Alex Murdaugh murder convictions and retrial
The South Carolina Supreme Court overturned Alex Murdaugh's murder convictions for the deaths of his wife and son on May 13, 2026, ordering a new trial due to improper conduct by Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill, who "placed her fingers on the scales of justice." As of June 29, 2026, Murdaugh's retrial has been scheduled for April 5, 2027, following a status and scheduling conference. His legal team filed pretrial motions on June 24, 2026, requesting a change of venue and advanced DNA testing, with a hearing set for June 30, 2026. Hill, whose alleged misconduct led to the overturned convictions, has denied most allegations in a federal civil rights lawsuit.
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June 2026 — 3 developments
Alex Murdaugh retrial scheduled for April 2027
Alex Murdaugh's retrial has been scheduled for April 5, 2027. This follows the overturning of his previous murder convictions due to alleged jury tampering. Murdaugh appeared in court on June 29, 2026, for a status and scheduling conference where the new trial date was set.
Alex Murdaugh's lawyers seek venue change and DNA testing in new pretrial motions
Alex Murdaugh's legal team filed pretrial motions on June 24, 2026, requesting a change of venue from Colleton County and advanced DNA testing on evidence from Maggie Murdaugh's fingernails. A hearing on these motions is scheduled for June 30, 2026.
Alex Murdaugh's retrial date set for June 29; Becky Hill denies lawsuit allegations
Alex Murdaugh's retrial has been scheduled, with the first hearing set for June 29, 2026. Meanwhile, Becky Hill, the former clerk of court whose alleged misconduct led to Murdaugh's overturned convictions, has denied most allegations in a federal civil rights lawsuit filed against her.
May 2026 — 3 developments
South Carolina Supreme Court Overturns Alex Murdaugh's Murder Convictions, Orders New Trial
The South Carolina Supreme Court has overturned Alex Murdaugh's murder convictions for the deaths of his wife and son, ordering a new trial. The court cited improper conduct by the Clerk of Court, Rebecca Hill, stating she "placed her fingers on the scales of justice, thereby denying Murdaugh his right to a fair trial by an impartial jury."
Alex Murdaugh's defense withdraws motion for civilian clothes during pretrial hearings
Alex Murdaugh's defense team filed a motion requesting he be allowed to wear civilian clothing and be unshackled during pretrial hearings, arguing he poses no security risk and restraints would be prejudicial. Prosecutors countered that Murdaugh should be treated like any other inmate. The defense has since withdrawn this motion.
Buster Murdaugh Settles Lawsuit Over Documentary
Buster Murdaugh has settled a lawsuit against producers of a documentary concerning the murders of his mother and brother. Alex Murdaugh was convicted of these murders in March 2023 and is currently appealing his conviction.
February 2026 — 3 developments
South Carolina Supreme Court Hears Alex Murdaugh's Appeal Citing Jury Tampering
The South Carolina Supreme Court heard arguments on February 11, 2026, concerning Alex Murdaugh's appeal of his double murder convictions. His legal team argues that the former clerk of court, Becky Hill, tampered with the jury. Hill has since pleaded guilty to charges related to her conduct during the trial.
Alex Murdaugh's Lawyers Argue for Overturning Murder Convictions at SC Supreme Court
Alex Murdaugh's lawyers presented arguments before the South Carolina Supreme Court seeking to overturn his murder convictions. The defense focused on allegations of jury tampering by the former court clerk, Becky Hill, while prosecutors defended the conviction. Murdaugh maintains his innocence.
Alex Murdaugh's Appeal Oral Arguments Set for February 2026 Before SC Supreme Court
Oral arguments for Alex Murdaugh's appeal are scheduled for February 11, 2026, before the South Carolina Supreme Court. The hearing will focus on legal issues such as jury tampering allegations and evidentiary rulings, rather than determining if Murdaugh will be freed. Legal experts suggest new trials on appeal are rare and typically granted due to procedural errors.
