Prominent Lawyer Alex Murdaugh Hours Away from Sentencing for Double Homicide

乍看上去

• Alex Murdaugh is being sentenced for the double homicide of his spouse and child
• At trial, Murdaugh acknowledged providing false information to law enforcement
• Mobile phone and GPS data from the night of the murders was presented in court
• Prosecutors presented evidence of Murdaugh’s alleged financial misconduct
• Murdaugh requested that his wife return to Moselle on the night of the murders

细节

Prominent lawyer Alex Murdaugh is hours away from being sentenced for the double homicide of his spouse and child, Maggie and Paul, which occurred at the dog kennels on the family’s expansive hunting estate, known as Moselle, on 7 June 2021.

False Information to Law Enforcement

At trial, Mr Murdaugh acknowledged providing false information to law enforcement regarding his location on the night of the murders. He stated that his long-term use of painkillers had caused him to be in a state of paranoia.

Mobile Phone and GPS Data

Mobile phone and GPS data from the night of the murders was presented in court, indicating a period of increased activity, including 283 steps taken in four minutes, and multiple calls to family and friends – including his wife – and a drive to visit his mother, who resided approximately 15 minutes away.

Financial Misconduct

Judge Clifton Newman ruled that prosecutors could present evidence of Mr Murdaugh’s alleged financial misconduct. Investigators reported that Mr Murdaugh had taken millions of dollars from clients and colleagues, including $3.7m (£3m) in 2019. At trial, Mr Murdaugh confessed to extensive theft.

Several witnesses provided testimony that on the night of the murders, Alex Murdaugh requested that Maggie, who had been at the family’s other residence in Edisto Beach, return to Moselle. Prosecutors used the testimony to suggest that Mr Murdaugh was attempting to bring Maggie back to Moselle, where the murders occurred.

The Murdaughs had two custom Blackout rifles, which were given to Paul and his brother Buster as a Christmas present. Paul’s rifle was reportedly stolen in 2017 and a replacement was purchased, but it was never located.

Judge Clifton Newman informed the court on Thursday that Mr Murdaugh has the legal right to the presumption of innocence until the jury reaches a decision. The jury is anticipated to deliver a verdict in the near future, and Mr Murdaugh will be given a sentence based on the outcome.