Disgraced South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh arrived at court Friday morning in a prison uniform less than 24 hours after a jury found him guilty of killing his wife and son. Prosecutors sought two consecutive life sentences in lieu of the death penalty.
Judge Clifton Newman sentenced Murdaugh to life in prison.
Murdaugh maintained his innocence during the proceeding, even after the judge gave him the opportunity to speak.
"Good morning, your honor. I am innocent," Murdaugh said, addressing the court. "I would never hurt my wife Maggie, and I would never hurt my son, Paw-Paw."
According to NPR, the judge told prosecutors that he understood their decision not to seek the death penalty for Murdaugh but noted that the crime did meet the standard for it. He also noted that Murdaugh himself has prosecuted others and sought the death penalty, many times succeeding.
"As I sit here in this courtroom and look around the many portraits of judges and other court officials, and reflect on the fact that over the past century, your family, including you, have been prosecuting people here in this courtroom," Newman said, "many have received the death penalty — probably for lesser conduct."
When prompted by the judge again to explain himself to the court and give closure to himself and his family, Murdaugh was not interested.
"I respect this court, but I'm innocent," he replied.
