Alex Murdaugh murder trial star witness Kenneth Kinsey named SC Deputy of the Year
One of the most memorable and relatable "star" witnesses in the recent double murder trial of disgraced former lawyer Richard "Alex" Murdaugh has now been recognized by his peers with one of the state's highest law enforcement honors.
Dr. Kenneth Kinsey, who currently serves as the Chief Deputy for the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office, was recognized by the South Carolina Sheriff's Association as Deputy of the Year.
The award, which was voted on by the Sheriffs in all 46 counties in South Carolina, was one of several presented at the SCSA annual conference held July 12 in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
"Thank you to the Sheriffs in South Carolina who thought I was worthy of this great honor," Kinsey stated on his Facebook page. "I have and always will hold myself to the highest standards. I look forward to what the future may hold and hope to continue to serve you (the public) in some capacity."
Chief Kinsey’s testimony during the Alex Murdaugh trial described the gruesome sequence of events of the night of June 7, 2021, when Murdaugh's wife, Maggie, and younger son, Paul, were found dead, shot multiple times in a horrific fashion. He offered expert opinion as to which of the shots were fired first, which were fatal, how it happened, and the trajectory of the rounds fired based on the evidence around the crime scene.
After testimony from Kinsey and other expert witnesses during a six-week trial in Walterboro, S.C., Murdaugh was convicted and sentenced to two consecutive life sentences.
Kinsey's testimony, delivered with a down-home Southern style and a touch of humor, was so memorable and relatable to the Colleton County jury, who had to consider mountains of financial and scientific evidence including cell phone and vehicle GPS data, that after the trial the jury asked to meet with Kinsey personally to thank him for helping them understand a complex case in such a personable fashion.
After the trial, Julie Grant of Court TV, which livestreamed the entire event, called Kinsey a "break-out star," as throngs of reporters gathered around him for interviews.
“Dr. Kenneth Kinsey became a literal star witness during this trial, arriving to a crowd cheering as he walked into court for the last time,” said broadcast reporter Grace Runkel, Carolina Fox News.
Orangeburg Sheriff Leroy Ravenel nominated Kinsey for the award, and here is an excerpt from that nomination letter: "It is from this extreme act of professionalism developed from his three decades of law enforcement, hands-on experience, leadership, knowledge, training, honed to the level as a crime scene reconstruction expert, we nominate OCSO Chief Deputy Kenny Kinsey for the South Carolina Sheriff’s Association’s Deputy of the Year."
As Chief Deputy, Kinsey is the second highest ranking officer in the Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office, answering directly to Sheriff Leroy Ravenel. Kinsey, whose parents were also involved in law enforcement and public safety, has extensive law enforcement and investigative experience, from working with SWAT teams to state police crime scene units with a S.C. Law Enforcement Division (SLED), and has even launched his own private forensic investigative consulting firm.
Kinsey to be guest of honor at Hampton County Sheriff's K9 fundraiser
As he eyes a possible retirement soon, Kinsey will cap off this honor by giving back to the law enforcement community by appearing as a guest speaker for a police fundraiser in cash-strapped, rural Hampton County.
Kinsey will be a special guest speaker on Saturday, July 29, at 7:30 p.m. for a Hampton County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit fundraiser at the Stanley Arts Center, on Lee Avenue, Hampton.
"Dr. Kinsey will share a message regarding his passion for law enforcement and the importance of community involvement," the HCSO announced. "With his wealth of experience, knowledge and dedication, he has captivated many world wide, creating a legacy of inspiration for his fellow colleagues and law enforcement officers everywhere."
The fundraiser is a formal, black-tie event. Interested guests can purchase a $25 ticket today by contacting the HCSO at 803-914-2200 or 803-914-2177. You can also contact Deputy Donahue at 803-842-5550 or Deputy Sanders at 803-942-2567.
Kinsey urged locals and corporate supporters alike to support this fundraiser and the Hampton County K-9 unites.
"These men and women need help with equipment and supplies for their new K-9 unit," stated Kinsey. "Sometimes they are expected to perform miracles with fugitives, missing children or elderly dementia patients."
All proceeds from the fundraiser will exclusively be used for the care and support of the HCSO bloodhounds and K-9 team.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Murdaugh murder trial star witness Kinsey named SC Deputy of the Year
