Former Lawyer Alex Murdaugh’s Conviction: Serving Time for Killing Wife and Son
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Renowned attorney Alex Murdaugh found guilty of murdering his wife and son in a highly-publicized trial that concluded in 2023. By Skyler Caruso and Caroline Blair Updated on October 19, 2025
Alex Murdaugh, a once-prominent attorney in South Carolina, faced the consequences of his criminal actions when he was charged with the brutal killings of his wife, Margaret “Maggie” Murdaugh, and their son, Paul Terry Murdaugh. The tragic incident unfolded on June 7, 2021, when Alex called 911 to report finding his wife and son shot to death near their dog kennels on their expansive property.

Initially, Alex claimed he was not present at the scene that night, but evidence later placed him at the location around the time of the murders. Despite denying any involvement in the heinous acts, Alex was convicted of both the murders in March 2023. Prosecutors alleged that Alex committed the crimes to cover up financial wrongdoings, including embezzling around $12 million from his clients and law firm, supposedly to sustain his opioid addiction and lavish lifestyle.

The trial shed light on Alex’s double life, leading to his sentencing of two consecutive life terms for the murder of his wife and son. Additionally, he pleaded guilty to 22 financial crimes, resulting in an extra 40-year prison sentence. The notorious case caught the attention of the public and media alike, becoming the subject of various adaptations, including the Hulu limited series “Murdaugh: Death in the Family” and the Netflix docuseries “Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal.”
Hailing from a prominent legal family in South Carolina, the Murdaughs, Alex was a well-known figure in the state’s legal circles. The family’s legacy in the country’s legal landscape spans a century, with members consecutively serving as solicitors for the 14th Judicial Circuit from 1920 to 2006. The region they operated in, encompassing Allendale, Colleton, Hampton, Beaufort, and Jasper counties, became known as “Murdaugh Country” due to their influence.
The tragic events at the Murdaugh family’s properties, including their residence in Hampton and Islandton, led to a series of investigations. One such case was the 2018 death of their housekeeper, Gloria Satterfield, which prompted authorities to look into potential misconduct on Alex’s part. Subsequent legal proceedings unveiled a web of deception and financial misdeeds that culminated in his arrest on charges related to insurance settlement funds misappropriation and other financial crimes.
Alex’s trial spanned several weeks at the Colleton County Courthouse, unraveling a tale of lies and deceit as evidence emerged contradicting his alibis. Despite maintaining innocence, he eventually admitted to being present at the crime scene, ultimately leading to his guilty verdict for the murders of Maggie and Paul. The swift jury decision delivered two life sentences for Alex, alongside additional time for the financial offences he had committed.
Currently, Alex is serving his sentence in a maximum-security prison in South Carolina, under protective custody due to the high-profile nature of his case. His story continues to captivate audiences through various media portrayals, including podcasts and docuseries that explore the intricacies of his crimes and trial. With an ongoing appeal based on allegations of jury tampering, Alex’s legal saga is far from over, leaving a lasting impact on both his family and the community.
In conclusion, the case of Alex Murdaugh serves as a cautionary tale of how a facade of privilege and prestige can unravel to reveal a darker truth. His downfall from a respected legal figure to a convicted murderer highlights the consequences of unchecked greed and deceit, resonating beyond the confines of the courtroom. As Alex serves his sentence, the legacy of the Murdaugh family faces a reckoning, prompting reflections on power, accountability, and justice in the legal realm.
