Trial of Alex Murdaugh

{{Infobox court case

| name = State v. Murdaugh

| italic title = no

| full name = The State of South Carolina v. Richard Alexander Murdaugh

| charge = * Murder (2 counts)

Possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime (2 counts)

| verdict = Guilty on all counts

| start date = January 25, 2023

| date decided = {{start date and age|2023|03|02}}

| court = South Carolina Fourteenth Circuit

| judge = Clifton Newman

| number of judges = 1

| subsequent actions = Murdaugh sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole

}}

State of South Carolina v. Richard Alexander Murdaugh was the trial of American former lawyer Alex Murdaugh for the murder of his wife, Maggie, and their 22-year-old son, Paul, on June 7, 2021. The trial in the fourteenth circuit of the South Carolina Circuit Court began on January 25, 2023, and ended on March 2 with a guilty verdict on all four counts.{{Cite web |last=Ortiz |first=Erik |date=March 3, 2023 |title=Alex Murdaugh guilty in murders of wife and son |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/jury-finds-alex-murdaugh-not-guilty-murders-wife-son-n1303261 |access-date=March 3, 2023 |publisher=NBC News |archive-date=March 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230303001151/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/jury-finds-alex-murdaugh-not-guilty-murders-wife-son-n1303261 |url-status=live }} Murdaugh, who had pleaded not guilty, was sentenced to two life sentences to run consecutively without the possibility of parole. He soon filed a motion for new trial, alleging that the court clerk tampered with the jury; a new trial court judge denied the motion in January 2024.{{Cite news |last=Collins |first=Jeffrey |date=January 29, 2024 |title=Alex Murdaugh is denied new double-murder trial after judge hears jury tampering allegations |url=https://apnews.com/article/alex-murdaugh-appeal-jury-tampering-south-carolina-bb952382dfb1dff5bc655d1a7982e52e |access-date=January 29, 2024 |work=The Associated Press |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129061604/https://apnews.com/article/alex-murdaugh-appeal-jury-tampering-south-carolina-bb952382dfb1dff5bc655d1a7982e52e |url-status=live }}

Local media called the trial South Carolina's "trial of the century"{{Cite web |title=Legal Talk Network - Law Podcasts and Legal News |url=https://legaltalknetwork.com/ |access-date=2025-05-15 |website=Legal Talk Network |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=South Carolina Press Association |url=https://scpress.org/ |access-date=2025-05-15 |website=South Carolina Press Association |language=en-US}} and "one of the most high-profile and sensational cases in South Carolina legal history."{{Cite web |title=Greenville Online {{!}} Greater Greenville Area, SC |url=https://www.greenvilleonline.com/ |access-date=2025-05-15 |website=The Greenville News |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |title=National Newspaper Association |url=https://www.nna.org/ |access-date=2025-05-15 |website=www.nna.org |language=en}}

On May 14, 2025, former trial clerk Becky Hill was arrested and charged with felony misconduct; this was seen as reviving if not increasing Murdaugh's efforts to obtain a new trial.{{Cite web |last=Edwards |first=Dianne Gallagher, Meridith |date=2025-05-14 |title=Former county clerk in Murdaugh murder trial charged with obstruction of justice and misconduct |url=https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/14/us/alex-murdaugh-trial-court-clerk-becky-hill-charges |access-date=2025-05-15 |website=CNN |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Conklin |first=Audrey |date=2025-05-14 |title=Former South Carolina clerk in Murdaugh murder trial arrested on multiple felonies in 2 counties |url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/former-south-carolina-clerk-murdaugh-murder-trial-arrested-multiple-felonies |access-date=2025-05-15 |website=Fox News |language=en-US}}

Background, murders, and investigation

Alex Murdaugh is a member of the Murdaugh family, a family of attorneys prominent in the South Carolina Lowcountry.{{Cite web |last=Baker |first=KC |date=September 7, 2021 |title='Big Family, Old Money, New Drama': Inside the Powerful S.C. Family at Center of Murder Mystery |url=https://people.com/crime/murdaugh-murders-south-carolina-inside-powerful-family/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909014740/https://people.com/crime/murdaugh-murders-south-carolina-inside-powerful-family/ |archive-date=September 9, 2021 |access-date=September 9, 2021 |website=People}} At the time of his death, Alex's younger son Paul had been under indictment in the death of Mallory Beach, a passenger on a power boat Paul had allegedly driven into a bridge while drunk.{{Cite web |last=Bogel-Burroughs |first=Nicholas |date=July 14, 2022 |title=South Carolina Lawyer Alex Murdaugh Charged With Killing Wife and Son |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/14/us/alex-murdaugh-indicted.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714162143/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/14/us/alex-murdaugh-indicted.html |archive-date=July 14, 2022 |access-date=July 14, 2022 |website=The New York Times}}

=Murders=

Alex called his wife Maggie (52) on June 7, 2021, and asked her to meet with him at the Murdaugh family hunting lodge in Islandton, purportedly so that the two of them could travel together to see Alex's father, Randolph Murdaugh III, who was terminally ill. Maggie texted a friend, saying her husband sounded "fishy" and was "up to something." After parking her car at the house, Maggie walked to the dog kennels, where she found her son, Paul (22).{{Cite web |last=Massie |first=Graeme |date=July 17, 2022 |title=Alex Murdaugh's wife texted friend to say husband was 'up to something' hours before murder |url=https://news.yahoo.com/alex-murdaugh-wife-texted-friend-004801999.html |access-date=July 17, 2022 |website=The Independent |via=Yahoo! News |archive-date=July 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220717171851/https://news.yahoo.com/alex-murdaugh-wife-texted-friend-004801999.html |url-status=live }} Alex called police from his cellphone at 10:06 p.m., saying he had discovered the bodies of Maggie and Paul near the dog kennels.{{Cite web |last=Baker |first=KC |date=June 15, 2021 |title=Why Were a 'Loving' Mother and Son from a S.C. Family Dynasty Murdered on Their 1,770-Acre Property? |url=https://people.com/crime/why-were-loving-mother-son-from-prominent-south-carolina-family-murdered-at-home/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909172919/https://people.com/crime/why-were-loving-mother-son-from-prominent-south-carolina-family-murdered-at-home/ |archive-date=September 9, 2021 |access-date=September 9, 2021 |website=People}} Each had been shot multiple times in the head, wrists and chest, with different guns.{{Cite web |date=September 7, 2021 |title=Full Timeline: Murdaugh Family Investigations 2015 – 2021 |url=https://www.counton2.com/news/south-carolina-news/full-timeline-murdaugh-family-investigations-2015-2021/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908160610/https://www.counton2.com/news/south-carolina-news/full-timeline-murdaugh-family-investigations-2015-2021/ |archive-date=September 8, 2021 |access-date=September 9, 2021 |publisher=WCBD-TV}}

