Alex Murdaugh’s life behind bars: How he is spending it

Disgraced former South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh has scored a legal win with the South Carolina Supreme Court agreeing to hear his appeal for a new murder trial, potentially overturning his double life sentence for fatally shooting his wife and son. Despite spending eight hours a day out of his cell playing chess and working as a wardkeeper’s assistant in a state prison protective unit, he is “totally locked in his cell” the rest of the time. Allegations surfaced that Murdaugh is “living it up” in prison, running a gambling ring and adapting well to life behind bars, which both his lawyer and the South Carolina Department of Corrections have denied. Murdaugh is in protective custody in a maximum-security prison, interacting only with those in his unit, and has not faced disciplinary sanctions since last August. While there are claims of illicit activities, the reality of prison life may make such activities possible, but his lawyer remains focused on their appellant cases. The Supreme Court hearing could overturn a judge’s decision denying Murdaugh a re-trial based on allegations that a court clerk tampered with the jury that convicted him. The defense argues that the clerk’s actions prejudiced the jury, potentially leading to a different verdict. Former Chief Justice Jean Toal’s ruling claimed the jury was not compromised, but the upcoming Supreme Court hearing will give Murdaugh’s legal team the opportunity to make their case for a new trial.

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