South Carolina court imposes 27-year sentence on convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh for financial misconduct
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA: Alex Murdaugh is set to serve 27 years in state prison after being convicted of financial crimes.
Earlier this month, the court ruled the double-murder convict guilty on 22 counts, including embezzlement, forgery, and tax evasion.
Alex Murdaugh confessed to multiple financial crimes
Alex Murdaugh, the disgraced lawyer, faced sentencing after entering a guilty plea to multiple charges as part of a plea deal at the Beaufort County Courthouse in South Carolina.
State prosecutor Creighton Waters described the plea deal as a "unique and unprecedented sentence" for white-collar crimes, stating that there is no comparable example, either at the state or federal level, throughout the country.
He referred to the ruling on Tuesday, November 28, as a "practical life sentence," clarifying that under the plea agreement, Murdaugh would serve at least 85% of the 22-year sentence.
Judge Clifton Newman expressed disappointment, stating, "It's disheartening to see you again in this setting," referencing the murder trial over which he presided. He added, "There’s no joy at all in imposing this sentence."
Newman perceived Murdaugh as being "empty" but expressed hope that "something will emerge within your soul."
"Many of us do things that we shouldn't do," Newman said. "It's just unimaginable -- unimaginable to me that you have done some of the things that you've done."
"Whether it's you or someone you become upon using drugs or through the process of just committing the crimes over and over over a period of years, I don't know. I don't know," he continued.
"I don't even know who I'm speaking to now," he added.
Gloria Satterfield's family supports Alex Muardaugh during sentencing
Gloria Satterfield, who was one of the victims of his financial crimes, was present at the hearing, reports NYP.
Her son, Tony addressed Alex in court, “My heart is with you and my prayers are with you.”
However, the family’s attorney, Eric Bland, said that he feels “good that [Murdaugh] will never breathe a fresh breath of air again.”
Meanwhile, Gloria’s sister Ginger Hadwin questioned the convict: “Do you not have a soul?”
The double-murder convict maintained his innocence during the murder trial. Murdaugh said then, “[I] would never hurt my wife Maggie and I would never hurt my son Paw Paw.”
Despite the sentencing, he is still pursuing a new trial from the State.
During his opportunity to speak in court, Murdaugh said, “Buster, I am so sorry that I let you down. I am so sorry that I have not been able to be with you during such hard times,” addressing his only surviving son, who wasn't present.