The Megyn Kelly Show – Episode 974: Alex Murdaugh's Life in Prison and Web of Crimes and Lies

Release Date: December 30, 2024

Hosts: Megyn Kelly and Valerie Borlein

Introduction to the True Crime Christmas Special

In this gripping "True Crime Christmas" special of The Megyn Kelly Show, host Megyn Kelly delves into the intricate and dark saga of Alex Murdaugh, a man whose life spiraled into a web of crimes and deceit. Joining her is Valerie Borlein, journalist and author of The Devil at His Elbow: Alex Murdoch and the Fall of a Southern Dynasty. Together, they explore the depths of the Murdaugh family's legacy, uncovering generations of unethical behavior that culminated in Alex's dramatic downfall.

Alec Murdaugh’s Troubling Lineage

Valerie Borlein opens the discussion by shedding light on the Murdaugh family's storied yet nefarious history.

Valerie Borlein [02:56]: "Every crime that Alec was eventually convicted of had some echo in the past... The history going back to 1920 of this family was far more nefarious than just being respected solicitors."

The Murdaugh legacy extends beyond legal prowess, encompassing a series of illicit activities such as insurance fraud, drug trafficking, and violence against women. This generational pattern set a foundation that heavily influenced Alec's actions.

Megyn Kelly [03:38]: "If you have a family, a father, a grandfather who are committing crimes and teaching you either explicitly or implicitly that that's okay, your odds of becoming a criminal are obviously much higher."

The Tragic Boat Accident and Initial Cover-Ups

A pivotal moment in the Murdaugh saga revolves around the boat accident that killed Alex's son, Paul, and his wife, Maggie.

Valerie Borlein [10:30]: "He [Alec] was confronted over some of that missing money that he had been stealing... And at the same time, his law firm started an investigation into Alec for possible ethical breaches."

The accident not only resulted in the tragic loss of family members but also exposed Alec's longstanding fraudulent activities. Attempts to divert attention from his financial misdeeds mirrored the family’s historical patterns of cover-ups.

Valerie Borlein’s Deep Dive into the Murdoch Archives

Borlein recounts her extensive research, which included sifting through 900 pages of federal trial documents related to Alec's grandfather, Randolph Murdoch Sr.

Valerie Borlein [06:35]: "Old Buster was accused of leading the largest bootlegging ring in the South... He was one of the only people in that entire weeks long federal trial that was acquitted."

This historical context reveals a pattern of corruption and abuse of power within the family, setting the stage for Alec's eventual criminal behavior.

The Trial and Controversial Verdict

The trial of Alec Murdoch was a spectacle, marred by allegations of jury tampering and misconduct by court officials.

Megyn Kelly [32:01]: "The State vs. Richard Alexander Murdoch... Verdict guilty, signed by the four lady."

Valerie discusses the role of Becky Hill, the court clerk, whose interactions with the jurors have come under intense scrutiny.

Valerie Borlein [35:23]: "Becky knew a lot of them personally... The question was, did she talk to them out of school, and did she say things that would prejudice them against Ellic."

These controversies have led Alec to appeal his conviction, arguing that the trial was compromised.

Valerie Borlein [36:44]: "They can argue they were held to a too high a burden of proof to prove jury tampering... hoping that the federal court will apply a different standard."

Financial Misdeeds and Missing Millions

Alec's financial fraud extended beyond personal gain, impacting his law firm and numerous clients.

Valerie Borlein [29:26]: "He was overdrawn... Tens of thousands of dollars multiple times in a year... It's hard to even understand where the money was going."

Despite claims that the money was spent on drugs, Borlein presents evidence that suggests otherwise, including lavish and inexplicable expenditures.

Valerie Borlein [30:25]: "He was spending hundreds of dollars on oil... There is missing money, $6 million still missing."

Aftermath and Current Lives of the Murdoch Family

Following his conviction, Alec faces a life sentence, while his son Buster begins the challenging process of rebuilding.

Valerie Borlein [45:28]: "Alec Murdoch is the type of person who works the system... He has acclimated to prison life."

Buster, grappling with the loss of his family, attempts to forge a new path despite the heavy burden of his last name.

Valerie Borlein [45:28]: "He has a substantial settlement... but it is difficult to see how he does so separate from his family."

Unresolved Mysteries and Continuing Investigations

The story doesn't end with Alec's conviction. Questions linger about other potential crimes and missing persons linked to the Murdochs.

Valerie Borlein [43:12]: "The state grand jury has been still been meeting over this case and trying to figure it... It still haunts Hampton County."

These ongoing investigations ensure that the Murdoch legacy remains a subject of intense scrutiny and speculation.

Closing Reflections

The episode concludes with Valerie Borlein highlighting the enduring impact of the Murdoch case on the community and the broader implications of unchecked power and legacy.

Valerie Borlein [50:28]: "It's incredible to watch that footage... It was a heated moment in the courtroom."

Megyn Kelly expresses gratitude to Valerie for her comprehensive reporting, emphasizing the intricate layers of the Murdaugh family's story.

Megyn Kelly [50:24]: "Great reporting, Valerie... Thank you so much for coming on and telling us the story and the updates."

Conclusion

The Megyn Kelly Show episode on Alex Murdaugh offers an in-depth exploration of a family's descent into criminality, underscored by historical patterns of corruption and abuse of power. Through Valerie Borlein's meticulous research, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the factors that led to Alec's downfall, the controversies surrounding his trial, and the ongoing ramifications for those left in the wake of his actions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Valerie Borlein [02:56]: "Every crime that Alec was eventually convicted of had some echo in the past..."

• Megyn Kelly [03:38]: "If you have a family, a father, a grandfather who are committing crimes and teaching you either explicitly or implicitly that that's okay..."

• Valerie Borlein [06:35]: "Old Buster was accused of leading the largest bootlegging ring in the South..."

• Valerie Borlein [29:26]: "He was overdrawn... Tens of thousands of dollars multiple times in a year..."

• Valerie Borlein [35:23]: "Becky knew a lot of them personally... Did she say things that would prejudice them against Ellic."

• Valerie Borlein [36:44]: "They can argue they were held to a too high a burden of proof to prove jury tampering..."

• Valerie Borlein [43:12]: "The state grand jury has been still been meeting over this case and trying to figure it..."

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