In a sentencing hearing in Beaufort County Court, the financial victims of Alex Murdaugh, the disgraced former South Carolina lawyer convicted of murder, had the opportunity to confront him for his years-long scheme that left them devastated. Murdaugh, who was already serving two consecutive life sentences for the murder of his wife and son, was sentenced to 27 years in prison for stealing millions from his clients, law firm, and others close to him.

Before the sentencing, Murdaugh delivered a rambling speech in which he denied murdering his wife and son, apologized to his financial victims and his family, cautioned about the perils of drug addiction, and critiqued the online treatment of those closest to him. Clad in an orange prison jumpsuit, a tearful Murdaugh expressed how bothered he was by the things he had done and stood next to the defense table.

However, the apology tour had no impact on Judge Clifton Newman, who presided over the murder trial. The judge compared Murdaugh to another man he had sentenced for killing and setting someone on fire, describing Murdaugh as "empty." Newman expressed his hope for something to emerge in Murdaugh's spirit and soul but ultimately stated, "I will turn the page and leave you behind."

Murdaugh, 55, pleaded guilty earlier in the month to 22 charges, including money laundering, criminal conspiracy, and fraud, resolving 101 state counts against him. The plea agreement was negotiated just days before he was set to stand trial on allegations that he stole $4.3 million in insurance money intended for the family of his late housekeeper, Gloria Satterfield.

Prior to Murdaugh's apology tour, several victims and their attorneys read victim impact statements, condemning him for his betrayal and the lasting damage he caused. Eric Bland, who represents the Satterfield family and other victims, referred to Murdaugh as "the unicorn of all thefts" and stated that he had tarnished the legal profession and the state. Tony Satterfield, one of Gloria Satterfield's sons, expressed forgiveness and stated that he would pray for Murdaugh every day.

Jordan Jinks, a former longtime friend of Murdaugh who was swindled out of a settlement, questioned what kind of animal Murdaugh was, expressing his deep sense of betrayal. Murdaugh began his tearful speech by acknowledging each victim who spoke and admitted to doing terrible things while hiding from reality.

Apart from addressing the victims, Murdaugh also spoke to his family, including his only surviving son, Buster, apologizing for letting them down and causing trouble for the people he loves. He also mentioned his decades-long addiction to opioids and urged those struggling with drugs to seek help, expressing gratitude to the rehab centers that assisted him.

During the hearing, prosecutor Creighton Waters outlined Murdaugh's crooked schemes, which began in 2008 when he ran into financial trouble. Murdaugh stole settlements from his personal injury clients at his family's law firm and others close to him, including his own brother. Waters described the fear and influence that the Murdaugh family wielded in the Hampton area, causing victims to remain silent until 2021.

Waters stated that Murdaugh used the stolen funds to finance his lavish lifestyle and decades-long opioid addiction. He emphasized the unprecedented scale of the crimes and the need for singular accountability. The prosecutor also detailed Murdaugh's scheme involving the Satterfield family, claiming that he urged her two sons to file a claim against him to collect his homeowner's insurance policy, which he then diverted for his own financial gain.

While Murdaugh admitted to stealing millions for over a decade, he continues to insist that he is not a murderer and did not receive a fair trial. His legal team has requested a new trial on the murder charges, alleging jury tampering by the Colleton County Clerk of Court, Rebecca Hill. Hill denies the allegations, and prosecutors question the defense's findings.

Murdaugh's sentencing marks another chapter in the fall of a once-prominent legal family in the Lowcountry. With the plea agreement, Murdaugh is expected to remain in state prison for the remainder of his life. However, he is still awaiting sentencing on federal financial charges and faces separate state charges.

Throughout the hearing, victims had the opportunity to confront Murdaugh directly, expressing their anger, betrayal, and forgiveness. It was a moment they had been waiting for, as they watched Murdaugh's public image shift from a grieving man to a convicted killer. Now, they have had the chance to have their voices heard and bring some closure to the devastation caused by Murdaugh's actions.