South Carolina Supreme Court Orders New Trial for Alex Murdaugh

A well-known double murder trial in South Carolina is set to unfold again after a decision from the state Supreme Court.

The court reversed the conviction of former attorney Alex Murdaugh for the 2021 killings of his wife and son, siding with his appeal in a ruling issued on Wednesday. The justices expressed concern over remarks made by County Clerk Becky Hill to the jurors, suggesting these may have influenced their guilty verdict.

“Although we acknowledge the significant time, resources, and effort devoted to this extensive trial, we must reverse the denial of Mr. Murdaugh’s motion for a new trial and remand for a new trial due to Mr. Hill’s improper influence on the jury,” stated the South Carolina Supreme Court.

During the original trial, Hill reportedly made statements that could be construed as suggestive, like advising jurors to “Watch your body language.” Furthermore, she claimed to have given jurors a “tidbit” of information, directing them to focus on the proceedings, and mentioned it was a “big day.” She has denied any intention to sway the jury.

CNN noted that Murdaugh had received two life sentences for the murders, maintaining his innocence while also pleading guilty to unrelated financial crimes associated with his law practice. Meanwhile, Hill admitted guilt in December to charges of perjury, obstruction of justice, and misconduct linked to the trial, after having disclosed sealed evidence to the media and lying about it while promoting her book on the case.

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson made a statement regarding the court’s decision, expressing disagreement but a commitment to pursue a retry for Murdaugh in the killings of Maggie and Paul without delay. He clarified that this ruling does not imply Murdaugh’s release; he will remain incarcerated due to his financial offenses. “No one is above the law, and we will persist in our pursuit of justice,” Wilson affirmed.