The five-generation Murdaugh dynasty ended in a courtroom where they once reigned supreme. The source of their influence was the family law firm founded by Alex Murdaugh's great-grandfather. Paul Murdaugh's drunken boat crash that occurred in 2019 is speculated to have triggered their downfall. The tragedy killed 19-year-old Mallory Beach. The boat crash resulted in civil lawsuits that exposed Alex Murdaugh's financial crimes.
