Day 27 - March 3, 2023
The court imposed consecutive natural-life sentences for the murders after Murdaugh maintained his innocence and the judge questioned him about his changing account. Juror privacy and reported courtroom-source photograph postings were also addressed.
Full day summary
30:331. Sentence of the Court
Murdaugh maintained his innocence before the court imposed consecutive natural-life sentences for both murders and addressed juror privacy and reported courtroom-source postings of photographs.
Highlights
Sentence of the Courtprocedural actionThe State requested two consecutive life sentences. Waters said the defendant had no prior record and reported that family members had been offered, but declined, an opportunity to speak.Sentence of the CourtotherThe defense offered no sentencing argument, and Murdaugh addressed the court to maintain that he was innocent and would never hurt Maggie or Paul.Sentence of the Court“I am innocent. I would never hurt my wife, Maggie, and I would never hurt my son, Paul-Paul.”— Alex MurdaughMurdaugh maintained his innocence in his initial statement before sentencing.Sentence of the CourtconfrontationDuring an extended sentencing colloquy, the judge challenged Murdaugh about his changing account and continued denials. Asked what he meant by the tangled-web expression, Murdaugh answered that when he lied, he continued to lie.Sentence of the Court“I meant when I lied, I continued to lie.”— Alex MurdaughMurdaugh restated his description of how an initial lie led to continued lying when questioned by the judge.Sentence of the CourtrulingThe court sentenced Murdaugh to natural life for each murder, ordered the two life sentences to run consecutively, and imposed no sentence on the weapon-possession indictments because life sentences had been imposed on the murder indictments.Sentence of the Court“Those sentences will run consecutively.”— Clifton NewmanThe court specified that the two natural-life sentences would be served consecutively.Sentence of the Courtjury eventThe judge explained that jurors could retain their anonymity or speak publicly and directed them to report any harassment or annoyance to the court.Sentence of the Courtevidence eventThe judge addressed a complaint that autopsy or other photographs had been posted from within the courtroom area. The parties requested an investigation, and the State said law enforcement would review the matter.