Murdaugh Trial Begins
The trial of former South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh, charged with the June 2021 double homicide of his wife and son, began yesterday.
Murdaugh is accused of shooting his son, Paul, and his wife, Maggie, June 7, 2021, near the dog kennels on their hunting estate in Islandton, South Carolina (see map). Prosecutors have suggested he killed his family to distract attention from his financial crimes. In 2019, Paul Murdaugh was accused of boating under the influence in a crash that killed a 19-year-old woman. The woman's family sued, and a hearing was set for June 10, 2021, regarding the family's request to see Alex Murdaugh's financial records.
Murdaugh has pleaded not guilty. If convicted, he faces up to life in prison without parole and a minimum of 30 years. He also faces about 100 additional criminal counts, including a fraudulent suicide attempt so his elder son could collect a $10M life insurance policy, among other charges.