Judge Clifton Newman Reflects on Alex Murdaugh’s Unforgivable Crime and the Need for Fair Trials

Judge Clifton Newman, who presided over the trial and sentencing of convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh, spoke out Tuesday about the case at Cleveland State University College of Law.

Murdaugh was convicted of killing his wife and son in Colleton County, South Carolina. The case gained national attention due to Murdaugh’s status as a lawyer accused of stealing over $8 million from clients.

Judge Newman said he had “no doubt” that Murdaugh loved his family despite committing “an unforgivable, unimaginable crime.” He added that he did not anticipate the case to captivate the nation’s attention beyond South Carolina.

“I don’t believe that he hated his wife, and certainly, I do not believe that he did not love his son, but he committed an unforgivable, unimaginable crime, and there’s no way he’ll be able to sleep peacefully given those facts,” Judge Newman said.

The judge also discussed the series of objections he heard during the trial. He said he had to make difficult decisions in order to ensure a fair trial for Murdaugh.

Judge Newman concluded his speech by emphasizing the importance of justice and the need to ensure that all defendants receive a fair trial. He said that he hopes Murdaugh can find peace despite his conviction.