Notable Lawyer Alex Murdough Shot In The Head On The Side Of The Road, Just Months After Wife And Son Were Killed In South Carolina
Sept. 5 2021, Published 12:12 p.m. ET
Powerful lawyer Alex Murdough was shot in the head while changing his tire on the side of the road by someone inside a passing truck but is reportedly "conscious and talking" after being airlifted to a hospital in Savannah, according to officials.
Alex's attorney Jim Griffin confirmed, "He was shot in the head while he was changing a tire," before adding, "He is conscious and talking, which is a very good sign."
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) spokesperson Tommy Crosby confirmed the 53-year-old lawyer was shot and stated their "agents are actively investigating the incident."
Following the tragedy, the Murdaugh family said they have "suffered through more than any one family can ever imagine." They added in a statement, "We expect Alex to recover and ask for your privacy while he recovers."
According to officials, Alex was on his way to Charleston and had to pull over after his car had some trouble. While changing his tire on the side of Salkehatchie Road, a truck passed him. The truck later reportedly turned around in his direction, and that's when someone from the vehicle had fired a bullet at him.
Authorities from SLED then responded to the scene late Saturday to investigate the report.
This comes just three months after his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and son Paul Murdaugh were found dead with multiple gunshot wounds at the family's hunting lodge in South Carolina, an unsolved crime still under investigation.
In June, the prominent lawyer found his family members' deceased bodies near dog kennels after arriving home around 10 pm before calling 911. In the call, he told authorities, "my wife and child have been shot badly" and repeatedly asked them "to please hurry."
The case had garnered media attention nationwide.
At the time of the incident, his son Paul was preparing for his trial after being linked to Mallory Beach, who had died out of a boat Paul allegedly drove while intoxicated.
The Murdaugh family is also connected to two more deaths, including a suspected hate crime of a gay teen Stephen Smith and a 57-year-old housekeeper, Gloria Satterfield.
A local attorney shared that the family is feared and loved by their community, claiming they have "a lot of influence and power."
Alex is the third generation in his family to be involved in the Hampton County judicial system since 1920.