Disgraced former attorney Alex Murdaugh, already serving life in prison for the murders of his wife and son, entered a guilty plea to 22 financial crimes in a Beaufort courtroom. The charges, including money laundering and financial fraud, were part of a plea deal that could result in a 27-year sentence if approved. Murdaugh expressed his agreement, citing various reasons during the court proceedings.
Among the victims of his financial crimes was the family of Gloria Satterfield, his longtime housekeeper who died under suspicious circumstances. Attorney Eric Bland, representing the Satterfield family, referred to Murdaugh as a "modern-day monster" and labeled him as the devil.
Initially known as a well-respected attorney in South Carolina, Murdaugh gained national attention when he discovered his wife and youngest son shot to death on their hunting lodge grounds in June 2021. In a twist of events, he was later indicted for their murders in July 2022. The murder trial, which commenced on January 23, 2023, revealed shocking details, including a cell phone video taken by his son Paul on the night of the murders. Despite Murdaugh's attempts to mislead, he was found guilty and sentenced to life without parole in March.
The guilty plea for financial crimes will be followed by sentencing on November 28. Lead prosecutor Creighton Waters emphasized accountability during a news conference, stating that despite Murdaugh's last attempt to avoid responsibility, the jury saw through it and rightly convicted him for the cold-blooded murders. Victims of the financial crimes will have an opportunity to address Murdaugh during the sentencing, providing closure and expressing the impact of his manipulations on their lives.
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