A South Carolina jury on Thursday found Alex Murdaugh guilty of killing his wife and son, convicting the once-influential lawyer in a grisly and complex case that has gripped America's attention for nearly two years.
The 12-person jury declared Murdaugh, 54, guilty on two counts of murdering his wife Maggie, 52, and youngest son, Paul, 22, who were executed at close range near the dog kennels on their family estate on the evening of June 7, 2021.
Murdaugh, the scion of an influential legal family in an area west of Charleston, had pleaded not guilty, although he admitted to lying about his alibi and to financial crimes in confessions that dented his credibility with the jury.
With the guilty verdict, he faces a sentence of up to life in prison.
Earlier, his lawyer accused investigators of fabricating evidence and said their theory of why their client killed his wife and son made no sense, seeking to raise doubts with the jury in the high-profile murder trial.
In his closing argument, Jim Griffin said the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division failed to secure the crime scene and examine key evidence that could have exonerated Murdaugh, and instead focused on him because of his mounting drug and financial troubles.
“That made him an easy, easy, easy target for Sled,” Mr Griffin said, arguing that Murdaugh could have been ruled out as a suspect. “Sled failed miserably in investigating this case.”
The case has drawn intense media coverage given the family's immense political power in and around Colleton County, where the trial took place.
For decades until 2006, family members were the leading prosecutors in the area, and Murdaugh was a prominent personal injury lawyer in the state.
Throughout the month-long trial, prosecutors sought to portray him as a serial liar and said only he had the means and the opportunity to commit the murders.
They say he killed his wife and son to distract from financial crimes, including the theft of millions of dollars from his law partners and clients — money used to feed a years-long addiction to opioids and support an expensive lifestyle.
On rebuttal, Assistant Attorney General John Meadors said the prosecution did not need to prove motive but all the evidence pointed at Murdaugh, who cared about himself above everyone else, as the murderer.
“I don't know why he killed his wife and son," Mr Meadors said. "I don't have to say why. I think he did it to protect the one he loved the most, the one he really loved the most, so he could keep his lifestyle and not be embarrassed financially."
Murdaugh's lawyers tried to show their client as a loving family man who, while facing financial difficulties and suffering from an opioid addiction that led him to lie and steal, would never harm his wife and child.
Alternative theories were floated, with Murdaugh saying that he believed someone angry over a deadly 2019 boating accident involving Paul probably sought revenge on his son.
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- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
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The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
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Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
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Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
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Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
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SUNDERLAND 2005-06
Until Derby came along, Sunderland’s total of 15 points was the Premier League’s record low. They made it until May and their final home game before winning at the Stadium of Light while they lost a joint record 29 of their 38 league games.
HUDDERSFIELD 2018-19
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ASTON VILLA 2015-16
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FULHAM 2018-19
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BUNDESLIGA: Tasmania Berlin, 10 points in 1965-66
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Estijaba – 8001717 – number to call to request coronavirus testing
Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111
Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre
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Etihad Airways – 600555666
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