12 July 2023 , 21:22
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For the first time since his double homicide conviction in March, the voice of Alex Murdaugh was heard in a tense phone conversation with his son Buster.
The 54-year-old dialed Buster in May from his maximum security prison in South Carolina, where he was charged and found guilty of the brutal murders of his wife, Maggie, and younger son, Paul, in June 2021.
The two were found shot to death in the kennels of the family's 1,700-acre hunting property, Moselle, which is nestled between Colleton and Hampton Counties.
Prosecutors argued he killed his wife and son to divert attention from his financial crimes and gain sympathy.
Alex was handed two consecutive life sentences, which he is currently serving.
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Alex Murdaugh was convicted of killing his wife Maggie and their son PaulLocal news outlet FITSNews received the audio of the awkward phone call after submitting a Freedom of Information Act request.
"Hey buddy," Alex can be heard saying at the beginning of the call.
"Hey, I don't have a whole lot of time," his 26-year-old son replied. "I just boarded a ferry to get back to the Hilton Head Island from Daufuskie."
"Yeah I know, I – I been trying to call – I was supposed to call you while you were with Jim, um, about this meeting," Alex stuttered back.
Alex's mention of Jim may be referring to his defense attorney Jim Griffin, who represented him during the trial.
Murdaugh appeared at a loss for words during a brief phone call with his son, Buster (Jeff Blake/AP/REX/Shutterstock)"But anyway, how about text him and let him know I'm trying to call him?" he continued.
"Mm-kay," was Buster's nonchalant response.
"Did he talk to you about that? About the thing, about [inaudible]," Alex asked as a crackle ran through the line.
"No. I can't really understand you, either," Buster responded.
"Alright, alright. I'm gonna, um, I'm going to leave word with Jim and he'll be in touch with you," Alex said.
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He ended by saying, "Love you."
A pregnant pause ensued, after which Buster replied, "Alright, love you, too."
"So proud of you," Alex added.
"Thanks," Buster said quickly before hanging up.
The Murdaugh Moselle property where Maggie and Paul were murdered (AP)The call lasted 42 seconds and indicated a sharp contrast to the support and emotion Buster showed during his father's trial.
In public, Buster had vocally supported his dad, but the call seemed to indicate his displeasure with Alex.
Buster also referenced Daufuskie, the island on which a three-episode docuseries is being filmed and produced by FOX Nation. It will detail the trial and tell the family's story.
Alex is also charged with numerous financial misdeeds including several counts of tax evasion. He pleaded not guilty to 22 counts of fraud in May.
Cory Fleming, the convict's former college roommate, admitted in May to helping Alex steal over $4 million from a wrongful death lawsuit, which was designed to benefit the estate of a Murdaugh family housekeeper who died on the job in 2018.
Prosecutors alleged during the trial that the murders may have been committed to cover up the family's money troubles.