Murdaugh claimed that at the time of the killings he had been with his mother, who has dementia;{{Cite web |last=Melendenz |first=Pilar |date=October 13, 2021 |title=Alex Murdaugh's Lawyer Finally Admits He's a Person of Interest in Family Murders |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/alex-murdaughs-lawyer-finally-admits-hes-a-person-of-interest-in-maggie-and-pauls-murder |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211015001735/https://www.thedailybeast.com/alex-murdaughs-lawyer-finally-admits-hes-a-person-of-interest-in-maggie-and-pauls-murder |archive-date=October 15, 2021 |access-date=October 15, 2021 |website=The Daily Beast}} however, cellphone data, including video containing Alex's voice, placed him at the scene before the murders.{{Cite web |last=Sharp |first=Rachel |date=July 14, 2022 |title=Murders, multi-million-dollar fraud and mystery deaths: Alex Murdaugh's spectacular fall from grace |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/murders-multi-million-dollar-fraud-162913182.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220715063423/https://sports.yahoo.com/murders-multi-million-dollar-fraud-162913182.html |archive-date=July 15, 2022 |access-date=July 15, 2022 |website=The Independent |via=Yahoo! News}}

Investigation

In October 2021, it was revealed that South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) had regarded Alex as a person of interest in the homicides since the start of the investigation. The investigation was heavily criticized by Murdaugh's defense attorney, Dick Harpootlian, during trial; the crime scene was spoiled by rain, police reportedly failed to collect various evidence, and family members and friends were allowed to walk through the scene.{{Cite web |last=Collins |first=Jeffrey |date=February 25, 2023 |title=Inadequate investigation? Takeaways at Murdaugh murder trial |url=https://apnews.com/article/legal-proceedings-south-carolina-crime-homicide-13a31ec73cf6da2f65848ac6e016b6be |access-date=February 26, 2023 |website=AP NEWS}}

= Indictment and arrest =

Murdaugh was arrested in July 2022 after a Colleton County grand jury issued an indictment charging him with two counts of murder and two counts of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime in the deaths of Maggie and Paul. The indictment stated that Alex shot his wife with a rifle and his son with a shotgun.{{Cite web |last1=Monk |first1=John |last2=Ferguson |first2=Lana |date=July 14, 2022 |title=Alex Murdaugh indicted in June 2021 murders of his wife, son at their SC estate |url=https://news.yahoo.com/alex-murdaugh-indicted-june-2021-150209524.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714165236/https://news.yahoo.com/alex-murdaugh-indicted-june-2021-150209524.html |archive-date=July 14, 2022 |access-date=July 14, 2022 |website=The Island Packet}} Murdaugh pleaded not guilty; prosecutors said they would seek life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, not the death penalty.{{Cite web |date=2022-12-20 |title=SC official says Alex Murdaugh will not face death penalty |url=https://apnews.com/article/crime-south-carolina-columbia-9d315cf243fd9f3a41b85628cde7e768 |access-date=2023-07-14 |website=AP News |archive-date=July 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230714180106/https://apnews.com/article/crime-south-carolina-columbia-9d315cf243fd9f3a41b85628cde7e768 |url-status=live }}

Trial

File:Colleton County Courthouse.jpg in Walterboro, South Carolina.]]

Murdaugh's trial began January 25, 2023, at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, with instructions from the judge and opening statements from the prosecution and defense.{{Cite news |last=Bogel-Burroughs |first=Nicholas |date=January 25, 2023 |title=Murdaugh Trial Live Updates: Lawyers Describe Carnage Where Wife and Son Died |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/01/25/us/murdaugh-murder-trial |url-status=live |access-date=January 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230125211457/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/01/25/us/murdaugh-murder-trial |archive-date=January 25, 2023 |issn=0362-4331}}

Creighton Waters, chief prosecutor for the grand jury, led the prosecuting team against Murdaugh.{{Cite news |last=Wilks |first=Avery G. |date=December 17, 2022 |title=Meet Creighton Waters, the Murdaugh prosecutor whose investigations toppled an SC dynasty |work=The Post and Courier |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/meet-creighton-waters-the-murdaugh-prosecutor-whose-investigations-toppled-an-sc-dynasty/article_0523e476-7d4c-11ed-bca4-2f2dc8bc71cc.html |url-status=live |access-date=January 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126030610/https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/meet-creighton-waters-the-murdaugh-prosecutor-whose-investigations-toppled-an-sc-dynasty/article_0523e476-7d4c-11ed-bca4-2f2dc8bc71cc.html |archive-date=January 26, 2023}} John Meadors, a Columbia attorney with extensive experience in murder trials, was hired by the Attorney General of South Carolina as part of the prosecuting team.{{Cite news |last=Gray |first=Melissa |date=February 13, 2023 |title=These are the names to know in the murder trial of Alex Murdaugh |work=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/25/us/alex-murdaugh-trial-names/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230219211808/https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/25/us/alex-murdaugh-trial-names/index.html |archive-date=February 19, 2023}} Murdaugh was represented by Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin.{{Cite news |last=Wilks |first=Avery G. |date=January 19, 2023 |title=Alex Murdaugh's defense attorneys: Who are Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin? |work=Post and Courier |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/alex-murdaugh-s-defense-attorneys-who-are-dick-harpootlian-and-jim-griffin/article_f82b4fda-9807-11ed-bcf5-07e8a3110bdf.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223205356/https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/alex-murdaugh-s-defense-attorneys-who-are-dick-harpootlian-and-jim-griffin/article_f82b4fda-9807-11ed-bcf5-07e8a3110bdf.html |archive-date=February 23, 2023}} The cases were overseen by Judge Clifton Newman.{{Cite news |last=Hawes |first=Jennifer Berry |date=September 2, 2022 |title=Murdaugh cases overseen by SC Judge Clifton Newman, who rose from segregated schools to bench |work=The Post and Courier |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/murdaugh-cases-overseen-by-sc-judge-clifton-newman-who-rose-from-segregated-schools-to-bench/article_5362907c-285d-11ed-b179-b342b724b1dd.html |url-status=live |access-date=January 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111042922/https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/murdaugh-cases-overseen-by-sc-judge-clifton-newman-who-rose-from-segregated-schools-to-bench/article_5362907c-285d-11ed-b179-b342b724b1dd.html |archive-date=January 11, 2023}}

Defense counsel argued that the prosecution should be prohibited from asking questions related to Murdaugh's financial crimes but the judge overruled their objections and announced he would make a formal ruling on the matter on Thursday, February 2, 2023.{{Cite web |last=DeWitt |first=Michael M. Jr |date=February 1, 2023 |title=Alex Murdaugh trial: Paul Murdaugh's phone offers evidence from beyond grave, friends testify |url=https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/crime/2023/02/01/alex-murdaugh-murder-trial-updates-evidence-reveals-last-conversations-paul-maggie/69861561007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225101224/https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/crime/2023/02/01/alex-murdaugh-murder-trial-updates-evidence-reveals-last-conversations-paul-maggie/69861561007/ |archive-date=February 25, 2023 |access-date=February 2, 2023 |website=The Greenville News}} The judge dismissed the jury early on Thursday, February 2, in order for the prosecution to present two witnesses who testified in chambers about Murdaugh's financial crimes. The judge said that he needed to hear more testimony privately before ruling whether these witnesses would be allowed to testify before the jury.{{Cite web |last1=Wilks |first1=Avery |last2=Moore |first2=Thad |last3=Grzeszczak |first3=Jocelyn |date=February 2, 2023 |title=Alex Murdaugh's colleagues detail his alleged financial crimes to an empty jury box |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/alex-murdaughs-colleagues-detail-his-alleged-financial-crimes-to-an-empty-jury-box/article_ee5fad96-a303-11ed-8e47-6bc90236d387.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203002050/https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/alex-murdaughs-colleagues-detail-his-alleged-financial-crimes-to-an-empty-jury-box/article_ee5fad96-a303-11ed-8e47-6bc90236d387.html |archive-date=February 3, 2023 |access-date=February 3, 2023 |website=Post and Courier}}

