Alex Murdaugh, 58, is scheduled to appear in a Lexington County courtroom on Friday for a pretrial hearing in his upcoming murder retrial, as prosecutors and defense attorneys clash over evidence. The hearing comes after weeks of opposing motions that could shape what the jury sees when the trial begins.
What issues will be argued?
Judge Debra McCaslin will consider disputes over .300 Blackout assault rifle cartridges, defense requests to test DNA found under Maggie Murdaugh's fingernails, 3D scans of the crime scene, and the disposal of the two murder weapons, a shotgun and an assault rifle, which have never been found. Prosecutors and defense lawyers have filed a series of replies in recent weeks, narrowing some disagreements. For example, the state said in an Oct. 8 filing it would provide 3D scans, and the defense replied on Oct. 9 that it was glad to hear it but wished the state had said so a month earlier.
Why does the evidence matter?
Murdaugh is charged with killing his wife Maggie and son Paul on June 7, 2021, at the family's 1,700-acre estate in Colleton County. No witnesses were present. A Colleton County jury convicted him in March 2023, and he received two life sentences. In May, the South Carolina Supreme Court unanimously overturned the convictions and sentences. Jury selection for the retrial is set for April 5 in Sumter County.
Could the trial be delayed?
The defense has hinted it may seek a continuance, saying the April 5 trial date will be difficult to keep if the state does not cooperate more. The defense also wants the state to explain who testified before a State Grand Jury about weapons disposal. The state has said it cannot confirm or deny the existence or contents of any grand jury investigation until appropriate. Additionally, the defense seeks evidence related to .300 Blackout ballistics, including any connection to other shootings, while the state says those examinations produced no leads.
FAQ
What is the hearing about?
It concerns pretrial disputes over DNA testing, ballistics evidence, 3D crime scene scans, and the disposal of the murder weapons.
When will the retrial start?
Jury selection is scheduled to begin April 5 in Sumter County, though the defense has suggested the date could be difficult to keep.
