Alex Murdaugh's defense team has filed a motion demanding prosecutors conduct a new search for evidence that could benefit the defense or undermine the state's witnesses ahead of his retrial. The motion, filed in court following the overturning of his double murder conviction, argues that due to the passage of time since the initial trial, a comprehensive review of existing and potentially new evidence is warranted.
Murdaugh was convicted in March 2023 of murdering his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, in June 2021. His conviction was later overturned by the South Carolina Supreme Court due to allegations of jury tampering by a court clerk, leading to the order for a new trial.
The defense's filing specifically requests information that could be used to challenge the credibility of state witnesses. This includes any records of misconduct, disciplinary findings, past inconsistent statements, or any plea deals, rewards, or promises of favorable treatment offered to witnesses. The request also covers any new forensic or DNA findings that have emerged since the original trial.
Additionally, Murdaugh's attorneys are seeking information related to two South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) investigations, referred to as the "Side of Road" and narcotics cases. The defense wants written confirmation that prosecutors have completed a thorough, current search and disclosed all required information.
Murdaugh's legal team has requested this information within 30 days. The disgraced former attorney, once a prominent figure in South Carolina's legal community, is scheduled for a retrial status hearing on Friday, August 14. The state has previously maintained that Murdaugh received a fair trial, despite the Supreme Court's decision to remand the case for new proceedings.