On February 6, after several days of hearing arguments without the jury present, Judge Newman ruled that the testimony related to Murdaugh's alleged financial crimes was admissible: He said that jurors were entitled to consider whether Murdaugh's financial situation was a motive for the killings.{{Cite web |last1=Moore |first1=Thad |last2=Grzeszczak |first2=Jocelyn |last3=Wilks |first3=Avery G. |date=6 February 2023 |title=Feb. 6: Judge allows jurors in Alex Murdaugh murder trial to hear financial testimony |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/feb-6-judge-allows-jurors-in-alex-murdaugh-murder-trial-to-hear-financial-testimony/article_08011e30-a5be-11ed-969a-6b34db2a2202.html |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=Post and Courier}} Newman also said that defense counsel had opened the door to testimony about the alleged financial crimes when they asked a witness to speculate about a possible motive for Murdaugh to commit the murders.{{Cite news |last=Marchant |first=Bristow |date=February 2, 2023 |title=Murdaugh defense 'opened door' to jury hearing about alleged financial crimes, SC judge says |work=The State |url=https://www.thestate.com/news/local/crime/article271577067.html |access-date=February 25, 2023 |archive-date=February 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203002741/https://www.thestate.com/news/local/crime/article271577067.html |url-status=live }} A bomb threat on February 8 forced the court to recess for several hours.{{Cite web |last1=Barber |first1=Haylee |last2=Ortiz |first2=Erik |last3=Guevara |first3=Selina |last4=Gable |first4=Carol |date=February 8, 2023 |title=Bomb threat halts Alex Murdaugh trial, courthouse is evacuated |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/alex-murdaugh-trial-halted-courthouse-evacuated-bomb-threat-rcna69739 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208181349/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/alex-murdaugh-trial-halted-courthouse-evacuated-bomb-threat-rcna69739 |archive-date=February 8, 2023 |access-date=February 8, 2023 |website=NBC News}}{{Cite web |last=Melendez |first=Pilar |date=August 12, 2023 |title=The Untold Story of the Bomb Threat That Derailed Alex Murdaugh's Murder Trial |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/how-alex-murdaughs-murder-trial-was-derailed-by-a-bomb-threat |access-date=2023-08-12 |website=The Daily Beast |archive-date=August 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230813051229/https://www.thedailybeast.com/how-alex-murdaughs-murder-trial-was-derailed-by-a-bomb-threat |url-status=live }}

On February 13, Judge Newman announced that two jurors had been dismissed and replaced with alternate jurors because they had tested positive for COVID-19.{{Cite web |last1=Grzeszczak |first1=Jocelyn |last2=Wilks |first2=Avery G. |last3=Moore |first3=Thad |date=February 13, 2023 |title=Live: 2 jurors in Alex Murdaugh double murder trial test positive for COVID-19 |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/live-2-jurors-in-alex-murdaugh-double-murder-trial-test-positive-for-covid-19/article_c68f85b6-ab96-11ed-b807-3742ca595628.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213160802/https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/live-2-jurors-in-alex-murdaugh-double-murder-trial-test-positive-for-covid-19/article_c68f85b6-ab96-11ed-b807-3742ca595628.html |archive-date=February 13, 2023 |access-date=February 13, 2023 |website=Post and Courier}}{{Cite web |last=Collins |first=Jeffrey |date=February 13, 2023 |title=COVID could create crisis in Alex Murdaugh murder trial |url=https://apnews.com/article/legal-proceedings-homicide-south-carolina-covid-1e487566c01edfacf4ab45ec54ffb3c0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213164421/https://apnews.com/article/legal-proceedings-homicide-south-carolina-covid-1e487566c01edfacf4ab45ec54ffb3c0 |archive-date=February 13, 2023 |access-date=February 13, 2023 |website=AP NEWS}} On February 24, a new charge was filed against Murdaugh for passing contraband in the courtroom.{{Cite web |last1=Moore |first1=Thad |last2=Grzeszczak |first2=Jocelyn |last3=Wilks |first3=Avery G. |date=24 February 2023 |title=Alex Murdaugh lied 'easily and convincingly,' prosecutor says in fierce cross-examination |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/alex-murdaugh-lied-easily-and-convincingly-prosecutor-says-in-fierce-cross-examination/article_5c51bf48-b46f-11ed-acad-b37876ae1c24.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225021227/https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/alex-murdaugh-lied-easily-and-convincingly-prosecutor-says-in-fierce-cross-examination/article_5c51bf48-b46f-11ed-acad-b37876ae1c24.html |archive-date=February 25, 2023 |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=Post and Courier}} At the defense's request, the jury visited the murder scene.{{Cite web |last1=Moore |first1=Thad |last2=Grzeszczak |first2=Jocelyn |last3=Wilks |first3=Avery G. |date=27 February 2023 |title=Live: Alex Murdaugh's defense attorneys want jurors to see Moselle, site of the killings |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/live-alex-murdaughs-defense-attorneys-want-jurors-to-see-moselle-site-of-the-killings/article_c7d4eb26-b697-11ed-b63a-935b326f11b0.html |access-date=February 27, 2023 |website=Post and Courier}}

= Testimony =

The first prosecution witnesses included first responders on the scene after Murdaugh's 911 call.{{Cite web |last=Mejia |first=Jessica |date=January 26, 2023 |title=Murdaugh trial begins with first responders' testimonies |url=https://www.abccolumbia.com/2023/01/26/murdaugh-trial-begins-with-first-responders-testimonies/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126231041/https://www.abccolumbia.com/2023/01/26/murdaugh-trial-begins-with-first-responders-testimonies/ |archive-date=January 26, 2023 |access-date=January 26, 2023 |website=ABC Columbia}} The prosecution asked the judge to compel a representative of Snapchat to testify about a video posted by Paul Murdaugh minutes before his death.{{Cite web |last=Hill |first=Bailee |date=January 29, 2023 |title=Snapchat video in Alex Murdaugh double-murder trial was the 'strongest evidence' for prosecution: Nancy Grace |url=https://www.foxnews.com/media/snapchat-video-alex-murdaugh-double-murder-trial-strongest-evidence-prosecution-nancy-grace |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129173923/https://www.foxnews.com/media/snapchat-video-alex-murdaugh-double-murder-trial-strongest-evidence-prosecution-nancy-grace |archive-date=January 29, 2023 |access-date=January 29, 2023 |website=Fox News}} The prosecution brought South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) witnesses to testify about firearms and ballistics, and an interview conducted with Murdaugh in a car on June 21, 2021, during which Murdaugh said of his son, "It's just so bad. I did him so bad," which Waters emphasized for the jury.{{Cite web |last=DeWitt |first=Michael M. Jr. |date=January 30, 2023 |title=Alex Murdaugh murder trial: Everything you need to know before Tuesday's proceedings |url=https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/crime/2023/01/30/alex-murdaugh-trial-week-two-opens-with-firearm-evidence-cross-examinations-murder-sc/69853621007/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225101158/https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/crime/2023/01/30/alex-murdaugh-trial-week-two-opens-with-firearm-evidence-cross-examinations-murder-sc/69853621007/ |archive-date=February 25, 2023 |access-date=January 31, 2023 |website=The Greenville News}} The defense team disputed whether the recording said "I" or "they".{{Cite web |last1=Grzeszczak |first1=Jocelyn |last2=Wilks |first2=Avery G. |last3=Moore |first3=Thad |date=January 31, 2023 |title=Live: Witnesses in Alex Murdaugh double murder trial discuss phone records, firearms |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/live-witnesses-in-alex-murdaugh-double-murder-trial-discuss-phone-records-firearms/article_532f98f4-9773-11ed-b40d-fb0a1b77307e.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131200833/https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/live-witnesses-in-alex-murdaugh-double-murder-trial-discuss-phone-records-firearms/article_532f98f4-9773-11ed-b40d-fb0a1b77307e.html |archive-date=January 31, 2023 |access-date=January 31, 2023 |website=Post and Courier}} The prosecution brought an expert witness to testify about data collected by Maggie's phone. The prosecution brought two close friends of Paul Murdaugh to testify about their interactions with the Murdaugh family and their communications with Paul moments before his death.{{Cite web |last1=Wilks |first1=Avery |last2=Moore |first2=Thad |last3=Grzeszczak |first3=Jocelyn |date=February 1, 2023 |title=Murdaugh family friends hear Alex's voice in video filmed before slayings |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/murdaugh-family-friends-hear-alexs-voice-in-video-filmed-before-slayings/article_1c527c4e-a23f-11ed-85f5-a3b52e770928.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202013010/https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/murdaugh-family-friends-hear-alexs-voice-in-video-filmed-before-slayings/article_1c527c4e-a23f-11ed-85f5-a3b52e770928.html |archive-date=February 2, 2023 |access-date=February 2, 2023 |website=Post and Courier}} A witness said he heard Alex's voice in a video taken by Paul minutes before the time the prosecution believes the murders took place.

