A South Carolina lawyer tried to arrange his own death this month so his son would get a life insurance payment of $10 million, but the plan failed after the shot only grazed his head, police said.
In a statement made by the State Law Enforcement Division, Curtis Edward Smith was charged with assisted suicide, insurance fraud, and several other crimes that took place during the Sept. 4th shooting of Alex Murdaugh in Hampton County.
Murdaugh was not charged on Tuesday night, but officers say we should expect additional charges.
According to state officials, Murdaugh wanted Smith to kill him so that his surviving son could receive his $10 million life insurance policy.
Smith allegedly drove away after he shot Murdaugh and disposed of the gun.
State officials claimed Murdaugh confirmed on Monday that he was trying to plan his own death.
On Tuesday, Smith, 61, admitted to shooting Murdaugh. He is currently being charged with assisted suicide, assault, and battery of a high aggravated nature, pointing and presenting a firearm, insurance fraud, conspiracy to commit insurance fraud, distribution of methamphetamine, and possession of marijuana.
In 2013, Murdaugh was Smith’s lawyer in a speeding case.
Three months ago, Murdaugh discovered the bodies of his wife, 52-year-old Maggie Murdaugh, and their son, 22-year-old Paul Murdaugh, at their Colleton County home. Both had been shot multiple times, and their murders are still unsolved.
