In a brief 42-second phone call, Alex Murdaugh, the convicted murderer, had his first conversation with his only surviving son, Buster, since his sentencing. Alex Murdaugh’s prison phone call was obtained by CNN from his time in prison providing a glimpse into their interaction.
Alex Murdaugh’s Prison Phone Call
Alex Murdaugh’s prison phone call happened on May 16, 2023, when Alex Murdaugh reached out to Buster through a free prison call, CNN reported.
With a warm greeting, Alex Murdaugh’s prison phone call started by saying, “Hey buddy.”
Buster, seemingly pressed for time hastily responded, “Hey, I don’t have a whole lot of time. I just boarded a ferry to go back to Hilton Head from Daufuskie [Island].”
Amidst the challenging call quality and intermittent disruptions, Alex Murdaugh expressed his attempts to contact Buster while he was with Jim, possibly referring to his defense attorney, Jim Griffin.
Murdaugh asked Buster to inform Jim about his attempt to reach him, to which Buster softly replied, “Mmkay,” indicating his understanding of the request.
As the static continued to interrupt their conversation, Alex Murdaugh questioned if Jim had discussed “the thing” with Buster, but the unclear transmission made it difficult for Buster to comprehend.
Frustrated by the connectivity issues, Buster expressed his own difficulties in understanding his father’s words, sounding rushed. Assuring his son that he would pass on a message to Jim, Alex Murdaugh added, “Love you.”
After a momentary pause, he received Buster’s reciprocation, “Love you, too.” In a final gesture, Murdaugh expressed his pride in his son, and Buster, seemingly caught off guard, awkwardly responded with a brief, “Thanks.”
Alex Murdaugh’s prison phone call limited to just 60 seconds abruptly ended leaving the conversation hanging and unresolved.
Despite its brevity, the call marked a significant moment, allowing the public to hear Alex Murdaugh’s voice for the first time since his conviction.
The Background Before Alex Murdaugh’s Prison Phone Call
Buster Murdaugh had testified on his father’s behalf during the double murder trial.
However, Alex Murdaugh is currently appealing his conviction. South Carolina prosecutors had argued that Murdaugh killed his wife Maggie and youngest son Paul, in an attempt to divert attention from alleged financial crimes.
In state court, Murdaugh now faces charges including embezzlement, computer crimes, money laundering, and conspiracy, with accusations of defrauding his law firm, clients, and the government, totaling over $9 million.
The release of Alex Murdaugh’s prison phone call sheds light on the limited communication between the convicted murderer and his son, Buster.