Alex Murdaugh’s defense team is focusing on claims that a police chief mishandled the alleged murder weapons in the case that has returned to court ahead of his retrial. Murdaugh was convicted in 2023 for the murders of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, at their family's Moselle property. His convictions were later overturned by the South Carolina Supreme Court due to jury tampering, and his retrial is scheduled for April 5, 2027. Murdaugh maintains his innocence.
A hearing is scheduled for Friday to address several evidentiary matters. Among the defense's requests are motions concerning DNA evidence from Maggie Murdaugh's fingernail clippings and cellphone swabs, ballistics evidence, raw data from seized cellphones, and 3D laser scan data of the crime scene. The defense has contended that further analysis is needed for a male DNA profile found under Maggie Murdaugh's fingernails, which they claim the state crime lab identified but did not fully investigate. They have also requested information on all shootings in surrounding counties involving .300 Blackout cases or projectiles.
Prosecutors have stated they are prepared to provide original scans of the crime scene and have characterized the defense's ballistics requests as a "speculative fishing expedition." They also allege Murdaugh's defense is spreading "brazen falsehoods" regarding phone data they claim was produced in 2022.
The defense has also sought information regarding the handling, transport, concealment, or disposal of the alleged murder weapons. This includes a witness statement alleging that Yemassee Police Chief Greg Alexander was seen with the weapons shortly after the June 7, 2021, killings and that he provided Murdaugh with a change of clothes. Reports indicate a second Yemassee officer is under investigation for transporting and concealing weapons and clothing. The Post and Courier reported on these allegations, though they could not be corroborated by the newspaper.
Chief Alexander, through his attorney, has denied these accusations, stating, "The same explanation has been provided to SLED. That truth will outlive any ridiculous rumors and gossip."
During Murdaugh's initial trial, prosecutors argued that he used two different weapons, disposed of them later, and that the weapons were never recovered by police. Prosecutors have stated they will provide the requested information when legally obligated, and noted that grand jury proceedings are confidential.
Former prosecutor Joshua Ritter described the allegations against Chief Alexander as a "wild goose chase," suggesting that the defense is pursuing an uncorroborated report. He believes the judge will likely grant the defense access to the discovery they are entitled to but does not anticipate these filings will delay the retrial. Ritter characterized some of Murdaugh's recent filings as "borderline delay tactics."