Hulu’s latest documentary series, “Murdaugh: Death in the Family,” features the tragic story of Gloria Satterfield, the longtime housekeeper of the Murdaugh family, portrayed by Kathleen Wilhoite. Satterfield passed away in February 2018 following what was reported as a fall at the Murdaugh estate. Years later, her death became entwined in a web of allegations against Alex Murdaugh, who was arrested for allegedly embezzling settlement funds from a lawsuit related to her death.
The series, which premiered on October 15, delves into the Murdaugh family’s history as a prominent legal dynasty in South Carolina, following Alex Murdaugh (played by Jason Clarke) and his wife, Maggie Murdaugh (portrayed by Patricia Arquette), as their once privileged life crumbles after a boating accident involving their son, Paul. This sequence of events ultimately leads to the tragic murders of Maggie and Paul in June 2021, as well as Alex’s attempts to elude justice.
In an effort to portray a more complete narrative and honor Satterfield’s relationship with the Murdaugh family, the show’s creators decided to depict her as alive during the timeline of the show. Co-creator Michael D. Fuller noted that including Satterfield helped to deepen the storyline, especially in relation to her bond with Paul.
Gloria Satterfield, born in February 1961, was a dedicated employee of the Murdaugh family for over two decades. Her son, Tony, emphasizes that she had a genuine affection for the family, and her sister describes how hard she worked to provide for her family. However, the circumstances surrounding her death have raised numerous questions and controversies, culminating in a state investigation announced in September 2021, which revealed inconsistencies in the initial reports of her death.
The inquiry ultimately led to revelations about a potential life insurance fraud scheme that implicated Alex Murdaugh. It was discovered that he settled a wrongful death lawsuit for over $4 million but never disclosed this information to Satterfield’s family. Instead, he misled them into believing their legal case was ongoing. Following these revelations, Murdaugh was arrested in October 2021 for theft along with more than a hundred other financial crimes, and he was later sentenced to 40 years for his fraudulent acts, adding to his life sentences for the murders of Maggie and Paul.
In light of this tragic story, Gloria Satterfield’s family is now channeling their grief into positive action. Satterfield’s sister has established a foundation named Gloria’s Gifts, aiming to ensure that underprivileged children receive at least one gift each Christmas. This initiative not only honors Satterfield’s legacy but also gives meaning to her untimely death, allowing her memory to bring joy to others.
The Murdaugh saga, filled with deceit and tragedy, serves as a reminder of how deep-seated issues can impact not just immediate families but entire communities. The series draws attention to the importance of justice and accountability, showcasing the resilience of families like Satterfield’s, who continue to seek healing in the aftermath of loss.