South Carolina may pursue the death penalty against accused double-murderer Alex Murdaugh when his retrial approaches, Republican Attorney General Alan Wilson reportedly suggested Friday.
Wilson’s office will consider “all options” in pursuing punishment for Murdaugh after the South Carolina Supreme Court’s Wednesday ruling throwing out his murder convictions for killing his wife and son, “Today Show” host Craig Melvin reported. The announcement of a retrial drew further national attention toward a case that inspired a litany of documentaries and books and became a symbol of local corruption.
“In light of the Supreme Court’s decision, we’re back to square one on this case, and that means all our legal options are on the table, including the death penalty,” Wilson reportedly said.
The court found that county clerk Becky Hill’s statements to jurors during Murdaugh’s original trial, such as “watch his body language,” could have improperly affected the verdicts.
Murdaugh was convicted separately of financial crimes related to fraud at his law firm, for which he remains in prison. He denies killing his wife and son.
“Let me be clear — this decision does not mean Murdaugh will be released,” Wilson said Wednesday. “He will remain in prison for his financial crimes. No one is above the law and, as always, we will continue to fight for justice.”
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