The Faces Behind the Footnotes. Every name has a story.

Maggie and Paul Murdaugh

Margaret “Maggie” Murdaugh, from the publisher-supplied family photograph
Margaret “Maggie” MurdaughVictim · Mother · University of South Carolina graduateRead Biography →
Paul Terry Murdaugh, from the publisher-supplied family photograph
Paul Terry MurdaughVictim · Son and brother · University of South Carolina studentRead Biography →
Alex Murdaugh in an Orange County Department of Corrections booking photograph, October 14, 2021
Richard Alexander “Alex” MurdaughDefendant awaiting murder retrial · Former attorneyRead Biography →
Judge Debra R. McCaslinJudge assigned to the murder retrialRead Biography →
Judge Clifton B. NewmanJudge at the 2023 murder trialRead Biography →
Jean Hoefer Toal at the 2014 Waring statue dedication, from a U.S. Courts photograph
Jean Hoefer ToalFormer chief justice · Judge at the new-trial hearingRead Biography →
Samuel Creighton WatersProsecutor · State Grand Jury attorneyRead Biography →
Dick Harpootlian speaking at a campaign event, photographed by Muttnick
Richard A. “Dick” HarpootlianDefense attorney · Former prosecutorRead Biography →
James Mixon “Jim” GriffinDefense attorney · Trial and healthcare lawyerRead Biography →
Mary Rebecca “Becky” HillFormer Colleton County clerk of courtRead Biography →

Why These Faces Matter

Maggie and Paul come first as individual people. The biographies also identify Alex, the judges, the lawyers and the former court clerk whose documented roles shaped the trial and later proceedings. Their roles, allegations, convictions and rulings are kept distinct.

Choose any name to read that person’s biography and sources. Maggie and Paul’s portraits use the family photograph supplied by the publisher. Clearly labeled initials appear where a portrait has not yet been verified.

Photograph sources and credits: Alex Murdaugh · Jean Hoefer Toal · Dick Harpootlian.

Back to the Case · Sources · All Faces

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Every name has a story. Maggie and Paul Murdaugh were homicide victims. Alex Murdaugh denies the pending murder charges. This page distinguishes allegations, the earlier trial record, later court rulings and his separate financial convictions. Presumed Innocent applies to unresolved criminal accusations. Record checked November 13, 2026.

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