Additional Coverage:
Alex Murdaugh’s defense team is preparing to introduce new evidence in his upcoming retrial for the murders of his wife and son, following a significant development from the South Carolina Supreme Court.
On Wednesday, the court overturned Murdaugh’s 2023 convictions and life sentence related to the fatal shootings of his wife Maggie, 52, and son Paul, 22. The 57-year-old has been serving two life sentences, along with additional lengthy terms for state and federal crimes tied to his legal practice.
Lead attorney Jim Griffin revealed to NewsNation’s Chris Cuomo that this newly uncovered evidence could alter the course of the case. Specifically, Griffin pointed to male DNA found under Maggie Murdaugh’s fingernails that does not match Alex or any family members.
“They were never put into CODIS,” Griffin explained, referring to the Combined DNA Index System that law enforcement agencies use to compare DNA profiles. “That has never been followed up on.”
This revelation could be crucial, as Murdaugh’s original defense emphasized the absence of physical evidence linking him to the crime scene. No DNA or blood was found on Murdaugh or his clothing, despite the close-range nature of the killings with powerful weapons that remain missing.
Murdaugh, who has consistently claimed his innocence in the murders, faces a new trial with his attorneys expressing optimism. “Alex has said from day one that he did not kill his wife and son. We look forward to a new trial,” said Griffin and fellow lawyer Dick Harpootlian in a joint statement.
It’s important to note that while Murdaugh’s murder convictions were overturned, his 40-year federal sentence for embezzling roughly $12 million from clients remains in effect.
The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision also highlighted misconduct during the original trial. They found that Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill, responsible for managing evidence and the jury, compromised Murdaugh’s right to a fair trial by suggesting to jurors that his testimony was untrustworthy-actions linked to her personal motive of boosting sales for a book about the case. Hill has since pleaded guilty to lying about her conduct.
Additionally, the justices ruled that the trial judge erred by admitting evidence of Murdaugh’s financial crimes, which unfairly prejudiced the jury in the murder trial. Prosecutors contended that the clerk’s comments were brief and that the evidence against Murdaugh was overwhelming, but the defense argued these remarks undermined the presumption of innocence from the outset.
The Murdaugh case has captivated national attention, inspiring several books and a Netflix documentary series. Currently, Murdaugh is incarcerated in a South Carolina maximum-security prison, though his precise location remains undisclosed.