Who Is Buster Murdaugh: The Son at the Center of a Saga That Gripped the Nation
The story of the Murdaugh family unfolded in the scenic South Carolina Lowcountry, a region celebrated for its rich history and culinary traditions, but it was a drama that captivated audiences far beyond. At the heart of this modern tragedy is Buster Murdaugh, the eldest and only surviving son of convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh and his late wife, Maggie Murdaugh. Born Richard Alexander Murdaugh Jr., he became a household name during his father’s “trial of the century.”
Quick Facts About Buster Murdaugh:
- Age: 28 years old (born 1996)
- Family: Only surviving son of Alex and Maggie Murdaugh
- Status: Recently married to longtime girlfriend Brooklynn White
- Current Location: Lives in Bluffton, South Carolina, a popular Lowcountry destination
- Legal Issues: Fighting defamation lawsuits against major media companies
- Father’s Trial: Testified as a defense witness, maintains his father’s innocence
Buster’s life was irrevocably altered on June 7, 2021, when his mother Maggie and brother Paul were murdered. The subsequent conviction of his father, Alex, for these crimes sent shockwaves through a community once dominated by his family’s influence. This case has become a focal point of “dark tourism,” drawing attention to a region otherwise known for its charm and hospitality.
The tragedy didn’t end there. Buster Murdaugh has also faced persistent, though denied, rumors linking him to the 2015 death of a classmate. In 2024, he took a stand by filing defamation lawsuits against media giants like Netflix and Warner Bros., claiming they falsely portrayed him as a murderer.
Despite the family’s spectacular fall from grace, Buster is attempting to build a new life. He married Brooklynn White in 2025 and continues to defend his father. His story is a complex tale of family loyalty set against a backdrop that has fascinated the nation, turning the Lowcountry into an unlikely destination for those intrigued by the saga.
As one observer noted during his father’s trial: “It was impossible to know what Buster Murdaugh was thinking”—a sentiment that captures the mystery surrounding the young man at the center of it all.
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The Murdaugh Dynasty: Power, Tragedy, and the Allure of the Lowcountry
To understand the fascination with Buster Murdaugh‘s story, one must look at his family’s deep roots in the South Carolina Lowcountry. This region, a popular travel destination known for its unique Gullah-Geechee cuisine, historic charm, and moss-draped oaks, was the backdrop for the Murdaugh family’s century-long reign. For travelers seeking authentic Southern experiences, the Lowcountry offers a rich mix of culture and history, which now includes this infamous saga.
For nearly 100 years, the Murdaughs were the undisputed legal power in the 14th judicial district. Three generations served as the circuit solicitor, a role akin to a district attorney, earning the area the nickname “Murdaugh Country.” Their influence was cemented by their powerful law firm, PMPED, which became a legal juggernaut. The Murdaugh family’s solicitor history details this incredible concentration of power, which became a key element of the story that captivated the nation.
But this legacy of power and privilege came crashing down in the most tragic way possible.
On June 7, 2021, the story took a dark turn that would forever change the perception of this idyllic region. Buster Murdaugh‘s mother, Maggie Murdaugh, and brother, Paul Murdaugh, were murdered at the family’s sprawling hunting estate, Moselle. The crime transformed the family from local legends into subjects of national obsession.
The investigation uncovered a hidden world of corruption. Alex Murdaugh, the patriarch, was convicted of the murders. The trial revealed his staggering financial crimes and a severe opioid addiction, shattering the family’s pristine image. He even attempted to stage his own death for a $10 million insurance payout intended for Buster Murdaugh.
For Buster, this was a personal apocalypse played out on a national stage. The name that once afforded him every privilege became synonymous with scandal. This dramatic fall from grace is a core part of why the story of The Murdaugh Murders continues to fascinate, adding a layer of dark tourism to a region otherwise celebrated for its hospitality and vibrant food scene.
Buster Murdaugh’s Role in the “Trial of the Century”
The Alex Murdaugh murder trial became a media phenomenon, turning the small town of Walterboro, South Carolina, into a temporary hub for journalists and curious onlookers. For audiences across the nation, it was must-see television, and at its center was Buster Murdaugh.
On February 21, 2023, Buster Murdaugh took the stand as the first defense witness. He described the harrowing phone call from his father and the frantic 200-mile drive to the family’s Moselle estate. He testified that upon arrival, he found his father completely broken.
In his emotional testimony, Buster Murdaugh portrayed his father as “heartbroken” and “destroyed.” His account was aimed at convincing the jury—and the millions watching at home—that Alex was a grieving father, not a killer. This unwavering loyalty became a defining feature of his public image.
Throughout the six-week trial, Buster was a constant, stoic presence. The immense pressure was palpable, with court observers noting moments of frustration. These raw displays of emotion only added to the human drama that made the trial so compelling for a national audience.
Even after the guilty verdict, Buster Murdaugh has continued maintaining his father’s innocence. In a Fox Nation documentary, he stated he has a “unique perspective” that was overlooked. He has been critical of the trial, suggesting the intense media spotlight made a fair outcome impossible.
Through media interviews and documentaries, Buster Murdaugh offers a deeply personal viewpoint on the case. For those following The Murdaugh Murders, his perspective is a crucial, if controversial, part of a story that has blurred the lines between true crime and public spectacle, forever altering the narrative of the South Carolina Lowcountry.
Allegations, Investigations, and Legal Battles
The Murdaugh saga’s impact extends far beyond the murder trial, pulling Buster Murdaugh into a complex web of legal challenges that have played out on a national stage. These issues have further fueled the public’s fascination and shaped the narrative of the South Carolina Lowcountry as a place of hidden secrets.
