In a recent interview, Judge Clifton Newman, who presided over the Alex Murdaugh double murder trial, shared his feelings of empathy for the convicted killer, even after sentencing him to two life terms. Newman told the "Today" show that he pitied Murdaugh, describing him as someone who would "dive in [a hole] and keep going to the lowest depths."

A jury swiftly convicted the 55-year-old Murdaugh for the June 7, 2021, shootings of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul. During the March 3 sentencing, Newman told Murdaugh that his victims would forever haunt him. He reiterated this sentiment in the interview, stating his belief that Murdaugh would not have peaceful nights.

The judge, who is planning to retire this fall, also addressed the intense public interest in the case. The trial drew hundreds of journalists and tourists to Walterboro, South Carolina, and coincided with the release of a Netflix docuseries about the Murdaugh family. Newman acknowledged the case's captivating elements: a high-profile lawyer, the deaths of a wife and child, accusations of massive financial theft, and allegations of drug addiction.

Murdaugh's legal troubles extend beyond the murder convictions. He is facing over 100 financial crime charges related to stealing millions from clients and his former law firm. He is also expected to be deposed in a wrongful death lawsuit connected to the 2019 boat crash that killed 19-year-old Mallory Beach. Paul Murdaugh, intoxicated at the time, was driving his father's boat when it crashed, ejecting Beach and injuring other passengers.

At the sentencing, Newman offered Murdaugh a chance to confess, but Murdaugh maintained his innocence. He stated unequivocally that he would never harm his wife or son. Newman responded by suggesting that perhaps the "monster" Murdaugh became under the influence of opioids was responsible.

Murdaugh is currently appealing his murder convictions.