South Carolina Attorney General Plans to Retry Alex Murdaugh After Overturned Conviction

South Carolina’s Attorney General Alan Wilson announced that the state intends to pursue a retrial for Alex Murdaugh. This comes after the South Carolina Supreme Court annulled Murdaugh’s double murder conviction from 2023, pointing to improper jury influence by court clerk Becky Hill. Wilson emphasized his commitment to ensuring justice for Murdaugh’s wife, Maggie, and son, Paul.

On Friday, Wilson mentioned that if Murdaugh is found guilty again in the new trial, the possibility of seeking the death penalty remains. “With the Supreme Court’s ruling, we are essentially back to square one, which means all legal options, including the death penalty, are on the table,” he stated.

The Supreme Court’s recent decision voided Murdaugh’s earlier conviction for the killing of his wife and son, an act for which he received a life sentence without parole.

The unanimous ruling by the court highlighted that Hill had exerted “improper outside influence” during the original trial. The court explained, “Despite recognizing the significant resources that went into the trial, we must reverse Murdaugh’s denial for a new trial due to this influence.” They noted that Hill’s behavior compromised Murdaugh’s right to a fair trial.

Evidence presented in court revealed that Hill advised jurors with remarks like “don’t be fooled,” and cautioned them against getting distracted by the defense’s arguments. One juror recalled how Hill warned them about being deceived by the evidence put forth by Murdaugh’s team.

This attempt by Hill to intervene in jury deliberations was allegedly motivated by a desire to write a book on the case, aiming for celebrity status.

Interestingly, the ruling indicated that Hill’s actions reflected not just negligence but a deeper aspiration for public recognition that overshadowed her duties. “Mr. Murdaugh’s right to an impartial jury was violated, thus validating his request for a new trial,” the court concluded.

In December 2025, it was reported that Hill pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including obstruction and misconduct in public office, as she had been found to have leaked sealed evidence from the trial. In court, Hill acknowledged her mistakes, expressing deep regret and shame over her actions.

She received a sentence of three years’ probation following the guilty plea.

Legal representatives for Murdaugh have been contacted for additional comments regarding this ongoing situation.