Prosecutors called former colleagues and clients of Murdaugh to testify about the defendant's financial situation just before the murders occurred, and argued that the motive was stress caused by the impending discovery of Murdaugh's financial crimes. They also called a chief executive officer of a local bank to testify about the bank's discovery of theft by Murdaugh.{{Cite web |last1=Wilks |first1=Avery |last2=Moore |first2=Thad |last3=Grzeszczak |first3=Jocelyn |date=11 February 2023 |title=Alex Murdaugh murder trial highlights universal trust that kept alleged schemes hidden |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/alex-murdaugh-murder-trial-highlights-universal-trust-that-kept-alleged-schemes-hidden/article_9d9cf0da-a975-11ed-82d4-8302f334750d.html |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=Post and Courier |archive-date=February 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225185232/https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/alex-murdaugh-murder-trial-highlights-universal-trust-that-kept-alleged-schemes-hidden/article_9d9cf0da-a975-11ed-82d4-8302f334750d.html |url-status=live }}

Prosecutors called expert witnesses, including a criminologist and pathologist. They called a SLED agent to testify about a timeline for the events of June 7, aggregating all of the data collected from various sources, including the cell-phones of the victims and the defendant, car telemetry data, and cell-phone tower pings. Prosecutors rested their case on February 17.{{Cite web |last1=Wilks |first1=Avery |last2=Moore |first2=Thad |last3=Grzeszczak |first3=Jocelyn |date=17 February 2023 |title=Feb. 17: SLED agent in Alex Murdaugh murder trial lays out timeline from day of slayings |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/feb-17-sled-agent-in-alex-murdaugh-murder-trial-lays-out-timeline-from-day-of/article_02290d68-ab9c-11ed-86ea-db8bdaac958b.html |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=Post and Courier}}

Defense counsel called their first witness immediately after the prosecution rested their case. They called the Colleton County coroner, who testified that he had only estimated the victims' body temperatures and that the reported time of death was an estimate.

On February 21, the defense called the defendant's surviving son, Buster, to the stand. The defense called several expert witnesses, including a crime-scene engineer, who re-created the crime scene and argued that the presumed height of the shooter was not consistent with the defendant's height.{{Cite web |last1=Moore |first1=Thad |last2=Wilks |first2=Avery |last3=Grzeszczak |first3=Jocelyn |date=21 February 2023 |title=Feb. 21: Buster Murdaugh, forensic engineer testify in Alex Murdaugh's double murder trial |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/feb-21-buster-murdaugh-forensic-engineer-testify-in-alex-murdaughs-double-murder-trial/article_44994762-b164-11ed-aaf6-eb8ddd20647f.html |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=Post and Courier |archive-date=February 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230225191206/https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/feb-21-buster-murdaugh-forensic-engineer-testify-in-alex-murdaughs-double-murder-trial/article_44994762-b164-11ed-aaf6-eb8ddd20647f.html |url-status=live }} Another expert witness testified that he believed the crime scene was not handled properly by first responders.{{Cite web |last1=Moore |first1=Thad |last2=Wilks |first2=Avery |last3=Grzeszczak |first3=Jocelyn |date=22 February 2023 |title=Feb 22: Alex Murdaugh weighs right to testify in murder trial, forensic scientist speaks |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/feb-22-alex-murdaugh-weighs-right-to-testify-in-murder-trial-forensic-scientist-speaks/article_dc7da5a0-b164-11ed-8289-6b5767bb48cf.html |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=Post and Courier}}

On February 23, Murdaugh took the stand to testify.{{Cite web |last1=Moore |first1=Thad |last2=Wilks |first2=Avery |last3=Grzeszczak |first3=Jocelyn |date=February 23, 2023 |title=Live: Alex Murdaugh admits to lying to investigators, denies killing wife and son |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/live-alex-murdaugh-admits-to-lying-to-investigators-denies-killing-wife-and-son/article_19290c24-b165-11ed-827c-cf586e2b5864.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223161455/https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/live-alex-murdaugh-admits-to-lying-to-investigators-denies-killing-wife-and-son/article_19290c24-b165-11ed-827c-cf586e2b5864.html |archive-date=February 23, 2023 |access-date=February 23, 2023 |website=Post and Courier}} He denied shooting his wife and son.{{Cite news |last=Fortin |first=Jacey |date=February 23, 2023 |title=Alex Murdaugh Admits Lying and Stealing, but Denies Murders: Watch Live Testimony |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/02/23/us/alex-murdaugh-trial-murder |url-status=live |access-date=February 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223211840/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/02/23/us/alex-murdaugh-trial-murder |archive-date=February 23, 2023 |issn=0362-4331}} Murdaugh confirmed that he could be heard in a video taken by his son at 8:44 p.m. at the kennels. Murdaugh admitted repeatedly lying to law officers about whether he had been at the kennels at the night of the killings (before he reported finding the bodies there later that night), and attributed the lies to "paranoid thinking" from his addiction to opioids.{{Cite news |last=Wolfe |first=Elizabeth |date=March 2, 2023 |title=Alex Murdaugh's lie about his whereabouts, and his reversal, weigh heavily as murder trial finishes, legal experts say |work=CNN |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/03/02/us/murdaugh-trial-special-takeaways/index.html |access-date=March 5, 2023 |archive-date=March 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230305035738/https://edition.cnn.com/2023/03/02/us/murdaugh-trial-special-takeaways/index.html |url-status=live }} He also admitted stealing from legal clients and his firm, and also admitted asking a relative to shoot him. The prosecution's cross-examination began the same day. Murdaugh finished his testimony the next day, and Judge Newman dismissed the jury immediately after it concluded.

