The question where is Buster Murdaugh now has lingered in the minds of millions who followed the gripping downfall of the once-powerful Murdaugh family. As the only surviving son of Alex and Maggie Murdaugh, Buster’s life changed dramatically after the tragic murders of his mother and brother in 2021, and the subsequent conviction of his father in 2023.
In 2025, Buster Murdaugh lives a life that is markedly quieter than the one he once knew — far removed from the family’s historic Hampton County prominence. His journey since those events reveals a complex mix of retreat, personal milestones, legal entanglements, and ongoing attempts to redefine his life outside the shadow of the Murdaugh name.
A Life Relocated: Buster’s Home in Bluffton, South Carolina
Buster Murdaugh currently resides in Bluffton, South Carolina, with his longtime partner and now wife, Brooklynn White. The couple purchased a three-bedroom, three-bath home in Bluffton for approximately $445,000, a significant shift from the sprawling Moselle estate that defined the family’s legacy in Hampton County.
Bluffton, located in Beaufort County, is a growing community known for its quiet neighborhoods and proximity to Hilton Head Island. It’s also far enough from the family’s old stomping grounds to provide Buster with a degree of privacy he didn’t have in Hampton. Residents have described seeing him occasionally in local stores and restaurants but note that he generally keeps to himself and avoids drawing attention.
This move symbolized more than just a change of address. It marked Buster’s attempt to separate his current life from the infamous legacy of his family, choosing a quieter community where he could avoid the daily spotlight that once followed every Murdaugh headline.
Retreating from the Public Eye
After the murders of his mother Maggie and brother Paul on June 7, 2021, and throughout Alex Murdaugh’s double murder trial in early 2023, Buster was thrust into the public eye in ways he likely never anticipated. His emotional testimony during his father’s trial garnered national attention, especially when he firmly defended Alex and expressed concerns for his own safety due to the intense media scrutiny.
Following Alex’s conviction, Buster made a conscious decision to step back from public life. He has not taken on any visible professional roles, does not maintain a public social media presence, and rarely makes statements to the media. His focus has been on personal matters, legal defense, and building a private life away from constant headlines.
Unlike the powerful, outspoken men of previous Murdaugh generations, Buster’s strategy appears to be one of quiet withdrawal.
Marriage to Brooklynn White
A major personal development came in May 2025, when Buster married Brooklynn White in a private ceremony in Beaufort, South Carolina. The event took place on a secluded property on Lady’s Island, attended only by close family and a few friends.
Brooklynn, a successful attorney, has been by Buster’s side throughout the Murdaugh family’s legal turmoil. She supported him during his father’s trial and has been described as a stabilizing presence in his life. Their relationship predates the murders, and throughout the media frenzy, she maintained a low profile as well.
The wedding was intentionally kept off social media and out of the press. Guests were reportedly asked not to take photos or share details publicly, highlighting the couple’s commitment to privacy.
Ongoing Legal Entanglements
While Buster has not been charged with any crimes, his name has surfaced repeatedly in legal cases linked to the Murdaugh family.
The Stephen Smith Investigation
The 2015 death of Stephen Smith — a former classmate of Buster’s — remains one of the most discussed mysteries surrounding the Murdaughs. Initially ruled a hit-and-run, Smith’s death was later reclassified as a homicide. Buster’s name appeared multiple times in investigative files, largely through community rumors and interviews.
Buster has strongly denied any involvement, calling the allegations baseless. He has never been charged or officially named a suspect. However, public speculation persists, fueled in part by documentaries and media coverage.
Defamation Lawsuit
In response to ongoing media speculation, Buster filed a defamation lawsuit in 2025 against several media companies and production entities. The lawsuit alleges that false implications about his involvement in Stephen Smith’s death damaged his reputation and caused emotional distress.
His attorneys argue that some reports relied on unverified rumors, used misleading editing, and omitted key context. The case is currently pending, with media outlets seeking dismissal and Buster’s legal team pushing forward. This lawsuit reflects Buster’s decision to confront certain narratives legally, even while personally staying out of the spotlight.
Mallory Beach Wrongful Death Case
Buster’s name was also part of the civil wrongful death lawsuit following the 2019 boat crash that killed Mallory Beach. The lawsuit claimed Buster allowed his brother Paul to use his ID to purchase alcohol before the crash.
In early 2023, the Murdaugh family reached a settlement with the Beach family, closing that chapter of litigation. Although Buster was named in the lawsuit, he did not face criminal charges in connection with the crash.
His Career Path Remains Unclear
Before his family’s downfall, Buster was on track to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a lawyer. He attended the University of South Carolina School of Law but left before completing his degree.
There have been no confirmed reports that he has resumed his studies or embarked on any alternative professional path. Those close to the situation suggest that he has chosen to avoid high-profile career moves while legal matters and public attention remain intense.
His absence from any public professional sphere is part of his larger pattern of laying low and rebuilding his life in private.
Relationship with Alex Murdaugh
Buster’s relationship with his father remains a point of public interest. During Alex’s double murder trial, Buster sat behind him daily, showing visible emotion and support. He testified for the defense, stating his belief that Alex did not kill Maggie and Paul.
After Alex’s conviction and life sentences, Buster reportedly visits his father occasionally in prison but has not made public statements about their current relationship.
While Alex remains in the headlines due to ongoing financial crime investigations and appeals, Buster seems determined to maintain distance from the spotlight his father continues to attract.
Daily Life and Privacy Efforts
Neighbors in Bluffton describe Buster’s life as quiet and unassuming. He is occasionally seen running errands or walking his dog but rarely engages in conversations about his family. Many locals are aware of who he is, but most respect his desire for privacy.
His Bluffton home is not extravagant by Murdaugh standards, and he has chosen a lifestyle that appears intentionally understated. He no longer spends time at Moselle, which has since been sold. His hometown of Hampton holds painful associations with both family tragedy and public scrutiny, so his relocation is both practical and symbolic.
Timeline of Key Events in Buster Murdaugh’s Life
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2015 | Mentioned in Stephen Smith investigation (no charges). |
| 2019 | ID linked to Mallory Beach boat crash lawsuit. |
| 2021 | Mother Maggie and brother Paul murdered at Moselle estate. |
| 2023 | Testified in Alex Murdaugh’s murder trial; wrongful death lawsuit settled. |
| 2024 | Maintained low profile as defamation speculations grew. |
| 2025 | Married Brooklynn White; filed defamation lawsuit; living in Bluffton. |
Looking Forward
As of late 2025, there are no public indications that Buster intends to reemerge into public life or take on a visible professional role. His focus appears to be on privacy, legal defense, and personal stability. The defamation lawsuit he filed suggests he is willing to defend himself when necessary, but his actions indicate he does not seek media attention.
The question where is Buster Murdaugh now reflects more than curiosity — it represents the ongoing fascination with a family whose story has intertwined crime, power, and tragedy. For Buster, his current chapter is one of distance: both from the legacy he inherited and from the media glare that once surrounded every aspect of his life.
What are your thoughts on Buster Murdaugh’s current life? Do you think he can build a future away from the family legacy? Share your views in the comments below.