in death of newlywed who disappeared in 2005 while on Mediterranean honeymoon cruise.
Who is Alix Tichelman?
Meet the tattooed beauty charged in the death of Google executive Forrest Hayes.
Robert Redford 1936-2025
A retrospective look at the actor, director, producer, and founder of the Sundance Institute.
Latest CBS News Videos
More Latest CBS News Videos
Latest CBS News Videos
The Uplift: Pint-sized politician
A pint-sized politician proves you are never too little to run a big campaign. David Begnaud catches up with the Agars, a father-son duo making history by competing together in triathlons. Plus, more heartwarming stories.
Is Trump's MAGA base showing fractures?
The release of the files in the federal investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is dividing President Trump's base. The Free Press' Olivia Reingold joins CBS News 24/7 to dive into the debate. The Free Press is a Paramount publication.
National park shops told to purge DEI merch
National parks across the U.S. must clear their gift shops of any items promoting diversity, equity and inclusion after a Trump administration order. CBS News correspondent Lana Zak has more.
Report: Gen Z more likely to return products
A new report from the National Retail Federation shows that Gen Z shoppers make the most returns out of any generation, despite the environmental harm it can cause. Taylor Hoit, head of product and technology at the online marketplace Rebel, joins CBS News to discuss.
Kansas man fights to legalize raccoons as pets
In at least 32 states, pet raccoons are illegal. That includes Kansas, where one man with a soft spot for the creatures is hoping to change that. Dave Malkoff reports.