Murdaugh Seeks 93-Page Order for DNA Evidence Ahead of 2027 Retrial

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 21

Alex Murdaugh’s lawyers asked a South Carolina judge to force prosecutors to turn over forensic material they say was never fully tested, including unidentified male DNA under Maggie Murdaugh’s fingernails.
The 93-page motion also seeks more ballistics evidence, a fuller DNA profile from swabs on Maggie Murdaugh’s phone, and raw 3D laser-scan data from the Colleton County crime scene.
Defense lawyers say the state’s delays are undermining trial preparation and could force a continuance Murdaugh does not want, while also accusing prosecutors of changing their position on how common .300 Blackout rifles are.
Former prosecutor Joshua Ritter called the DNA push a gamble, saying it could hurt the defense if testing identifies a man with a solid alibi instead of supporting an unknown-suspect theory.
Murdaugh’s 2023 murder convictions were overturned over jury tampering by former clerk Becky Hill, and his retrial in the 2021 killings of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh is set for April 5, 2027.