Murdaugh Family Hunting Estate Where Maggie And Paul Were Shot Dead Sells For $3.9 Million

The hunting property where Maggie and Paul Murdaugh were fatally shot sold for $3.9 million last Thursday, while the once-prominent family's effects were ogled and bid on at an estate sale.

Disbarred attorney Alex Murdaugh was convicted of the murders of his wife and their youngest son by a jury earlier this month, and he was sentenced the next day to life in prison without parole. The hunting compound in Colleton County where Maggie and Paul were found shot on June 7, 2021 was mentioned throughout Alex's trial. 

RELATED: Teen's Death Near Alex Murdaugh's Home Investigated As Homicide, 8 Years After Body Found

The 1,700-acre South Carolina property, known as the Moselle farm, was sold to local farmers James A. Ayer and Jeffrey L. Godley, according to a deed of sale obtained by the New York Post. Ayer, 43, told the outlet that they are unsure what they will do with the sprawling estate. 

Alex Murdaugh's New Mugshot Photo: South Carolina Department of Corrections

Buster Murdaugh, the eldest son of Alex and Maggie, is expected to receive $530,000 from the sale, according to a settlement agreement reviewed by the Greenville News. 

The Lowcountry home first hit the market in March of 2022, five months after Alex allegedly hired his former client and drug dealer Curtis "Fast Eddie" Smith to kill him so that Buster would inherit his $10 million life insurance policy. The Sept. 4, 2021 assisted suicide attempt was botched. 

Also known as the Cross Swamp Farm, the property boasts two miles of water frontage along the Salkehatchie River, a 20-acre dove field, two man-made reservoirs to attract waterfowl and abundant deer and turkey for hunting. 

The home itself is 5,275 square feet, containing four bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms and refinished throughout with heart pine flooring. Also on the property is a 1,140 square foot guest cottage and an equipment shed featuring a wash-down station, according to The Post. 

The clients of attorney Mark Tinsley — who is representing the family of Mallory Beach and two survivors of the boat crash that killed her in February of 2019 — stand to make $2.68 million from the sale. Beach was killed in February 2019 when a boat — which allegedly had Alex’s son Paul at the helm — crashed into a bridge pylon and sent her flying into the water. Last month, Tinsley testified in court against Alex, who was convicted for the double murder of his wife and son on March 2.

Paul was charged with felony boating under the influence for the incident, but was killed before ever going to trial. A civil suit against Alex, surviving son Buster and the convenience chain where Buster allegedly bought Paul alcohol that night is set to begin on Aug. 14. 

Others getting payouts from the home sale include Joseph McCulloch, whose representing boat crash victim Connor Cook, who will get $100,000; and Alex's brother, John Marvin Murdaugh, who will get $290,000 to pay the estate's outstanding legal bills, according to FOX News.

A crowd began lining up at Liberty Auction in Pembroke, Georgia at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, more than five a half hours before the bidding began on the Murdaugh's furniture and belongings. Many attendees had no intentions to buy any items, showing up instead to sate their curiosity, according to reporting by FOX. 

But those who did buy paid hefty prices for some their morbid purchases. The couch that Alex claimed he took a nap on, on the night of Maggie and Paul's murders sold for $36,000, according to The Post. 

Among other items sold were a popcorn machine (which sold for $1,300), Maggie's bicycle, tumblers with Alex Murdaugh's initials printed on them ($250) and a dartboard ($475), FOX reported.

You can watch the Oxygen special "Alex Murdaugh. Death. Deception. Power." here or on Peacock.