The defense called a pathologist, who testified that the state's pathologist had not correctly determined the entrance and exit wounds on Paul's body. The defense also called Tim Palmbach, an expert in bloodstain spatter analysis. Palmbach has also testified in such high-profile cases as the trial of Michael Peterson.{{Cite web |last=Bean |first=Matt |date=September 23, 2003 |title=Defense focuses on crime scene integrity |url=http://www.cnn.com/2003/LAW/09/23/ctv.peterson.trial/index.html |access-date=February 27, 2023 |website=CNN |archive-date=February 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227171804/http://www.cnn.com/2003/LAW/09/23/ctv.peterson.trial/index.html |url-status=live }} Palmbach testified that he believed that a shooter would have been covered in blood and gunshot residue; he also stated that he believed that the evidence was consistent with two shooters being present. The last witness the defense called was the defendant's brother, John Marvin Murdaugh. On February 27, the defense rested their case and moved for a directed verdict, which was subsequently denied by Judge Newman.

After the defense rested their case, the prosecution indicated they would reply to the defense's case. On February 28, the prosecution began their reply case by calling witnesses. Four of the witnesses they called had testified earlier. A police chief who had associated with Murdaugh was also called to the stand. The final witness was a crime-scene expert called previously; South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson conducted the direct examination. The prosecution rested their reply case on February 28.

= Closing arguments, verdict, and sentencing =

Closing arguments began on March 1.{{Cite web |last1=Moore |first1=Thad |last2=Grzeszczak |first2=Jocelyn |last3=Wilks |first3=Avery G. |date=March 1, 2023 |title=Live: Jurors in Alex Murdaugh's murder trial travel to Moselle, site of the slayings |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/live-jurors-in-alex-murdaughs-murder-trial-travel-to-moselle-site-of-the-slayings/article_98d15334-b69a-11ed-a240-4fcc31a61d68.html |access-date=March 1, 2023 |website=Post and Courier |archive-date=March 1, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230301180729/https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/live-jurors-in-alex-murdaughs-murder-trial-travel-to-moselle-site-of-the-slayings/article_98d15334-b69a-11ed-a240-4fcc31a61d68.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=DeWitt |first=Michael M. Jr. |date=March 1, 2023 |title=Alex Murdaugh trial live stream, updates: State makes closing arguments in double murder trial |url=https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/crime/2023/03/01/alex-murdaugh-trial-updates-closing-arguments-start-wednesday/69957329007/ |access-date=March 1, 2023 |website=The Greenville News}} On March 2, Judge Newman announced that he had been notified that a juror had discussed the evidence presented. The juror was dismissed for improper conduct and an alternate replaced her.{{Cite web |last1=Grzeszczak |first1=Jocelyn |last2=Wilks |first2=Avery G. |last3=Moore |first3=Thad |date=March 2, 2023 |title=Live: Alex Murdaugh's defense attorneys deliver closing argument in double murder trial |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/live-alex-murdaughs-defense-attorneys-deliver-closing-argument-in-double-murder-trial/article_b6d9afac-b69a-11ed-93f2-737ea79f687a.html |access-date=March 2, 2023 |website=Post and Courier}}{{Cite news |last1=Marchant |first1=Bristow |last2=Monk |first2=John |date=March 2, 2023 |title=Murdaugh juror booted for discussing case, defense attorney asks jury to scrutinize evidence |work=The State |url=https://www.thestate.com/news/local/crime/article272633754.html |access-date=March 2, 2023 |archive-date=March 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329035733/https://www.thestate.com/news/local/crime/article272633754.html |url-status=live }} Attorney Creighton Waters delivered the state's closing statement, and attorney Jim Griffin delivered the defense's closing statement. Attorney John Meadors delivered the state's reply and final argument. The jury was charged and began deliberating on March 2.{{Cite web |last1=Grzeszczak |first1=Jocelyn |last2=Wilks |first2=Avery G. |last3=Moore |first3=Thad |date=March 2, 2023 |title=Jury begins deliberating in Alex Murdaugh murder trial after stirring closing arguments |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/jury-begins-deliberating-in-alex-murdaugh-murder-trial-after-stirring-closing-arguments/article_2aecb736-b907-11ed-b99a-0fad173835fe.html |access-date=March 2, 2023 |website=Post and Courier}}

On March 2, 2023, after less than three hours of deliberation, the jury found Murdaugh guilty of two counts of murder and two counts of possession of a weapon during a violent crime.{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/03/06/alex-murdaugh-jurors/ |title=Murdaugh jurors say he shouldn't have testified, tears not believable |newspaper=The Washington Post |first=Meryl |last=Kornfield |date=March 6, 2023 |access-date=2024-01-31 |quote=The jury took only three hours to find Murdaugh guilty |archive-date=March 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330090055/https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/03/06/alex-murdaugh-jurors/ |url-status=live }} Because of the intense public interest in the case, the verdict was transmitted live across the United States on major broadcast and cable news networks.{{Cite news |last=Koblin |first=John |date=March 3, 2023 |title=The media industry raced to capitalize on interest in the trial |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/03/us/murdaugh-murders-trial-netflix-media.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=March 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311052840/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/03/us/murdaugh-murders-trial-netflix-media.html |archive-date=11 March 2023}} After the verdict was read, Judge Newman denied a motion from the defense for a mistrial by saying, "The evidence of guilt is overwhelming."{{Cite news |last=Layne |first=Nathan |date=2023-03-03 |title=South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh found guilty of murdering wife and son |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/legal/murdaughs-lawyers-deliver-closing-arguments-south-carolina-murder-trial-2023-03-02/ |access-date=2023-03-03}}{{Cite web |last1=Wilks |first1=Avery |last2=Moore |first2=Thad |last3=Grzeszczak |first3=Jocelyn |date=2 March 2023 |title=Alex Murdaugh found guilty in June 2021 murders of wife Maggie, son Paul |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/alex-murdaugh-found-guilty-in-june-2021-murders-of-wife-maggie-son-paul/article_2aecb736-b907-11ed-b99a-0fad173835fe.html |access-date=2023-03-03 |website=Post and Courier |archive-date=March 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230303015624/https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/alex-murdaugh-found-guilty-in-june-2021-murders-of-wife-maggie-son-paul/article_2aecb736-b907-11ed-b99a-0fad173835fe.html |url-status=live }} He told the jurors, "The circumstantial evidence, direct evidence—all of the evidence pointed to one conclusion, and that's the conclusion that you all reached." Newman later added that the jury had come to a "proper conclusion as they saw the law and facts". Murdaugh was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole on March 3, 2023, at 10:08 a.m. EST.{{Cite web |last1=Deliso |first1=Meredith |last2=Winsor |first2=Morgan |last3=Shapiro |first3=Emily |date=March 3, 2023 |title=Alex Murdaugh sentencing live updates: Disgraced SC attorney gets life in prison |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/live-updates/alex-murdaugh-sentencing/?id=97599047 |access-date=March 3, 2023 |website=ABC News}} After his sentencing, Murdaugh was taken to the Kirkland Correctional Institution, in northwestern Columbia, South Carolina, for about 45 days during which he was evaluated to determine which maximum-security prison he would be sent to.{{Cite web |date=March 3, 2023 |title=Alex Murdaugh officially in prison to begin serving a life sentence in Columbia |url=https://www.wltx.com/article/news/special-reports/alex-murdaugh/alex-murdaugh-in-prison-mugshot/101-80ec290c-ff31-4c0e-bea3-3a0e8841df52 |access-date=March 4, 2023 |website=WLTX}}

