First Thing: Alex Murdaugh found guilty of murder of wife and son

Verdict in case of prominent South Carolina lawyer accused of 2021 double homicide. Plus, scientists discover how whale got voice

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Good morning.

Richard Alex" Murdaugh has been found guilty of the murders of wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, after a six-week televised trial that culminated with the defendant unexpectedly taking the stand to plead his innocence.

Prosecutors said Murdaugh sought to distract from his financial crimes. The 54-year-old had been held in jail in South Carolina since October 2021 on felony counts of fraud, after millions of dollars went missing from a settlement involving the death of a housekeeper.