By Sam Chapman, News Reporter
South Carolina disbarred attorney, father and husband Alex Murdaugh has been found guilty on all charges, including the murder of his own wife and son.
The highly publicized 28-day trial of Murdaugh, 54, has come to an end. A lawyer with four generations of influence in the courtroom, Murdaugh has been convicted of killing his wife and son on June 7, 2021. His older son, Buster, could be seen with his hand over his mouth in the courtroom that was seen across the country.
The prosecution argued that Murdaugh killed his wife and son in unsuccessful attempts to conceal his embezzlement of millions of dollars from colleagues and clients. He also admitted to the web of lies told to his clientele and law partners that aided his systematic theft.
It was later discovered that Murdaugh also lied about his location prior to the murders.
His motive is described as an attempt “to gain pity and distract from financial crimes threatening to topple his reputation” (NBC News).
The disgraced attorney remained stoic as each juror stood by their unanimous guilty verdict. The unanimous verdict was even reached following the jury being pulled, with each juror being asked privately if they still felt as though Murdaugh was in fact guilty. Each answered yes.
Murdaugh was additionally found guilty of two counts of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime, which will result in five more years on his sentence.
Defense lawyers attempted to motion for a mistrial, which was swiftly denied by the judge, who added that the evidence was “overwhelming.”
Murdaugh’s sentencing will take place on Friday morning, where he faces 30 years to life in prison without parole.