SLED: Alex Murdaugh conspired with man to shoot him in the head

SLED says Murdaugh intended to die so his son could collect a $10 million life-insurance policy

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO) – A man was arrested Tuesday for assisted suicide in the case of prominent low country attorney Alex Murdaugh being shot in the head September 4 in Hampton County.

Curtis Edward Smith, 61, faces charges of assisted suicide, assault and battery of a high aggravated nature, pointing and presenting a firearm, insurance fraud, and conspiracy to commit insurance fraud.

According to an arrest warrant released by SLED Murdaugh, “conspired with Smith for the purpose of Smith assisting him to commit suicide.”

Sled says he provided Smith with the firearm and told him to shoot him in the head so his son could collect a life insurance policy valued at approximately $10 million.

Sources had previously reported Murdaugh was changing a tire when a car passed him and fired.  The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division says the incident happened on Old Salkehatchie Road near Varnville around 1:30 p.m. Murdaugh was treated for a superficial gunshot wound to the head.

Murdaugh’s wife and son, Paul and Maggie Murdaugh, were killed in a double homicide at their Colleton County home in June. The case remains unsolved.

SLED says additional charges in the Alex Murdaugh shooting case are expected and will be announced at the appropriate time.

Smith was also accused of distribution of methamphetamine and possession of marijuana.