CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) Convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh did something Thursday he hasnt done in the two years since his life of privilege and power started to unravel plead guilty to a crime.

Murdaugh admitted in federal court to 22 counts of financial fraud and money laundering.

Murdaugh, 55, is serving life without parole in a South Carolina prison for shooting his wife, Maggie, and younger son Paul. He has denied any role in the killings since their deaths in June 2021 and insisted he was innocent in two days of testimony earlier this year before he was convicted of two counts of murder.

Theres two things Alex will tell you. One, he stole the money. Two, he did not kill Maggie and Paul, defense attorney Dick Harpootlian said after the hearing.

The federal guilty plea likely locks in years if not decades in prison for the disbarred lawyer, even if his murder conviction and sentence in state court are overturned on appeal .

Murdaugh told the judge he wanted to be held accountable for stealing from his clients and do right by his surviving son.

I want to take responsibility. I want my son to see me take responsibility. Its my hope that by taking responsibility that the people Ive hurt can begin to heal, said Murdaugh, standing in his orange South Carolina prison jumpsuit.