Alex Murdaugh, who was convicted of murdering his son Paul, 22, and wife Margaret, 52, is told he will serve consecutive whole-life sentences.
Friday 3 March 2023 16:53, UK
We're finishing up our coverage of this story now, after prominent lawyer Alex Murdaugh was sentenced to life in prison for murdering his wife and son.
Murdaugh continued to claim he is "innocent" during proceedings, while Judge Clifton Newman said this was the "most troubling" case of his career.
Alex Murdaugh twice declared his innocence this afternoon after being convicted of murdering his wife and son yesterday.
Judge Clifton Newman handed him two life sentences without parole.
He said Murdaugh will therefore spend the rest of his natural life in prison.
Murdaugh has exited the court room and the sentencing has finished, but the words of one exchange will likely stay with all those who sat in it.
During sentencing, Judge Clifton Newman said: "I know you have to see Paul and Maggie during the night-time, when you're attempting to go to sleep. I'm sure they come and visit you."
Murdaugh replied: "All day and every night."
The judge said: "I'm sure and they will continue to do so. And reflect on the last time they looked you in the eyes."
Judge Clifton Newman says the jurors in the case have undergone a "life-changing experience" and he encourages them to "un-mask" themselves to the media if they so wish, but says it is their right to remain anonymous.
The judge bangs the gavel and adjourns the court.
Alex Murdaugh has been sentenced to two life sentences without parole for the murders of his son Paul and wife Margaret.
This is the maximum term, but it is worth noting again that the prosecution did not pursue the death penalty in this case.
These sentences will run consecutively, Judge Clifton Newman says.
Murdaugh had little obvious reaction as he effectively learned he would almost certainly spend the rest of his life behind bars, giving a barely discernable nod of acceptance.
The judge tells Murdaugh: "You have turned from lawyer to witness, and now have an opportunity to make your final appeal as an ex-lawyer".
Murdaugh repeats he "would never under any circumstances" hurt his wife and son.
The judge says "it might not have been you, it might be the monster you become when you take... opioids".
Judge Clifton Newman is now addressing Alex Murdaugh in court.
"This has been perhaps one of the most troubling cases for me as a judge, for the state and the defence team, but for all of the citizens in this community and in this state," he says.
Judge Newman notes that Murdaugh's grandfather's portrait had hung at the back of the courthouse - which was removed.
He also mentions the 99 other charges against Murdaugh.
"It is particularly troubling because as a well-known member of the legal community you have practiced law before me," Judge Newman says.
He adds it was "heart-breaking" for him to see Murdaugh change from a grieving father to the person convicted of killing his son.
"You have no obligation to say anything other than saying not guilty," he adds, saying that appeals are "absolutely expected".
"I would not expect a confession of any kind," Judge Newman says.
However, he says he doesn't question the decision not to pursue the death penalty.
Murdaugh is asked by the judge what he meant when he chose to use an expression on the witness stand about the "tangled web we weave", a quote from early nineteenth century Scottish author Sir Walter Scott.
"When I lied, I continued to lie," Murdaugh responds.
Judge Newman then asks him: "When will it end? The jury concluded that you lied and lied and continued to lie throughout your testimony."
"I am innocent. I would never hurt my wife Maggie and I would never hurt my son," says Alex Murdaugh, addressing the court.
The convicted double-murderer speaks to the judge with his hands cuffed in front of him, flanked by security and his lawyer Dick Harpootlian.
Wearing khaki trousers and shirt, with black glasses slipped into his front pocket, he nods as he finishes speaking.
"Thank you," he says to Judge Clifton Newman, before asking Mr Harpootlian if he should sit down.
The judge asks if there is anything the defendant would like to add, but Mr Harpootlian says "no further comment is necessary".
Judge Clifton Newman asks Murdaugh to stand before the court for sentencing.
Lawyers for the prosecution are now addressing the court, describing Alex Murdaugh as a "cunning manipulator" - a man who "placed himself above all others, including his family".
"This family has suffered and they have had to suffer in the public eye," Creighton Waters says.
"The reality remains that despite all this attention, this case is about Maggie Murdaugh and Paul Murdaugh."
He goes on to describe Paul as a "fun-loving" person.
Mr Waters says both Margaret and Paul did not know "who this man really was".
He describes this as "chilling".
"I could see the real Alex Murdaugh when he looked at me," Mr Waters says.
He goes on to condemn the "effortlessness" in which Mr Murdaugh "lies".
"A man like this should never be allowed to be among law-abiding citizens again."
He says the maximum is necessary - two consecutive life sentences.
The sentencing of Alex Murdaugh is now under way at Colleton County Courthouse in South Carolina.
Shortly, Judge Clifton Newman will hand down a sentence for two murders - that of his wife, Margaret, and his son, Paul.
We'll have all the latest from the courtroom - or you can watch live in the stream above.
