“In the murder of your wife Maggie Murdaugh, I sentence you for a term for the rest of your natural life,” Newman said. “For the murder of Paul Murdaugh, who you probably loved so much, I sentence you to prison for murdering him, for the rest of your natural life.”
Life sentences end legal dynasty
The sentencing hearing started with lead prosecutor Creighton Waters asking the judge to impose the maximum sentence on Murdaugh: two consecutive life sentences.
“The depravity, the callousness, the selfishness of these crimes are stunning,” Waters said. “A man like that, this man should never be allowed to be among free law-abiding citizens again.”
Waters said in his closing argument Wednesday the state’s circumstantial evidence showed Murdaugh had the means, motive and opportunity to commit the crime. And his lies after the killings confirmed his guilt.
Waters said Murdaugh, a member of a prominent legal dynasty in Hampton County for more than 80 years, killed his family. He committed the murders in a failed attempt to prevent his alleged financial crimes from being exposed. And was trying to protect his family’s legacy and successful law practice.