Aftermath and further sentences

After the verdict, prosecutors held a press conference. The defense took questions from media the day after sentencing and said that they would appeal the verdict.{{Cite news |last=Bogel-Burroughs |first=Michael |date=2023-03-03 |title=Alex Murdaugh Sentencing: Update from Nicholas Bogel-Burroughs |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/03/03/us/murdaugh-sentencing-trial |access-date=2023-03-07 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307022557/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2023/03/03/us/murdaugh-sentencing-trial |url-status=live }} In an interview a few days after the sentencing, Murdaugh's older brother, Randy, said he believed that his brother had not told the whole truth about what he knew about the killings.{{Cite news |last=Bogel-Burroughs |first=Nicholas |date=2023-03-06 |title=Breaking Silence, Murdaugh Brother Says 'Not Knowing Is the Worst Thing' |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/06/us/alex-murdaugh-brother-randy.html |access-date=2023-03-07 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=March 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307022600/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/03/06/us/alex-murdaugh-brother-randy.html |url-status=live }} On March 9, Murdaugh's attorneys filed a notice of appeal with the South Carolina Court of Appeals.{{Cite news |last=Vielkind |first=Jimmy |date=March 9, 2023 |title=Alex Murdaugh Files Notice of Appeal After Being Convicted of Murdering Wife and Son |work=Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/alex-murdaugh-files-notice-of-appeal-after-being-convicted-of-murdering-wife-and-son-40f36ee0 |access-date=2023-03-14 |archive-date=March 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314235811/https://www.wsj.com/articles/alex-murdaugh-files-notice-of-appeal-after-being-convicted-of-murdering-wife-and-son-40f36ee0 |url-status=live }} In a sale conducted by Georgia-based Liberty Auction on March 23,{{Cite news |last=Macie Goldfarb, Devon M. Sayers |first=and Zoe Sottile |date=March 21, 2023 |title=Items from Murdaugh Moselle property will be auctioned on Thursday |work=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/21/us/murdaugh-moselle-property-sc-house/index.html |access-date=March 23, 2023}}{{Cite news |last=Helling |first=Steve |date=March 21, 2023 |title=Items Belonging to the Murdaugh Family Put Up for Auction |work=People Magazine |url=https://people.com/crime/murdaugh-family-auction-items-belonging-south-carolina-dynasty/ |access-date=March 23, 2023 |archive-date=March 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322140230/https://people.com/crime/murdaugh-family-auction-items-belonging-south-carolina-dynasty/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Land |first=Olivia |date=March 21, 2023 |title=Murdaugh family items, hideous furniture to be auctioned off Thursday |work=New York Post |url=https://nypost.com/2023/03/21/murdaugh-family-items-to-be-auctioned-off-thursday-photos/ |access-date=March 23, 2023 |archive-date=March 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322080625/https://nypost.com/2023/03/21/murdaugh-family-items-to-be-auctioned-off-thursday-photos/ |url-status=live }} items were sold from Murdaugh's property, including antlers, turtle-shell lamps and furniture.{{Cite news |last=Melendez |first=Pilar |date=March 23, 2023 |title=Crossbow and Hunting Equipment From Murdaugh's Estate Go Up for Sale |work=Daily Beast |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/murdaugh-estate-sale-puts-crossbow-hunting-equipment-and-deer-antlers-up-for-sale |access-date=March 23, 2023 |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323223614/https://www.thedailybeast.com/murdaugh-estate-sale-puts-crossbow-hunting-equipment-and-deer-antlers-up-for-sale |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Silver |first=Lauren |date=March 23, 2023 |title=Murdaugh family items offered to highest bidder |work=Court TV |url=https://www.courttv.com/news/murdaugh-family-items-offered-to-highest-bidder/ |access-date=March 23, 2023 |archive-date=March 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323204240/https://www.courttv.com/news/murdaugh-family-items-offered-to-highest-bidder/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Jackson |first=Alyssa |date=March 23, 2023 |title=Bidders pack Liberty Auction to buy items from Murdaugh's estate |work=WTOC 11 |url=https://www.wtoc.com/2023/03/24/bidders-pack-liberty-auction-buy-items-murdaughs-estate/ |access-date=March 23, 2023 |archive-date=March 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324025903/https://www.wtoc.com/2023/03/24/bidders-pack-liberty-auction-buy-items-murdaughs-estate/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Sanchez |first=Sofia |date=March 23, 2023 |title=PETA wanted Murdaugh hunting trophies, turtle-shell lamps donated instead of sold |work=The Herald |url=https://www.heraldonline.com/news/state/south-carolina/article273516995.html |access-date=March 23, 2023}}

On May 24, the US Attorney's Office, District of South Carolina announced that a federal grand jury returned an indictment of 22 counts for money laundering, wire fraud, bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud.{{Cite web |date=May 24, 2023 |title=Alex Murdaugh Indicted on Federal Conspiracy, Wire Fraud, Bank Fraud, and Money Laundering Charges |url=https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/pr/alex-murdaugh-indicted-federal-conspiracy-wire-fraud-bank-fraud-and-money-laundering |access-date=May 24, 2023 |website=United States Attorney's Office, District of South Carolina |archive-date=May 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524155824/https://www.justice.gov/usao-sc/pr/alex-murdaugh-indicted-federal-conspiracy-wire-fraud-bank-fraud-and-money-laundering |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Collins |first=Jeffrey |date=May 24, 2023 |title=Convicted murderer and ex-attorney Alex Murdaugh facing federal charges of fraud, theft |work=Associated Press |url=https://apnews.com/article/alex-murdaugh-federal-charges-bank-fraud-19eb36ecac8a16f92368690148f6be3e |access-date=May 24, 2023 |archive-date=May 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524175559/https://apnews.com/article/alex-murdaugh-federal-charges-bank-fraud-19eb36ecac8a16f92368690148f6be3e |url-status=live }} On November 17, 2023, Murdaugh pleaded guilty to all 22 of the state's charges in the indictment.{{Cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2023/11/17/us/alex-murdaugh-plead-guilty-financial-crimes/index.html|title=Alex Murdaugh pleads guilty to state financial charges|website=CNN|date=November 17, 2023|access-date=December 2, 2023|archive-date=December 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202084803/https://edition.cnn.com/2023/11/17/us/alex-murdaugh-plead-guilty-financial-crimes/index.html|url-status=live}} On November 29, 2023, he was sentenced to 27 years in prison in relation to the state's criminal indictments.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/financial-victims-representatives-lay-alex-murdaugh-sentencing-rcna126980|title=Alex Murdaugh sentenced to 27 years in state financial crimes case|website=NBC News|date=November 28, 2023|access-date=December 2, 2023|archive-date=December 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202084802/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/financial-victims-representatives-lay-alex-murdaugh-sentencing-rcna126980|url-status=live}} In addition to the state's indictments, he was also indicted by the Federal Government. On April 1, 2024, Murdaugh was sentenced in Federal court to 40 years in federal prison for his financial fraud crimes, to run concurrently with the previous sentences (for murder and state financial crimes), and to pay reparations of $8.7 million to his victims, including the family of his former housekeeper Gloria Satterfield, after evidence of additional crimes was introduced.{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/alex-murdaugh-sentencing-federal-financial-crimes-b2521351.html |title=Alex Murdaugh is sentenced to 40 years in prison for federal financial crimes |work=The Independent |first1=Rachel |last1=Sharp |first2=Katie |last2=Hawkinson |date=April 1, 2024 |access-date=2024-04-02 |archive-date=April 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401184828/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/alex-murdaugh-sentencing-federal-financial-crimes-b2521351.html |url-status=live }}

