Alex Murdaugh is serving two life sentences in protective custody at a South Carolina maximum security prison, but he wants to be released despite threats from other convicts.
That’s according to his lawyer, Jim Griffin, who talked exclusively to NewsNation about Murdaugh’s life behind bars on Wednesday. He was found guilty six weeks ago of murdering his wife and son in June 2021.
“He believes he can contribute to the general population.” To be honest, he’d rather take his chances in the yard than waste away in jail,” Griffin stated on “CUOMO.” “He wants to help; there are many things he can do for the general population.” He can help with certain programs.”
Murdaugh is being held in McCormick Correctional Institution, which is located on the South Carolina-Georgia border. According to prisonpro.com, the jail has both a general population wing and a “special management” wing for offenders who may be under protective custody.
While Murdaugh has not received any direct threats, Griffin claims that jail personnel has informed him of threats made against him. He endured similar threats while awaiting trial in county prison, which Griffin claimed he was able to “navigate.”
“Whenever you’re in jail with a name like his, you’re going to be questioned… “But he overcame and developed relationships and was productive in the county jail,” Griffin added.
Murdaugh, a once-famous lawyer, was suspected of murdering his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, to divert attention away from the imminent accusations that he stole millions of dollars from his legal clients.
Murdaugh shed tears on the stand and referred to his wife and kid by their nicknames, “Mags” and “PawPaw.” The jury returned a guilty judgment in under three hours.
Murdaugh’s lawyers are appealing his conviction and have requested the court to release monies from an escrow account to cover part of his legal bills, according to WJCL-TV.
The funds were previously held by the court as part of a wrongful death settlement reached between Murdaugh and Mallory Beach, who died in a boating accident in 2019. Paul Murdaugh was in the boat when it capsized.
Along with the 90 letters of support that Murdaugh has received in jail, Griffin added that individuals have volunteered to assist pay his appeal.
“It’s just been an outpouring of support for him, and it does hearten him, and he’s grateful,” Griffin said. “He is not someone who has lost hope.” He has optimism for the future; he believes he will be able to go one day.”
Griffin said Buster Murdaugh, Murdaugh’s sole surviving son, has had his life “turned upside down” and that he wants to go ahead. Griffin noted that Buster and his father had avoided phone communication since such conversations would be vulnerable to public records demands. Instead, they converse through letters.
“He’s trying to protect Buster; he’s trying to keep his family from further exposure and attention,” Griffin said. “Buster will be able to see him shortly… but that has yet to be arranged.”
