A South Carolina lawyer has been convicted of murdering his wife and son in a case that has captivated the United States. Alex Murdaugh, 54, was found guilty on two counts of murder after a six-week trial, with the jury deliberating for less than three hours.
Murdaugh's wife Maggie, 52, and son Paul, 22, were shot at close range near the dog kennels on their family estate on 7 June 2021. The prosecution argued that Murdaugh killed them to distract from his multi-million dollar financial crimes, including stealing nearly $9m from clients and colleagues.
Murdaugh took the stand in his own defence, claiming he would never harm his family and suggesting someone angry over a 2019 boating accident involving Paul could have been responsible. However, the case hinged on a Snapchat video taken by Paul just before the murders, in which Murdaugh's voice could be heard, contradicting his earlier claims that he was not at the kennels that evening.
Attorney General Alan Wilson stated: "Today's verdict proves that no-one, no matter who you are in society, is above the law." Murdaugh, who admitted to lying about his whereabouts and to financial crimes, showed no emotion as the verdict was read. He was led away in handcuffs to a waiting van.