Motion for new trial

On September 3, 2023, Murdaugh's attorneys announced that they had evidence to file for a new murder trial.{{Cite news |last=Robelot |first=Jane |date=September 4, 2023 |title=Alex Murdaugh's attorneys have newly filed motion for a new trial |work=WYFF-TV |url=https://www.wyff4.com/article/alex-murdaughs-attorneys-have-newly-filed-motion-for-a-new-trial/44992599#:~:text=Tuesday%20afternoon%2C%20Alex%20Murdaugh's%20attorneys,March%202%20of%20this%20year. |access-date=September 4, 2023 |archive-date=September 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904230553/https://www.wyff4.com/article/alex-murdaughs-attorneys-have-newly-filed-motion-for-a-new-trial/44992599#:~:text=Tuesday%20afternoon%2C%20Alex%20Murdaugh's%20attorneys,March%202%20of%20this%20year. |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Commander |first=Anna |date=September 4, 2023 |title=Alex Murdaugh Update: New Evidence May Spark Another Trial |work=Newsweek |url=https://www.newsweek.com/alex-murdaugh-update-new-evidence-may-spark-another-trial-1824439 |access-date=September 4, 2023}}{{Cite news |last=Propper |first=David |date=September 4, 2023 |title=Murdaugh's lawyers expected to file motion in bid for new murder trial based on 'discovered evidence' |work=New York Post |url=https://nypost.com/2023/09/04/murdaughs-lawyers-expected-to-file-motion-in-bid-for-new-murder-trial/ |access-date=September 4, 2023 |archive-date=September 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230904053203/https://nypost.com/2023/09/04/murdaughs-lawyers-expected-to-file-motion-in-bid-for-new-murder-trial/ |url-status=live }} At a press conference held on September 5, Murdaugh attorneys Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin alleged jury tampering by Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca (Becky) Hill, who subsequently released a book on the case, Behind the Doors of Justice: The Murdaugh Murders.{{Cite book |last1=Hill |first1=Rebecca H. |title=Behind the Doors of Justice: The Murdaugh Murders |last2=Gordon |first2=Neil R. |publisher=Wind River |year=2023 |isbn=9798988734239 |oclc=1393434920}} The lawyers requested an evidentiary hearing to determine whether there should be a new trial. Harpootlian also sent a letter to United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina Adair Ford Boroughs requesting a federal investigation of conduct in the case.{{Cite news |last=Phillip |first=Patrick |date=September 5, 2023 |title=Murdaugh defense team alleges jury tampering in request for new trial |work=WCSC-TV |url=https://www.live5news.com/2023/09/05/murdaugh-defense-team-alleges-jury-tampering-request-new-trial/ |access-date=September 5, 2023 |archive-date=August 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240827051929/https://www.live5news.com/2023/09/05/murdaugh-defense-very-optimistic-about-trial-amid-jury-tampering-allegations/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Haylee Barber |first=and Erik Ortiz |date=September 5, 2023 |title=Alex Murdaugh's defense to seek new trial based on claims of jury tampering |work=NBC News |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/alex-murdaughs-defense-seek-new-trial-based-alleged-discovered-evidenc-rcna101619 |access-date=September 5, 2023}} Hill hired lawyers Justin Bamberg and Will Lewis to represent her in the case.{{Cite news |last1=Clifford |first1=Ted |last2=Monk |first2=John |date=September 6, 2023 |title=Becky Hill, accused of tampering with Murdaugh jury, hires 2 high profile lawyers |work=The State |url=https://news.yahoo.com/becky-hill-accused-tampering-murdaugh-212158959.html |access-date=September 6, 2023 |via=Yahoo! News |archive-date=August 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240827051925/https://www.yahoo.com/news/becky-hill-accused-tampering-murdaugh-212158959.html |url-status=live }}

On October 17, Chief Judge H. Bruce Williams of the South Carolina Court of Appeals signed an order granting Murdaugh's motion to suspend his conviction appeal and send the case back to circuit court to consider allegations of jury tampering by Hill. South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson asked SLED to investigate Hill as well.{{Cite news |last=Gallagher |first=Dianne |date=October 17, 2023 |title=Alex Murdaugh murder case headed back to lower court over jury tampering allegations |work=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/17/us/alex-murdaugh-motion-granted-jury-tampering/index.html |access-date=November 1, 2023}} The Murdaugh legal team asked that Judge Clifton Newman be removed from this trial and all Murdaugh trials, stating their belief that he could not be impartial.{{Cite news |last=Phillips |first=Patrick |date=November 1, 2023 |title=Alex Murdaugh's defense wants judge removed from future trials |work=WIS-TV |url=https://www.wistv.com/2023/11/01/alex-murdaughs-defense-wants-judge-removed-future-trials/ |access-date=November 1, 2023}} Newman asked the South Carolina Supreme Court to remove him from the case, and they granted this request, issuing an order stating that former state supreme court justice Jean H. Toal would handle the motion for a new trial and retain responsibility for all future matters regarding this case.{{Cite web |last=Moore |first=Thad |date=2023-12-19 |title=Former SC chief justice Jean Toal to decide if Alex Murdaugh deserves new trial |url=https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/jean-toal-alex-murdaugh-jury-tampering/article_6dac51ec-9eaa-11ee-b6b8-33c1495134ac.html |access-date=2023-12-19 |website=Post and Courier |archive-date=December 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231219215646/https://www.postandcourier.com/murdaugh-updates/jean-toal-alex-murdaugh-jury-tampering/article_6dac51ec-9eaa-11ee-b6b8-33c1495134ac.html |url-status=live }} On January 29, 2024, Toal denied Murdaugh's motion for a new trial.{{Cite web |first=Elise |last=Hammond |date=2024-01-29 |title=Judge denies Murdaugh's request for a new trial |url=https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/alex-murdaugh-trial-01-29-24/h_122a9572e85d46b0cfdce034581dc82e |access-date=2024-01-30 |website=CNN |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129222053/https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/alex-murdaugh-trial-01-29-24/h_122a9572e85d46b0cfdce034581dc82e |url-status=live }} At a press conference held on March 25, 2024, Hill, standing with her attorney Justin Bamberg, submitted her resignation from the post of Colleton County Clerk of Court to Governor Henry McMaster.{{Cite news |last=Jacquot |first=Bryce |date=March 25, 2024 |title=Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill announces resignation |url=https://abcnews4.com/news/local/colleton-county-clerk-of-court-becky-hill-to-make-announcement-monday-wciv-abc-news-4-alex-murdaugh-justin-bamberg |access-date=March 25, 2024 |work=WCIV-TV |archive-date=March 25, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240325140810/https://abcnews4.com/news/local/colleton-county-clerk-of-court-becky-hill-to-make-announcement-monday-wciv-abc-news-4-alex-murdaugh-justin-bamberg |url-status=live }}

