Judge Denies Jailed Attorney’s Request to Reduce $7 Million Bail

Alex Murdaugh walks into court for his bond hearing, in Varnville, S.C., on Sept. 16, 2021. Mic Smith/AP Photo, File

COLUMBIA, S.C.—A judge refused on Tuesday to lower the $7 million bail for a prominent South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh who is charged with stealing millions of dollars from vulnerable clients.

Murdaugh’s lawyers had unsuccessfully argued that the high amount was like no bail at all, saying their client was so broke he was unable even to pay his phone bill.