Alex Murdaugh’s Defense Pursues New Evidence in Retrial Preparation

LEXINGTON, S.C. – A former prosecutor has criticized Alex Murdaugh’s defense team for their efforts to raise claims about a police chief potentially handling the alleged murder weapons. The case, concerning Murdaugh’s conviction for the 2021 murders of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, at their Colleton County property, is set to return to court on Friday. A hearing is planned to discuss evidentiary items ahead of a retrial slated for April 5, 2027, due to a prior jury tampering finding.

The South Carolina Supreme Court overturned Murdaugh’s convictions after ruling that Becky Hill, former Colleton County Clerk of Court, improperly influenced the jury. Murdaugh maintains he is innocent.

The upcoming hearing will focus on motions related to various forms of evidence, including DNA findings from Maggie Murdaugh’s fingernail clippings, her cellphone swabs, and ballistic data. Additionally, the defense wants raw data from cellphone investigations and crime scene scans.

The defense had previously sought to have Maggie’s fingernail DNA reanalyzed by Othram, Inc. They argue that additional analysis could reveal a male DNA profile the state lab noted but did not thoroughly investigate. Attorney Dick Harpootlian is advocating for further testing on DNA found on Maggie’s cellphone swabs.

Murdaugh’s team is also requesting information about shootings in nearby areas involving similar ballistics, along with 3D laser scan data of the crime scene. The prosecution has handed over some materials but the defense insists it needs more for their reconstruction.

A controversial point of the defense’s argument involves claims about Yemassee Police Chief Greg Alexander allegedly handling the murder weapons and providing Murdaugh a change of clothes. Prosecutors reject these claims as speculative and uncorroborated. Alexander’s attorney has dismissed the accusations.

During the initial murder trial, prosecutors asserted Murdaugh used two weapons and later disposed of them, although the weapons were never recovered. The defense argues these allegations lack supporting evidence.

Legal expert Joshua Ritter expressed skepticism, calling the defense’s efforts a “wild goose chase” unlikely to hold in court. He suspects the filings may be tactics to delay proceedings, suggesting the judge is likely to ensure the defense receives all entitled evidence but sees minimal potential for postponing the retrial.

Adam Sabes, reporting for Fox News Digital, indicated that additional hearings, including one on November 13, will further address these motions. The defense maintains they are dedicated to thoroughly evaluating all evidence as part of the legal process.