Guilty Alex Murdaugh at his sentencing hearing after being convicted of murdering his wife and youngest son, March 3, 2023. (more) Alex Murdaugh His dramatic downfall—from the scion of a legal dynasty to convicted murderer and embezzler—made headlines in the U.S. Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alex-Murdaugh Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Also known as: Richard Alexander Murdaugh Written by Written by Nick Tabor Nick Tabor is a freelance journalist and the author of Africatown: America's Last Slave Ship and the Community It Created. Nick Tabor Fact-checked by Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Oct. 7, 2025 •Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Alex Murdaugh (born May 27, 1968, South Carolina, U.S.) is a former lawyer from one of South Carolina’s most powerful families. In 2021 his wife, Margaret (“Maggie”) Murdaugh, and youngest son, Paul Murdaugh, were murdered on the family’s estate. Alex Murdaugh was later charged with their deaths, and in 2023 he was convicted of murder, receiving two life sentences. Later that year he also pleaded guilty to cheating clients and his firm out of millions...

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