Alex Murdaugh moved to max-security prison, given protective custody classification

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) — Disgraced ex-lawyer Alex Murdaugh, who was found guilty in early March of killing his wife and son, has been moved to a max-security prison within the state, according to the state Department of Corrections on Friday.

Officials say Murdaugh was moved from Kirkland Correctional Institute in Columbia to the undisclosed maximum-security prison after processing and intake were completed earlier this week.

According to a statement, the Department's Protective Custody Review Board met Thursday to give Murdaugh statewide protective custody. As part of this classification, he will be moved to a Restrictive Housing Unit away from the general population at the prison.

The unit Murdaugh will reside in has 28 other inmates currently, according to officials.He will be in a single, 8-by-10 cell that contains a bed, toilet and sink. He will receive the same privileges as other inmates, but in a more isolated area, according to officials.

Murdaugh was found guilty in early March for the 2021 killings of his wife Maggie and son Paul following a six-week trial. Murdaugh was given two life sentences for the crimes.

RELATED |Alex Murdaugh sentenced to life in prison for murders of wife, son