The South Carolina Supreme Court on Wednesday overturned the 2023 murder convictions of disgraced lawyer Alex Murdaugh, ordering a new trial in the June 2021 killings of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul. The court ruled 4-1 that the trial court erred by allowing testimony from a court clerk who claimed Murdaugh made incriminating statements, violating his right to a fair trial.
Murdaugh, 55, was convicted in March 2023 of two counts of murder and sentenced to life in prison without parole. The high court's decision sends the case back to Colleton County for a new trial, though prosecutors may appeal or seek to retry him.
The ruling focused on testimony from Rebecca Hill, the Colleton County clerk of court, who said Murdaugh told her he was guilty. The Supreme Court found that this testimony was improperly admitted and prejudiced the jury. The court also noted that Hill had financial motives, as she later wrote a book about the case.
Murdaugh's legal team argued that the trial was tainted by the clerk's conduct and other issues. The state attorney general's office said it is reviewing the decision and considering next steps. Murdaugh remains in custody pending further proceedings.
The case has drawn widespread attention due to Murdaugh's fall from a prominent legal family and the brutal nature of the murders. The new trial date has not yet been set.
