CNN called it a story with “more turns than a South Carolina country road.” Indeed, and it’s a murder mystery so creepy it inspired a movie. It happened in one of the state’s smaller towns you may never even have heard of before: Hampton (near Hilton Head). And the murders central to this story were the stuff of horror movies.

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What once appeared to be an all-American family that had it all is now known as a family hiding a lot of turmoil and secrets. Maggie had seen a divorce attorney weeks before she was killed and had been living in a secondary home the family owned at the beach. It was discovered that she was lured to the Hampton property by Alex and had been hesitant about going. Paul had been at a relative’s home but for some reason also ended up at the property with his mother. Alex had pled not guilty, but forensic evidence directly links him to the murder scene. One final bizarre twist is that a banker has also been indicted on charges that he helped the accused murderer launder and misappropriate millions of dollars. The trial began in January 2023 and ended in March.

So far a documentary, three TV specials, two streaming projects, and three podcasts have been produced about this murder mystery. Get a sneak peek of the documentary from its trailer:

 

For an update on this case since the original date of publication of this article, check out this quick synopsis (Hint: Even post-trial, there continue to be interesting “turns”):

 

Which of the twists in this case do you find the most bizarre? Have you followed this Hilton Head murders case, and if so, do you think he will get a new trial? Share with us in the comments below! If you followed the case closely, you may be interested in this book — Tangled Vines: Power, Privilege, and the Murdaugh Family Murders.

If you’d like to see more of the state’s creepy side, check out this lesser-known abandoned church with gorgeous Gothic-style architecture.

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More to Explore

Hilton Head Murders & Related Info

What are the creepiest places in South Carolina?

South Carolina has its fair share of creepy places to explore, including:

  • The Battery Carriage House Inn in Charleston – said to be the state’s most haunted house!
  • John D. Long Lake in Union – The site of one of the state’s most hideous crimes involving children. Get some tissues before reading this sad and disturbing story.
  • Onyx Lane in Easley – Could you live in a haunted neighborhood?
  • Hilda, S.C. – Learn about a fascinating ghost train in this tiny town, running on tracks that were removed long ago.
  • Highway 107 in the Walhalla area of the Upstate – Your only chance of a ghostly encounter here is if you’re willing to pick up a hitchhiker, said to vanish once dropped off at the requested location.

 

Find more of the creepiest places in South Carolina.

Can I visit any abandoned places in South Carolina?

There are many types of abandoned places in South Carolina. Among the most beautiful ones are:

  • An empty school along the banks of the Congaree River near Columbia
  • Take your pick from numerous abandoned houses scattered throughout the state
  • An abandoned playground outside a South of the Border hotel left to decay
  • A church in Berkeley County

 

Explore more of the beautiful abandoned places in South Carolina.