The Murdaugh family, once synonymous with power and prestige in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, has become emblematic of scandal and tragedy. Following Alex Murdaugh’s conviction for the murders of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, and his subsequent guilty plea to financial crimes, the family’s legacy lies in ruins. Now serving two life sentences along with decades for fraud and embezzlement, Alex’s downfall has brought intense scrutiny to his eldest son, Richard “Buster” Murdaugh. At 30 years old, Buster has inherited the Murdaugh name but none of its former wealth, with his father’s crimes and lawsuits leaving the family financially devastated. Here’s a closer look at Buster’s life, his involvement in the trial, and his efforts to move forward.
Who Is Buster Murdaugh?
Buster Murdaugh, born Richard Alexander Murdaugh Jr. in April 1993, is Alex Murdaugh’s oldest son. His younger brother, Paul, was born six years later. While Buster was raised in the shadow of his family’s legal dynasty, he has faced the public spotlight following the events that shattered their reputation. Known as “Bus Bus” to his father, Buster was a witness to a life of privilege, attending private schools and later studying government and international affairs at Wofford College, where he graduated in 2018.
Was Buster Expelled from Law School?
Buster initially pursued a law degree at the University of South Carolina but was allegedly expelled in 2021 for plagiarism. After his expulsion, Buster and his father discussed his efforts to be readmitted, hiring prominent attorney Butch Bowers to assist. Despite these efforts, he has yet to resume his legal education. Family attorney Jim Griffin later confirmed that Buster had put his law school aspirations on hold indefinitely, with no plans to re-enroll in the near future.
What Role Did Buster Play in His Father’s Trial?
Buster was a prominent figure during Alex Murdaugh’s murder trial, offering emotional testimony in defense of his father. He described Alex as a dedicated and involved parent, recounting how his father coached him and Paul in Little League and attended their games.
Buster also addressed his father’s opioid addiction, revealing limited knowledge of Alex’s struggles, as he was in college during much of that time. While he admitted that his father underwent detox treatment, Buster believed Alex’s issues had been resolved, only to discover otherwise after subsequent incidents involving pills.
Buster also touched on the aftermath of Paul’s 2019 boating accident, which resulted in the death of Mallory Beach. He testified that Paul was heavily bullied on social media, and his mother, Maggie, was consumed with anxiety about the potential financial fallout from the wrongful death lawsuit.
Where Is Buster Murdaugh Now?
Following the trial, Buster has kept a low profile. He and his girlfriend, Brooklynn White, moved to Rock Hill, South Carolina, during the trial but later relocated to Hilton Head. The couple has been the subject of media scrutiny, with Buster filing police reports about stalking incidents.
Buster inherited $530,000 from the sale of the Moselle estate, where Maggie and Paul were murdered. The property sold for $3.9 million, with most of the proceeds going to the victims of Alex’s financial crimes and the Beach family’s lawsuit.
Who Is Buster Murdaugh’s Girlfriend?
Brooklynn White has been a steadfast supporter of Buster throughout the trial and its aftermath. Originally from Rock Hill, South Carolina, White pursued a degree in political science and computer science at the University of Alabama before earning her law degree at the University of South Carolina. She now works in estate planning and probate law, a field she describes as both compassionate and practical.
How Was Buster Connected to Stephen Smith?
In 2015, Stephen Smith, a 19-year-old nursing student, was found dead on a rural road near the Murdaugh family estate. While his death was initially ruled a hit-and-run, rumors of Buster’s potential connection to the case circulated due to their high school acquaintance.
In 2021, following the double murders of Maggie and Paul, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) reopened Smith’s case, citing evidence gathered during their investigation of the Murdaugh murders. Smith’s family has since exhumed his body for a second autopsy, which private investigator Dr. Kenneth Kinsey called a “success” for the evidence collected.
Does Buster Believe in His Father’s Innocence?
Despite the mounting evidence against Alex Murdaugh, Buster has publicly maintained his belief in his father’s innocence. However, in the Fox Nation docuseries The Fall of the House of Murdaugh, Buster admitted to recognizing certain manipulative traits in his father, saying, “I think there are characteristics where you look at the manipulation and the lies…and I think that’s a fair assessment.”
What Lies Ahead for Buster Murdaugh?
Buster’s life remains entangled in the fallout from his family’s scandals. With the Murdaugh dynasty in ruins, he has distanced himself from his father’s crimes and is attempting to rebuild a private life. While the family name once symbolized influence and wealth, Buster now faces the daunting task of navigating life under the weight of public scrutiny and his father’s legacy.
For now, Buster and Brooklynn White appear focused on creating a semblance of normalcy in Hilton Head, shielding themselves from persistent media attention as they move forward. Whether Buster resumes his pursuit of a legal career or chooses a different path remains to be seen. What is clear is that the Murdaugh name will long be associated with both privilege and tragedy, with Buster left to carve his own path amidst the shadows of his family’s fall from grace.