South Carolina Supreme Court overturns Alex Murdaugh’s murder convictions, grants appeal for new trial

GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (TCN) -- The South Carolina Supreme Court has overturned Alex Murdaugh’s two murder convictions and has granted him a new trial. 

In March 2023, Murdaugh was given two consecutive life sentences after being found guilty of murder in the June 2021 deaths of his wife, 52-year old Maggie Murdaugh, and son, 22-year-old Paul Murdaugh. Their bodies were found in the dog kennels of the family’s large estate in Islandton, South Carolina. Much of the prosecution’s argument hinged on a Snapchat video that showed the two victims in the dog kennels shortly before they were fatally shot.

The jurors reached a unanimous decision after less than three hours of deliberating.

At his sentencing, Murdaugh, a disbarred attorney, maintained his innocence and said he would never hurt his wife or son under any circumstances. However, at trial, he did admit to a drug addiction and to stealing millions of dollars from his clients.

WYFF reports that Murdaugh requested a new trial in February. According to People, in the appeal, Murdaugh’s team accused a court clerk, Becky Hill, of influencing jurors. Hill received three years of probation after pleading guilty last year to counts that included perjury and obstruction of justice.

PBS reports that in addition to Hill’s conduct, Murdaugh’s team said that bringing in evidence of Murdaugh stealing from his clients had nothing to do with the fatal shootings and therefore biased the jury against Murdaugh.

The South Carolina Supreme Court’s May 13 statement reads, “Although we are aware of the time, money, and effort expended for this lengthy trial, we have no choice but to reverse the denial of Murdaugh’s motion for a new trial due to Hill’s improper external influences on the jury and remand for a new trial,” according to WYFF.

Murdaugh’s team made a statement after the trial was granted, per WYFF. It reads, “The Supreme Court’s decision today affirms that the rule of law remains strong in South Carolina. The Court found that Becky Hill’s conduct during the trial attacked Alex Murdaugh’s credibility and his defense. The Court rightly described her conduct as ‘breathtaking,’ ‘disgraceful,’ and ‘unprecedented in South Carolina.’ 

“We respect the decision that made clear that the retrial must look very different from the first. The initial jury heard more than 12 hours of testimony about Alex’s financial crimes. The Court held that this evidence went far beyond what was necessary and gave rise to unfair prejudice. On retrial, that will not be permitted. Alex has said from day one that he did not kill his wife and son. We look forward to a new trial conducted consistent with the Constitution and the guidance this Court has provided.”

According to State Attorney General Alan Wilson, his office respects the decision made by the South Carolina Supreme Court, but no one is above the law, according to PBS.

In addition to the life sentences he is serving for the deaths of his wife and son, Murdaugh is in prison for the federal and state charges he pleaded guilty to regarding financial crimes, per WYFF. 

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