Murdaugh retrial evidence dispute centres on DNA and weapons

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 16:02 · Archive

Prosecutors and Alex Murdaugh's lawyers disputed evidence for his retrial on murder charges scheduled for April.

Alex Murdaugh, 58, a once-prominent heir to a Southern legal dynasty, faces retrial in April on two murder charges in the June 2021 shooting deaths of his wife Maggie and younger son Paul at their home in Colleton County. The South Carolina Supreme Court overturned his 2023 convictions earlier this year after ruling that a court clerk had influenced jurors during the trial by instructing them to watch Murdaugh's body language and not be deceived by his testimony.

On Friday, prosecutors and Murdaugh's lawyers returned to court amid escalating disputes over evidence. Murdaugh's defence team filed motions complaining that prosecutors were delaying the sharing of evidence, threatening to postpone the April 5 retrial date. Prosecutors said the disputes were mostly misunderstandings.

Both sides are expected to argue whether defence DNA experts can test the remainder of a genetic sample found under Murdaugh's wife's fingernails. They are also expected to dispute whether authorities must turn over ballistics and other evidence from shootings in eight surrounding counties involving the same type of gun used in the killings. Murdaugh, who is serving a lengthy prison sentence after pleading guilty to stealing from clients, has denied the murders.

How it is being reported

• Fight over evidence in Alex Murdaugh retrial turns to DNA and missing murder weaponsProsecutors and lawyers for Alex Murdaugh have returned to court to dispute evidence for his retrial on murder charges next year.Clickorlando · 16 Oct, 05:12
• Fight over evidence in Alex Murdaugh retrial turns to DNA and missing murder weaponsProsecutors and lawyers for Alex Murdaugh have returned to court to dispute evidence for his retrial on murder charges next year.News4Jax · 16 Oct, 05:12

In this story: Alex Murdaugh · Maggie Murdaugh · Paul Murdaugh · Judge Debra McCaslin · South Carolina · Colleton County

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