Alex Murdaugh, the former South Carolina attorney who is already serving two life sentences for the murders of his wife and son, has been sentenced to an additional 27 years in prison. This comes after Murdaugh pleaded guilty to nearly two dozen state financial crimes, including money laundering, breach of trust, conspiracy, forgery, and tax evasion.

The prosecutor, Creighton Waters, stated that this sentence ensures that Murdaugh will remain in state prison for a long time. The 27-year sentence is separate from the two life sentences without parole that he is already serving. As part of the plea deal, Murdaugh must serve at least 85% of the sentence, which amounts to almost 23 years.

The sentencing sends a strong message to not only attorneys but also to anyone who wants to victimize vulnerable individuals. Many people had placed their trust in Murdaugh, and he took advantage of this trust to carry out his schemes and steal money from them.

One victim, Tony Satterfield, whose mother died after a fall at the Murdaugh family’s home, expressed forgiveness towards Murdaugh but emphasized the pain he caused. Another victim, Jordan Jinks, a childhood friend of Murdaugh, recounted the memories they shared and how Murdaugh had defrauded him after a car accident.

During his court statement, Murdaugh apologized to his victims and expressed remorse for his actions. He also denied killing his wife and son, professing his love for them. However, the judge described Murdaugh as “empty,” questioning whether he truly understood himself.

While Murdaugh has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to his financial crimes, he has not yet been sentenced for those charges. Additionally, he is in the process of appealing his murder convictions. However, the appeal is on hold as his defense team pursues a motion for a new trial based on allegations of jury tampering.

Despite the ongoing legal proceedings, this sentencing ensures that Murdaugh will likely remain in state prison for the rest of his life. His attorneys are now focusing on obtaining a new trial for the murder charges. If he completes the 27-year sentence, he could potentially be released from prison at the age of 75 and a half.

The sentencing of Alex Murdaugh serves as a reminder of the consequences faced by those who exploit the trust of others for personal gain. It also sends a message that justice will be served, even in complicated legal cases.