December 2025 — 1 developments
Becky Hill Pleads Guilty to Showing Sealed Murdaugh Exhibits to Reporter
Former Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill has pleaded guilty to criminal charges for showing sealed court exhibits, including crime scene photos, to a reporter and subsequently lying about it in court. This development is seen as potentially reviving Alex Murdaugh's efforts to obtain a new trial.
May 2025 — 1 developments
Becky Hill arrested, charged with felony misconduct
The former trial clerk, Becky Hill, was arrested and charged with felony misconduct, which was seen as potentially reviving Murdaugh's efforts for a new trial.
April 2024 — 1 developments
Alex Murdaugh sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for financial crimes
Alex Murdaugh was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for 22 financial crimes, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud. This sentence will run concurrently with his state sentences.
January 2024 — 2 developments
South Carolina judge denies Alex Murdaugh's new trial request
A South Carolina judge denied Alex Murdaugh's request for a new trial on January 30, 2024, ruling that alleged jury tampering by a court clerk did not influence the guilty verdict. Murdaugh was also sentenced to 40 years in federal prison on April 1, 2024, for stealing from clients, with this sentence to run concurrently with his life sentences for murder.
Judge denies Murdaugh's new trial motion based on jury tampering allegations
A judge denied Murdaugh's motion for a new trial, which was based on allegations of jury tampering by the court clerk.
November 2023 — 3 developments
Murdaugh sentenced to 27 years for financial crimes, concurrent with life sentences
Murdaugh was sentenced to 27 years in prison for the state financial crimes, to be served concurrently with his life sentences for murder.
Alex Murdaugh Pleads Guilty to 22 State Financial Crime Charges
Alex Murdaugh pleaded guilty to all 22 state charges related to financial crimes, including money laundering, wire fraud, and bank fraud.
Judge Clifton Newman recuses himself from Alex Murdaugh's new trial request
The judge who presided over Alex Murdaugh's murder trial, Clifton Newman, has recused himself from hearing Murdaugh's request for a new trial. Newman cited a "personal relationship" with a former juror as the reason for his recusal. Murdaugh's legal team had requested a new trial, alleging jury tampering by the court clerk.
September 2023 — 1 developments
Murdaugh Appears in Court for Hearings on 101 Financial Crime Charges
Murdaugh appeared in state court for hearings related to numerous financial crimes, with some of the 101 charges set for trial beginning the week of November 27.
March 2023 — 2 developments
Alex Murdaugh sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for murders of wife and son
Alex Murdaugh was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole for the murders of his wife and son.
Jury finds Alex Murdaugh guilty of murder in deaths of wife and son
A jury found Alex Murdaugh guilty of two counts of murder and two counts of possession of a weapon during a violent crime in the deaths of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh.
January 2023 — 1 developments
Alex Murdaugh murder trial begins in South Carolina Circuit Court
The murder trial of Alex Murdaugh began in the fourteenth circuit of the South Carolina Circuit Court.
July 2022 — 2 developments
Alex Murdaugh charged with murders of wife and son
Alex Murdaugh was charged with the murders of his wife and son, marking a significant escalation in the legal proceedings against him.
South Carolina Supreme Court disbars Alex Murdaugh for misconduct
The South Carolina Supreme Court officially disbarred Alex Murdaugh from practicing law in South Carolina due to his admitted "reprehensible misconduct."
October 2021 — 1 developments
Alex Murdaugh arrested in Florida for allegedly stealing $4 million in insurance settlements
Alex Murdaugh was arrested at a drug rehab facility in Orlando, Florida, on charges of stealing over $4 million in insurance settlements intended for the sons of his late housekeeper.
June 2021 — 1 developments
Alex Murdaugh's Wife and Son Found Murdered at Family Home
Alex Murdaugh's wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, were found murdered at their family home in Moselle, South Carolina. Paul was shot twice with a shotgun, and Maggie was shot multiple times with a rifle.