After the lower court's decision in January, Murdaugh's lawyers appealed to the state Supreme Court. On August 13, 2024, the Supreme Court agreed to review the lower court's decision.{{efn-ua|For non-death penalty murder convictions, first appeals are typically brought to the Court of Appeals first. However, Murdaugh's legal team received permission to appeal directly to the state Supreme Court.}} On December 10, 2024, Murdaugh's attorneys filed a 132-page appeal with the South Carolina Supreme Court outlining their arguments for a retrial.{{cite web |last1=Monk |first1=John|first2=Ted |last2=Clifford |title=Convicted SC killer Alex Murdaugh files appeal of double murder conviction |work=The State |date=December 13, 2024 |access-date=2025-01-21|url=https://www.thestate.com/news/local/crime/article296802994.html}} By statute, the state had 30 days to respond to the appeal. The state was initially granted a 90-day extension, with an April 10, 2025 deadline to respond.{{cite news|accessdate=May 5, 2025| url=https://spectrumlocalnews.com/sc/south-carolina/news/2025/04/14/s-c--supreme-court-grants-prosecutors-extension-in-murdaugh-appeal-- |title=SC Supreme Court grants prosecutors extension in Murdaugh appeal |first=Elizabeth |last=Martinez |date=April 14, 2025|work=Spectrum News}} On April 3, the state requested another extension, asserting that due to their workload, they needed additional time to prepare their response brief, and review the "almost-6000-page long trial transcript" and other related documents. While Murdaugh's team objected, the court granted a 120-day extension.

On May 14, 2025, clerk Becky Hill was charged with three felonies including misconduct and perjury, based on an independent investigation by SLED.{{Cite news |last=Hassan |first=Adeel |date=2025-05-14 |title=Clerk in Murdaugh Trial Is Charged With Misconduct and Perjury |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/14/us/becky-hill-alex-murdaugh-clerk-felony-charges.html |access-date=2025-05-15 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}}{{cite web |last=Deliso |first=Meredith |title=Ex-court clerk in Alex Murdaugh double murder trial charged with misconduct, obstruction |work=ABC News |date=May 14, 2025 |access-date=2025-06-23 |url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/alex-murdaugh-court-clerk-murder-trial-charged-becky-hill/story?id=121809517 }}

Notes

Media portrayals

News media called it South Carolina's "trial of the century"{{Cite web |last=Sharp |first=Rachel |date=January 26, 2023 |title=Murders, fraud, and a hitman plot: Alex Murdaugh's spectacular fall from grace |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/alex-murdaugh-story-murder-trial-b2269235.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129210921/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/alex-murdaugh-story-murder-trial-b2269235.html |archive-date=January 29, 2023 |access-date=January 29, 2023 |website=The Independent}}{{Cite web |last=Buck |first=Kennedy |date=January 22, 2023 |title=Jury selection begins Monday for trial of the century: the Murdaugh murders |url=https://abcnews4.com/news/local/jury-selection-begins-monday-for-trial-of-the-century-the-murdaugh-murder-trial-wciv |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230129210933/https://abcnews4.com/news/local/jury-selection-begins-monday-for-trial-of-the-century-the-murdaugh-murder-trial-wciv |archive-date=January 29, 2023 |access-date=January 29, 2023 |publisher=WCIV}} and "arguably one of the most high-profile and sensational cases in South Carolina legal history".{{Cite web |last=DeWitt |first=Michael M. Jr. |date=September 13, 2022 |title=Art imitates life in Alex Murdaugh's Hampton County with murder-themed masquerade ball |url=https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/local/south-carolina/2022/09/13/alex-murdaugh-case-inspiration-murder-themed-masquerade-ball-hampton-county-sc/8038592001/ |access-date=February 25, 2023 |website=The Greenville News}}

There have been TV episodes, podcasts, and documentaries about the case.{{Cite web |last=Caine |first=Brooke |date=January 24, 2023 |title=The Murdaugh family murders: A list of documentaries and podcasts on the SC cas |url=https://www.newsobserver.com/entertainment/tv-movies/warm-tv-blog/article263464828.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023132555/https://www.newsobserver.com/entertainment/tv-movies/warm-tv-blog/article263464828.html |archive-date=October 23, 2022 |access-date=February 16, 2023 |website=News Observer}} Some notable examples:

Murdaugh Murders Podcast (2021; Liz Farrell and Mandy Matney){{Cite web |last=Lawrence |first=Andrew |date=December 16, 2021 |title=The lawyer who tried faking his death, and the writer exposing his crime dynasty |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/16/mandy-matney-alex-murdaugh-writer-crime-story |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216100927/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/dec/16/mandy-matney-alex-murdaugh-writer-crime-story |archive-date=December 16, 2021 |access-date=February 16, 2023 |website=The Guardian}}{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/03/03/alex-murdaugh-murder-netflix-podcasts-guilty/ |title=Netflix, HBO and podcasts made the public case against Alex Murdaugh |newspaper=The Washington Post |first=Timothy |last=Bella |date=March 3, 2023 |quote=Among those influential media spaces is the “Murdaugh Murders,” the popular podcast hosted by reporters Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell that helped introduce audiences to the South Carolina legal dynasty and its alleged crimes for the first time. At nearly 100 episodes, the podcast has 28,000 reviews and ranked first globally in 2021, according to Apple Podcasts |access-date=February 1, 2024 |archive-date=August 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240827051936/https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2023/03/03/alex-murdaugh-murder-netflix-podcasts-guilty/ |url-status=live }}
Low Country: The Murdaugh Dynasty (2022; Campfire Studios / HBO Max){{Cite web |last=White |first=Peter |date=September 8, 2021 |title=Murdaugh Family Murders Explored In Campfire-Produced Doc Series In The Works At HBO Max |url=https://deadline.com/2021/09/murdaugh-family-murders-campfire-doc-series-hbo-max-1234829180/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908222204/https://deadline.com/2021/09/murdaugh-family-murders-campfire-doc-series-hbo-max-1234829180/ |archive-date=September 8, 2021 |access-date=September 9, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}
Murdaugh Murders: Deadly Dynasty (2022; Investigation Discovery)
Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal (2023; Netflix){{Cite web |last=Salazar |first=Savannah |date=January 31, 2023 |title=New on Netflix: February 2023 |url=https://www.vulture.com/article/new-on-netflix-movies-shows-originals.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113185648/https://www.vulture.com/article/new-on-netflix-movies-shows-originals.html |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |access-date=February 23, 2023 |website=Vulture}}
Murdaugh Murders: The Movie (2023, Lifetime){{Cite news |last=Eley |first=Amy |date=September 6, 2023 |title=See Bill Pullman's transformation into Alex Murdaugh for new Lifetime movie |work=The Today Show |url=https://www.today.com/popculture/movies/alex-murdaugh-lifetime-movie-bill-pullman-rcna103788 |access-date=September 6, 2023 |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907000312/https://www.today.com/popculture/movies/alex-murdaugh-lifetime-movie-bill-pullman-rcna103788 |url-status=live }}
The Murder at Moselle (2024, Storm of Suspicion, season 5, episode 6) - this was the second of a two-part story; the first part, Fatal Fog (s5, e5), told the story of the death of Mallory Beach and Paul Murdaugh's involvement in it.