The Stephen Smith Case: Unanswered Questions
A persistent shadow over Buster Murdaugh is the unresolved 2015 death of his classmate, Stephen Smith. Initially ruled a hit-and-run, the case was reopened as a homicide investigation in 2021, partly due to information uncovered during the murder investigation. Rumors have long circulated in the community, but Buster has never been charged and has vehemently denied any involvement. The ongoing SLED investigation into the death of Stephen Smith ensures this part of the story continues to draw national attention, adding another layer to the region’s complex identity.
Defamation Lawsuits: Fighting Back Against Media Portrayals
In response to the intense media scrutiny, Buster Murdaugh has taken the offensive. In 2024, he filed defamation lawsuits against media giants like Netflix and Warner Bros. He alleges that their popular docuseries falsely implicated him in Stephen Smith’s death through suggestive editing and reenactments. As detailed in Buster’s lawsuit complaint, he is fighting to reclaim his reputation from a narrative consumed by millions. In a notable development, a judge allowed his case to proceed, signaling a significant battle ahead between an individual and the powerful media entities that broadcast his family’s story globally.
The Mallory Beach Boating Accident Lawsuit
The family’s legal troubles began years before the murders with the 2019 boat crash that killed Mallory Beach. While his brother Paul was facing charges for driving the boat, the subsequent wrongful death lawsuit named Buster Murdaugh and his father, Alex. The case targeted the family’s assets, including the Moselle estate, which has since become a landmark of sorts for those interested in the case. The settlement, which gave Buster $530,000, was one of the first major events to bring the Murdaugh family’s affairs under intense public scrutiny, setting the stage for the larger drama to come.
Life After the Verdict: Where Is Buster Murdaugh Now?
In the wake of the trial, Buster Murdaugh has attempted to step out of the national spotlight and build a new life. This means navigating a world where his family’s name is infamous and his every move is subject to scrutiny, a stark contrast to the quiet life many seek in the Lowcountry.
So, where is Buster Murdaugh now? He has sought refuge from the storm, but moving on is a daily challenge. The constant media attention, a side effect of his family’s notoriety, has made a truly private life nearly impossible.
Marriage, Home, and a New Start in a Tourist Hotspot
A significant step toward normalcy for Buster Murdaugh was his marriage to longtime girlfriend Brooklynn White on May 3, 2025. The couple has settled in Bluffton, South Carolina, a charming coastal town renowned for its vibrant arts scene, unique shops, and acclaimed restaurants—a popular destination for tourists from across the country.
His choice of Bluffton is telling. It’s a world away from the troubled legacy of Hampton County but is still at the heart of the Lowcountry. Here, Buster Murdaugh lives amidst the very scenery and culture that draws visitors, creating a unique juxtaposition of a man seeking privacy in a public vacation spot.
Professionally, his path is uncertain. After being expelled from law school in 2019 for plagiarism, an issue his father tried to resolve with a $60,000 payment to an attorney, Buster has put those ambitions on hold. His current work is not publicly known as he focuses on his new life and ongoing legal battles. Despite the trauma and public shame, he is attempting to forge a new identity, a story you can follow on our dedicated page about Buster Murdaugh.
Frequently Asked Questions about Buster Murdaugh
The Buster Murdaugh story has become a cultural touchstone, sparking curiosity across the country. As the saga unfolded in the South Carolina Lowcountry, it raised many questions for those following from afar. Here are answers to some of the most common questions.
Does Buster Murdaugh believe his father is guilty?
No. In one of the most compelling aspects of the story, Buster Murdaugh has consistently maintained his father’s innocence. He testified for the defense, describing his father as “heartbroken,” and has continued to stand by him since the conviction. In a 2023 documentary interview, he stated he has a “unique perspective” that the jury never heard, a position that continues to fuel public debate.
Was Buster Murdaugh involved in Stephen Smith’s death?
Buster Murdaugh has vehemently and repeatedly denied any involvement in the 2015 death of Stephen Smith. No charges have ever been filed against him. The rumors, however, were amplified by docuseries on platforms like Netflix, which broadcast the allegations to a global audience. He is now suing these media companies for defamation, claiming they unfairly tarnished his reputation and impacted his life in the Lowcountry community.
Is Buster Murdaugh married?
Yes. In a positive development, Buster Murdaugh married his longtime girlfriend, Brooklynn White, in May 2025. They live together in Bluffton, South Carolina. Their choice of home is noteworthy, as Bluffton is a beloved tourist destination known for its culinary scene and coastal charm. It represents his attempt to build a normal life in a town that many visit to find peace and relaxation, even as his own life remains under a microscope.
Conclusion
The life of Buster Murdaugh is a complex story of family loyalty, tragedy, and the search for a new beginning. Set against the backdrop of the South Carolina Lowcountry—a region celebrated for its food and culture—his journey has become intertwined with the area’s identity, creating a point of interest for travelers and true-crime aficionados alike.
From a life of privilege to the center of a national media storm, Buster Murdaugh has steerd unimaginable loss under intense public scrutiny. His unwavering defense of his father and his legal fights against media giants demonstrate his determination to control his own narrative.
Today, as a newly married man living in the tourist town of Bluffton, he is attempting to forge an identity separate from his family’s infamous legacy. His story is a powerful reminder of how crime and scandal can reshape the perception of a place, turning a quiet corner of the South into a destination of national fascination.
As the Murdaugh saga continues to evolve, we at The Dining Destination remain committed to exploring the compelling figures and cultural landscapes that capture the public’s imagination, from famous culinary hotspots to the complex narratives of the South. For more in-depth stories, be sure to explore our resource guides.
