Alex Murdaugh returns to court ahead of retrial
Alex Murdaugh returns to court for a retrial status hearing, following his overturned double murder conviction. Attorneys analyze the implications for both the Murdaugh case, including calls for new DNA evidence review and the Supreme Court's impact on state election procedures.
As Alex Murdaugh's road to his retrial heats up, his defense team has demanded a new evidence search in a bid to hunt for cracks in the prosecution's case.
In a Wednesday filing, Murdaugh’s attorneys argued that because several years have passed since his first trial, prosecutors should conduct a fresh search for any evidence that could help the defense or undermine the state’s witnesses.
His team also wants information that could be used to challenge a witness’s credibility, including misconduct records, disciplinary findings, inconsistent statements, plea deals, rewards or promises of favorable treatment.
MURDAUGH DEFENSE PLANS ALTERNATE SUSPECT PUSH AS DNA QUESTIONS LOOM OVER RETRIAL
Disgraced South Carolina lawyer Alex Murdaugh was convicted in March of murdering his wife, Maggie, and youngest son, Paul, on his hunting estate in June 2021. (Andrew J. Whitaker/The Post And Courier via AP, Pool, File)
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The request also covers new forensic or DNA findings, additional search warrants and information related to two other SLED investigations known as the "Side of Road" and narcotics cases.
The lawyers also want written confirmation that prosecutors completed a current search and disclosed everything required.
They've asked for the information within 30 days.
Defense attorney Dick Harpootlian, right, passes documents to prosecuting attorney Creighton Waters on Monday, June 29, 2026, at a status hearing at the Marc H. Westbrook Judicial Center in Lexington, South Carolina. Alex Murdaugh will be retried in the June 7, 2021, shooting deaths of his wife and son, after his original conviction was overturned due to jury tampering. (Tracy Glantz/The State via Pool)
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Murdaugh, once a powerful Lowcountry lawyer from a prominent legal dynasty, was convicted in March 2023 of gunning down his wife and son, Maggie and Paul.
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The case was thrown back into turmoil after allegations surfaced that court clerk Rebecca Hill made improper comments to jurors during the trial.
The court found that Hill was drawn by the "siren call of celebrity" and allowed public attention to overcome her duty.
The state has maintained that Murdaugh received a fair trial, but the South Carolina Supreme Court reversed the murder and weapons convictions and remanded the case for new proceedings.
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Alex Murdaugh attends a judicial hearing on Monday, June 29, 2026, at the Marc H. Westbrook Judicial Center in Lexington, South Carolina. Murdaugh will be retried in the June 7, 2021, shooting deaths of his wife and son, after his original conviction was overturned due to jury tampering. (Tracy Glantz/The State via Pool)
Fox News Digital has reached out to the state prosecutors' office for comment. Murdaugh's defense declined to comment.
ALEX MURDAUGH MURDER SAGA LANDS RIGHT BACK WHERE IT STARTED BEFORE NEXT LOWCOUNTRY COURTROOM BATTLE
State Judge Debra McCaslin oversees a status hearing involving Alex Murdaugh with prosecuting attorney Creighton Waters and defense attorney Dick Harpootlian, on Monday, June 29, 2026, at the Marc H. Westbrook Judicial Center in Lexington, South Carolina. Murdaugh will be retried in the June 7, 2021, shooting deaths of his wife and son, after his original conviction was overturned due to jury tampering. (Tracy Glantz/The State via Pool)
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Murdaugh is back in court on Friday, Aug. 14.
