State opposes Murdaugh defence DNA and firearms requests

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 10:55 · Archive

Prosecutors asked a judge to reject requests by Alex Murdaugh's defence to examine DNA evidence and firearms.

South Carolina prosecutors asked a judge to reject two requests from Alex Murdaugh's defence team. The defence sought access to the firearms used to kill Maggie and Paul Murdaugh, and permission to conduct independent DNA testing on evidence from the case.

Prosecutors opposed the DNA testing plan, stating that the defence intended to combine all remaining DNA samples from Maggie Murdaugh's fingernails for testing in a way that would permanently exhaust the available material. The state said the defence's proposed testing would 'consume all of any remaining sample' with 'no material would remain for subsequent testing by either party'.

The state argued that the defence had already received relevant DNA reports and case files before the first trial. Prosecutors asked the court to require the defence's testing provider, Othram, to discuss its plan with SLED scientists before proceeding, and said they should be able to observe the testing and receive the results.

On the firearms request, prosecutors said they would comply with disclosure obligations if required by the court.

How it is being reported

• State opposes Murdaugh requests for DNA evidenceThe state asked the judge to deny two requests by Alex Murdaugh’s defense: to view the guns used to kill Maggie and Paul Murdaugh, and to see DNA samples for the defense’s own testing.Live5News · 9 Oct, 04:26
• State opposes Murdaugh requests for DNA evidenceThe state asked the judge to deny two requests by Alex Murdaugh’s defense: to view the guns used to kill Maggie and Paul Murdaugh, and to see DNA samples for the defense’s own testing.WISTV · 9 Oct, 04:26

In this story: Alex Murdaugh · Maggie Murdaugh · Paul Murdaugh · South Carolina · Othram · SLED

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