US judge sentences Alex Murdaugh to life in prison for murders of wife, son

HOUSTON, United States

Lawyer Alex Murdaugh was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences on Friday for the murders of his wife and youngest son in the US state of South Carolina.

"The depravity, the callousness, the selfishness of these crimes are stunning," said prosecutor Creighton Waters. "A man like this man should never be allowed to be among free, law-abiding citizens again."

Waters added that Murdaugh, 54, continued to lie and showed no remorse, which was evident in his statement to the judge.

"I am innocent," Murdaugh said. "I would never hurt my wife Maggie, and I would never hurt my son, Paw-Paw."

Judge Clifton Newman then told Murdaugh that the consecutive life sentences would apply to "the rest of your natural life."

Murdaugh was convicted by a 12-member jury less than 24-hours prior to his sentencing for the deadly June 2021 shootings of his wife, Margaret, 52, and son, Paul, 22.

Investigators said Murdaugh shot his wife to death with an AR-style rifle and killed his son with a shotgun.

Prosecutors said Murdaugh carried out the brutal murders to distract from financial crimes that were threatening to ruin his career.

When the judge urged Murdaugh to confess to his crimes during sentencing to give an opportunity to bring closure for his family, he remained defiant.

"I respect this court, but I'm innocent," Murdaugh replied.