In a shocking turn of events, Alex Murdaugh, a former prominent lawyer, has pleaded guilty to numerous financial crimes in state court, adding to his prison sentence for the murder of his wife and son. The guilty plea comes as part of a plea deal, which would result in a 27-year sentence upon approval from Judge Clifton Newman. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for November 28, during which the victims or their families will have an opportunity to speak.

The charges against Murdaugh include money laundering, breach of trust, and financial fraud. The state Attorney General, Alan Wilson, expressed satisfaction with the guilty plea, stating, "This is a win for the victims and for justice in South Carolina. We hope the families he betrayed and stole from feel a little peace that he is going to serve time for those crimes. It doesn't matter your last name, your position, or your connections - no one is above the law in South Carolina."

Alex Murdaugh, a member of a prominent legal family and a former attorney himself, was disbarred last year and ousted from his great-grandfather's firm. Notably, his grandfather's portrait was removed from the courtroom during his murder trial, as ordered by the judge.

Already serving a life sentence without parole for the murder of his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, 52, and their younger son, Paul, 22, in 2021 at the family's estate in Colleton County, Alex Murdaugh's legal troubles have extended beyond the murders. Prior to his death, Paul faced allegations of underage drunken driving and was involved in a fatal 2019 boat crash that took the life of 19-year-old Mallory Beach.

The family has been embroiled in other scandals as well. The mysterious death of their former housekeeper, Gloria Satterfield, in a 2018 fall at Moselle, led to criminal charges against Murdaugh for alleged insurance fraud linked to a wrongful death suit. Additionally, their older son, Buster, has vehemently denied any involvement in the 2015 death of former classmate Stephen Smith, whose body was discovered near Moselle.

Meanwhile, Alex Murdaugh's legal team is seeking a new trial in the murder case, citing allegations of jury tampering by the court clerk. The clerk, however, has denied these accusations.

It should be noted that Murdaugh had already admitted guilt in federal court in September, facing 22 counts of financial fraud and money laundering, including those connected to Gloria Satterfield's death.

As the sentencing hearing approaches, South Carolina awaits the final decision by Judge Clifton Newman, which will determine the extent of justice served in this series of high-profile crimes and scandals surrounding the notorious Murdaugh family.