'Defenseless convict': Internet divided as Alex Murdaugh gets 40 years in prison for stealing money from 'needy' clients

MCCORMICK COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA: Alex Murdaugh has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for a litany of financial crimes.

In what is expected to mark his final legal chapter, the disgraced lawyer entered the court in shackles and prison time, according to Daily Mail.

Alex Murdaugh stole money from 'vulnerable people'

US District Judge Richard Gergel stated on Monday, April 1, that the disgraced lawyer stole from "the most needy, vulnerable people" and his own law firm.

Murdaugh who is also a convicted murderer, faced a recommended imprisonment of 17 1/2 and just under 22 years.

The once-respected lawyer is already serving a life sentence without parole for the murders of his wife and son.

Murdaugh, who has also been handed 27 years in jail for financial crimes, will be serving two consecutive life sentences for murder at the same time.

Alex Murdaugh apologized to victims at his sentencing

The judge stated that among Murdaugh's clients from whom he stole money included a quadriplegic, a state trooper injured while on duty, and a trust fund set up for children whose parents died in a car accident.

"They placed all their problems and all their hopes on Mr Murdaugh and it is from those people he abused and stole. It is a difficult set of actions to understand," said Judge Gergel.

The 22 federal counts against the disbarred lawyer are the final charges outstanding for him. 

Prosecutors uncovered 11 more victims than initially identified in the state investigation as they state the FBI found these victims and that Murdaugh had stolen nearly $1.3 million from them.

The 55-year-old is required to pay nearly $9 million in restitution.

At his sentencing on Monday, April 1, Murdaugh apologized to his victims saying he felt "guilt, sorrow, shame, embarrassment, humiliation."

Internet slams Alex Murdaugh over sentencing for financial crimes

After Murdaugh was handed 40 years in jail for stealing money from several "vulnerable" people, netizens slammed the disgraced lawyer over the crimes he has committed.

"From being a prominent lawyer to a defenseless convict. Many lessons for whoever is concerned," a user wrote on X (formerly Twitter) and another user wrote, "That's crazy, a billionaire just got 25 years for stealing $ Billions."

"Is that really enough?" a netizen questioned while another user tweeted, "Judge Gergel’s sentence is a Gallon of justice! Phenomenal news!!! I’m certain the pressure you all placed on the Judge to get this right made a huge difference!!! And AM is a liar. Hopefully he will not see the light of a free day again."

"Couldn’t happen to a more deserving man," a user opined.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.