Alex Murdaughwas sentenced Friday morning to two life sentences in prison, and the sentences will run consecutively.
The sentencing came the day after Murdaugh, 54, wasfound guiltyof themurdersof his wife,Maggie, 52, and son,Paul, 22.
Prior to the sentencing, Murdaugh addressed Judge Clifton Newman, saying, “I’m innocent. I would never hurt my wife Maggie. And I would never hurt my son ‘Paul Paul.'”
Before Murdaugh spoke, prosecutor Creighton Waters asked for two consecutive life sentences, calling Murdaugh a “cunning manipulator. A man who placed himself above all others, including his family.”
Alex Murdaugh.Andrew J. Whitaker/The Post And Courier via AP
Just before sentencing Murdaugh, Newman addressed him at length, saying, “I know you have to see Paul and Maggie during the nighttime when you’re attempting to go to sleep. I’m sure they come and visit you.”
After Murdaugh claimed he was innocent for the second time in the morning, Newman said, “It might not have been you. It might have been the monster you become. When you take 20, 40, 50, 60 opioid pills, maybe you become another person.”
Paul was shot in the chest and head with a shotgun at close range. Maggie was shot multiple times, including one shot in the back and additional shots while she was lying on the ground. She had been shot with 300 Blackout ammo from an AR-style rifle. Both of them were pronounced dead at the scene.
- For more on Alex Murdaugh’s murder trial,subscribe now to PEOPLEor pick up this week’s issue, on newsstands Friday.
Taking the standin his own defense, Murdaugh lateradmitted that he had liedabout his whereabouts, and cited his mistrust of police and paranoia that stemmed from a 20-year opioid addiction.
source: people.com
