COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – New Murder Trial Ordered for Ex-Attorney Alex Murdaugh
The South Carolina Supreme Court has ordered a new murder trial for ex-Lowcountry attorney Alex Murdaugh, who was once found guilty of killing his wife and son.
The court’s decision, released Wednesday, reversed Murdaugh’s murder convictions in the deaths of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul. Murdaugh is currently serving a nearly 30-year prison sentence for various financial crimes.
Justices found that Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill improperly influenced jurors with comments that undercut the defense and targeted Murdaugh’s credibility during the murder trial. The ruling also states that prosecutors were not able to prove there was no reasonably possible way it affected the verdict of the 2023 trial.
Murdaugh’s legal team, attorneys Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin, provided the following statement following the decision:
“The Supreme Court’s decision today affirms that the rule of law remains strong in South Carolina. The Court found that Becky Hill’s conduct during the trial attacked Alex Murdaugh’s credibility and his defense. The Court rightly described her conduct as ‘breathtaking,’ ‘disgraceful,’ and ‘unprecedented in South Carolina.’ We respect the decision that made clear that the retrial must look very different from the first. The initial jury heard more than twelve hours of testimony about Alex’s financial crimes. The Court held that this evidence went far beyond what was necessary and gave rise to unfair prejudice. On retrial, that will not be permitted. Alex has said from day one that he did not kill his wife and son. We look forward to a new trial conducted consistent with the Constitution and the guidance this Court has provided.”
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson confirmed in a statement that his office will retry Murdaugh on the murder charges.
“While we respectfully disagree with the court’s decision, my office will aggressively seek to retry Alex Murdaugh for the murders of Maggie and Paul as soon as possible,” Wilson said. “Let me be clear – this decision does not mean Murdaugh will be released. He will remain in prison for his financial crimes. No one is above the law and, as always, we will continue to fight for justice.”
The full ruling can be read below.
CASE TIMELINE
In the video below, WIS Anchor Greg Adaline walks through a timeline of Murdaugh’s criminal charges, trial and conviction.
This is a developing story. Stay with WIS for updates.
Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.
Copyright 2026 WIS. All rights reserved.
