Published: Less than 20 min ago
For generations, the Murdaugh family was a pillar of the community of Walterboro, South Carolina, powerful and respected.
On Friday, that era came to an end when Alex Murdaugh was convicted of murdering his wife and son.
The trial in the American state on the east coast of the United States is one of the most noticed in recent times. The tragic story is also a reflection of a community where the Murdaughs’ men were successful lawyers and prosecutors, the backbone of the town of 5,398 at the last census.
But in June 2021, 22-year-old Paul Murdaugh was found shot to death. Alex Murdaugh’s wife Maggie was also found murdered with a bullet from a rifle.
Unfathomable evil
Suspicion fell on Alex Murdaugh who has always denied the crimes, and he has been supported by a surviving son and relatives.
But after a six-week trial, 75 testimonies and 800 pieces of physical evidence, Alex Murdaugh was convicted of the murders. Among the evidence was a compromising recording on a phone.
The sentence handed down on Friday was two life sentences without the possibility of parole.
– The evil, emotional coldness and selfishness of these crimes are unimaginable, said prosecutor Creighton Waters when the verdict was handed down in the courtroom where the Murdaugh family’s ancestor’s portrait previously hung in a place of honor. During the trial, only the discoloration from the removed portrait was visible.
Judge Clifton Newman asked the convict if he wanted to say anything about the sentence, whereupon Alex Murdaugh reiterated his innocence.
The judge thanked and replied:
– Maybe it wasn’t you. It may have been the monster that you have become.
Lies and deception
Alex Murdaugh has admitted to using opiate painkillers for many years. During that time, he has stolen money from the family’s law firm, from clients and from others whom he represented via various settlements. He is also accused of lying, fraud and cheating. Over 100 suspicions must be tested in court.
In the murder cases, it took three hours of deliberations for the jury to agree.
Then Judge Moyer stated that Murdaugh is getting his sentence:
– A good liar – but not good enough.