Murdaugh Retrial Evidence Disputes Set for Hearing

Prosecutors and Alex Murdaugh’s defense are due in a South Carolina court for a pretrial hearing over evidence ahead of his 2027 retrial on charges of killing his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, in 2021. The disputes include whether defense experts may conduct additional DNA testing on material found under Maggie’s fingernails, access to ballistics evidence and crime-scene scans, and records related to claims that weapons or clothing were removed from the scene. The murder weapons have not been recovered, and the defense argues that evidence of another person’s possible involvement could challenge the prosecution’s case that Murdaugh acted alone. Murdaugh’s 2023 convictions and life sentences were overturned by the South Carolina Supreme Court over problems with the trial, including a court clerk’s influence on jurors. Jury selection for the retrial is scheduled to begin April 5, 2027.