A disgraced former attorney, awaiting a new trial in the murders of his wife and son, is facing another significant financial challenge.
According to newly published records, Alex Murdaugh owes over $1.6 million in unpaid South Carolina taxes, penalties, and interest.
The South Carolina Department of Revenue listed Murdaugh's debt as the fourth-largest attributed to an individual on the state's current list, totaling $1,630,201.02.
Before being listed, revenue officials said they repeatedly attempted to resolve the debt through letters, phone calls, or personal contact.
A state tax lien has been filed against Murdaugh, making each debt a matter of public record.
The agency publishes the names and outstanding balances of delinquent taxpayers as part of an effort to promote transparency, fairness, and compliance.
Murdaugh's attorneys are currently preparing to defend him in a second murder trial, after the state's Supreme Court reversed his previous convictions and remanded the case for new proceedings.
Murdaugh was convicted in March 2023 of gunning down his wife and son, Maggie and Paul, with prosecutors arguing that he killed them to gain sympathy and distract from financial crimes.
The case has been marred by controversy, including allegations that court clerk Rebecca Hill made improper comments to jurors during the trial.
Murdaugh's defense argued that Hill tampered with the jury to secure a guilty verdict and boost publicity for a book, but the court found that Hill was drawn by the "siren call of celebrity" and allowed public attention to overcome her duty.
His attorneys have already previewed some of the issues they want to raise before any retrial, including a motion to test unknown male DNA reportedly found under Maggie's fingernails.
