The question where is Buster Murdaugh now has become one of the most frequently asked since the infamous Murdaugh family saga shook South Carolina and the nation. As the only surviving son of Alex and Maggie Murdaugh, Buster has taken deliberate steps to retreat from public life in the wake of tragedy, legal battles, and relentless media attention. As of 2025, his life looks very different from the privileged and prominent world he once knew.
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A Quiet Life in Bluffton, South Carolina
After years of public scrutiny surrounding his family, Buster Murdaugh has settled into a more private existence. He currently lives in Bluffton, South Carolina, with his longtime partner — now wife — Brooklynn White. The couple resides in a three-bedroom, three-bath home valued at approximately $445,000, located in a quiet residential neighborhood.
This move marked a significant shift from the family’s historic Hampton County properties, including the Moselle estate that became central to the double murder investigation. Unlike his father, who was a high-profile attorney, and his brother Paul, who frequently made headlines, Buster has avoided media appearances and rarely engages with the public.
Legal Scrutiny Without Charges
While Buster has not faced criminal charges, his name has appeared in several legal contexts over the past decade, creating ongoing public interest in his whereabouts and actions.
Connection to Stephen Smith Case
Buster was frequently mentioned during investigations into the 2015 death of Stephen Smith, a classmate whose death was initially labeled a hit-and-run before being ruled a homicide. Buster has consistently denied any involvement, and as of 2025, no charges have been brought against him.
Mallory Beach Wrongful Death Case
Buster’s name also appeared in the wrongful death lawsuit connected to the 2019 boat crash that killed Mallory Beach. The lawsuit claimed Buster allowed his younger brother Paul to use his ID to buy alcohol before the crash. The family settled this case in 2023 for an undisclosed amount, closing one chapter of the legal issues surrounding the Murdaughs.
Marriage and a New Chapter
One of the most significant developments for Buster in 2025 was his marriage to longtime girlfriend Brooklynn White. The couple held a private wedding ceremony in Beaufort, South Carolina, in May. The event was intimate, attended only by close family and friends.
Brooklynn has been a steady presence throughout Buster’s difficult years, accompanying him to court proceedings and standing by him during intense media coverage. Their decision to marry quietly reflects their shared desire for a more private, stable life away from public scrutiny.
Defamation Lawsuit Against Media Outlets
While Buster has largely avoided the spotlight, he has actively pushed back against what he describes as false and damaging portrayals in the media. In 2025, he filed a defamation lawsuit against several media companies, accusing them of spreading unfounded claims about his alleged involvement in Stephen Smith’s death and implying details about his personal life without evidence.
Buster’s legal team argues that these reports caused emotional distress, damaged his reputation, and subjected him to ongoing harassment. The case is currently moving through the court system, with media outlets seeking dismissal and Buster’s lawyers pressing forward.
This legal action shows that while Buster has stepped away from the public eye, he is not entirely silent when it comes to defending himself against speculation.
Life After the Alex Murdaugh Trial
Buster’s public profile peaked during Alex Murdaugh’s double murder trial in early 2023, when he testified in support of his father. After Alex’s conviction for the murders of Maggie and Paul, Buster returned to a quieter lifestyle.
During the trial, Buster expressed his belief in his father’s innocence and voiced concerns about his own safety due to the intense public attention. Since then, he has deliberately avoided making statements or appearing in media interviews. He is rarely seen in Hampton County and has distanced himself from his family’s former properties.
What He’s Doing Now
Buster’s professional path remains largely private. He previously attended law school at the University of South Carolina but left before graduating. There has been no public confirmation that he has resumed his studies or taken on a new professional role.
Reports indicate that he keeps a low daily profile in Bluffton, spending most of his time at home or with close friends and family. Unlike his father, he has chosen not to pursue public legal or political ambitions.
Timeline of Key Events in Buster Murdaugh’s Recent Life
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Mentioned during investigation into Stephen Smith’s death (no charges). |
| 2019 | ID allegedly used in Mallory Beach boat crash; later part of settlement. |
| 2021 | Mother Maggie and brother Paul murdered at Moselle estate. |
| 2023 | Testified in father Alex Murdaugh’s murder trial. |
| 2023 | Wrongful death lawsuit settled. |
| 2025 | Married Brooklynn White in Beaufort, SC. |
| 2025 | Filed defamation lawsuit against media companies. |
A Life Defined by Distance and Privacy
Buster’s current lifestyle is defined by distance — distance from the media, from his family’s former social circle, and from the public chaos that surrounded the Murdaugh name. His move to Bluffton, his quiet marriage, and his lack of public appearances all signal a deliberate choice to rebuild his life away from the public eye.
Unlike his father’s high-profile legal career and his brother’s controversial public behavior, Buster’s recent years have been about withdrawal and self-protection. However, the Murdaugh name continues to carry weight in South Carolina, and his every move is still watched by those who have followed the case closely.
Looking Ahead
As of now, there are no confirmed reports that Buster plans to return to law school or take on any public role. His ongoing legal actions and personal milestones suggest he’s focused on reclaiming a sense of normalcy after years of upheaval. Whether he succeeds in staying out of the spotlight remains to be seen, especially with media coverage of the Murdaugh legacy continuing to surface regularly.
What are your thoughts on Buster Murdaugh’s life today? Share your opinions and questions in the comments below — the story of this family continues to evolve.