Judge Moves Alex Murdaugh Retrial Outside 14th Circuit, Allows 2023 Testimony Under Conditions
Updated
Updated · CNN · Aug 14
Judge Moves Alex Murdaugh Retrial Outside 14th Circuit, Allows 2023 Testimony Under Conditions
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Aug 14
Summary
April 2027 is the target for Murdaugh’s retrial after Judge Debra McCaslin ordered the double-murder case moved out of South Carolina’s 14th Judicial Circuit, finding he could not get a fair trial in Colleton County.
Only relevant portions of Murdaugh’s 2023 testimony can be used at the new trial, with McCaslin saying statements about the killings may come in but broader material must satisfy normal evidence rules.
McCaslin also ordered police to give the defense DNA evidence from under Maggie Murdaugh’s fingernails for independent testing, while requiring any remaining testable sample to be returned to prosecutors.
The judge has not yet picked the new county; defense lawyers want Charleston for a broader jury pool, while prosecutors argue it would be the state’s most expensive and logistically difficult venue.
The rulings follow the South Carolina Supreme Court’s May decision overturning Murdaugh’s 2023 murder conviction over jury-tampering by the former Colleton County clerk.