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

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.