Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal is the latest true-crime documentary that has taken over Netflix and has got absolutely everyone talking.
Directed by Jenner Furst and Julia Willoughby Nason, the three-part series, which dropped on the streaming service on 22 February, takes an in-depth look at how an unimaginable tragedy exposed the darkest secrets of one of South Carolina's most powerful legal families, which ultimately led to the arrest of Alex Murdaugh for double murder. Earlier, in March 2023, the jury in his case found him guilty of killing his wife and son. He has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
So for all you true crime lovers, if that isn't enough for you to be glued to your television screens, we've got you covered with everything else you need to know about Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal that will shock you to your core.
The Idaho murders, the disappearance of Nicola Bulley – we're hooked on playing armchair detectives to real-life atrocities.
What is the plot of Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal?
Official synopsis via Netflix reads: "The Murdaughs were one of South Carolina's most prominent families, but the death of teenager Mallory Beach in a drunken boating accident began the unravelling of their legacy. When Paul Murdaugh – the alleged driver of the boat – and his mother Maggie are found brutally murdered, a century of corruption, power, and cover-ups in the Low Country is brought to light.
"The series features first-hand accounts from those on the boat that fateful night, many of whom have not spoken about the crash or double homicide of Maggie and Paul until now, including: Paul Murdaugh's longtime girlfriend, Morgan Doughty; Mallory Beach's childhood friends, Miley Altman and Connor Cook; Mallory's boyfriend, Anthony Cook; and several others."
What other real-life details do we need to know about Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal?
Back in June 2021, the husband of Maggie, and father of Paul, Alex Murdaugh, called 911 to reveal that he had found them shot dead outside their home in Islandton, South Carolina. He claimed that following a visit to his mother, he returned home to find Paul and Maggie's bodies in their dog kennels.
Investigation of the case lasted over a year. In the meantime, multiple financial crime charges were brought against Alex, and he also had his law license indefinitely suspended by the South Carolina Supreme Court. It was then, a grand jury indicted Alex on two counts of murder and two counts of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.
What does each episode centre on?
The first episode centres on teenager Mallory Beach, who was killed in a shocking boat crash, that was driven by Alex's son Paul Murdaugh. The second episode features Alex's damage control attempts, as per CBS News, Paul had been charged with "boating under the influence resulting in the death of Mallory Beach and serious bodily injuries to two passengers." (He was shot dead before he could stand trial).
The third episode focuses on the shocking deaths of Maggie and Paul that unearthed horrifying secrets about Alex.
Was justice served?
After a nearly six-week-long trial, Alex was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in March 2023 after being found guilty of murdering his wife and son.
What are viewers saying about the show?
Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal obviously had people talking online, with one person tweeting: "The murdaugh murders on Netflix is a masterclass on intergenerational trauma and the ripple effect of tragedy and destruction it creates," while another added: "Finished the murdaugh murders and my god …… the amount of lives lost because white privilege and power is CRAZY like no one person or family should be above the law in the way that they were." A third said: #MurdaughMurders on Netflix is heartbreaking. Such blatant corruption and disregard for human life with so few answers."
A fourth simply added: "This Murdaugh murders documentary is INSANE."
Can I see a trailer for Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal?
Yes, watch below:
Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal is currently streaming on Netflix.
