Disgraced South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh and his family have reached a multi-million dollar settlement in a fatal boat crash that took place in February 2019. Mallory Beach, a 19-year-old girl, died when their boat collided with a bridge piling. Under the agreement, Beach’s relatives will receive $15 million (£11.4 million). The boat, which was being driven by Murdaugh’s drunk son, Paul, at the time of the crash, belonged to the family.

Furthermore, the wrongful death lawsuit included the convenience store that sold Paul the alcohol and Alex Murdaugh as defendants. However, all legal actions related to the crash were settled on Sunday, as confirmed by lawyers. The settlement will also allocate $3 million to be divided among the four other teenage passengers who were on the boat – Anthony Cook, Morgan Doughty, Miley Altman, and Connor Cook.

Earlier this year, Alex Murdaugh, who hails from a well-known legal dynasty in South Carolina, was found guilty of murdering his wife, Margaret, and his youngest son, Paul, in June 2021. Prosecutors argued that Murdaugh’s motive for the murders was to divert attention from his financial crimes and gain sympathy. He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison.

Prior to his murder trial, Paul Murdaugh was facing three criminal charges in connection with the boat crash, including boating under the influence resulting in death. However, he was tragically killed by his father before he could face trial. All surviving witnesses, except Paul, testified that he was driving the boat at the time of impact. Subsequent blood tests revealed that Paul’s blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit.

The settlement serves as a warning, according to a family lawyer, to stores like Parker’s Corporation, where Paul allegedly used his older brother’s ID to purchase alcohol on the day of the crash. The Beach family hopes that this case will deter illegal sales of alcohol to minors. Parker’s, in response, expressed their hope that all parties involved will find closure now that the boat crash cases have concluded.

In addition to the settlement, the victims of the crash will also receive a share of Alex Murdaugh’s court-controlled assets, the exact amount of which is yet to be determined. With the information provided, it is clear that the settlement will bring some form of justice to the Beach family, as they continue to grapple with the loss of their loved one.