The trial of Alex Murdaugh, a prominent South Carolina legal scion, began today in a Charleston courtroom. Murdaugh is accused of murdering his wife and her lover in a gruesome double homicide.

The prosecution and defense delivered their opening statements, painting two very different pictures of the events that unfolded in the early morning hours of January 25th. The prosecution described a scene of carnage, while the defense argued that Murdaugh acted in self-defense.

The prosecution revealed a weapon they believe was used to kill Murdaugh’s wife, although they have not yet provided any evidence to support their claim.

The trial is expected to last several weeks, and the public can follow along with live updates from The New York Times, Fox News, CNN, and The Daily Beast. Viewers can also watch the trial live on The New York Times website.

It remains to be seen what the outcome of the trial will be, but one thing is certain: the Murdaugh murder trial is sure to be one of the most talked-about legal proceedings of the year.