Alex Murdaugh's retrial for the murders of his wife and son will be moved from Colleton County, South Carolina, but a new venue has not yet been determined. Judge Debra McCaslin made the ruling Friday, agreeing that Murdaugh could not receive a fair trial in the county where the original trial took place, which was marred by jury tampering allegations.
The judge stated that the trial cannot occur anywhere within the 14th Judicial Circuit, which includes Colleton County. An order will be issued later to specify the new location. The South Carolina Supreme Court overturned Murdaugh's previous conviction earlier this year, citing misconduct by the court clerk who communicated with jurors and influenced deliberations. The court clerk's actions, according to the ruling, "placed her fingers on the scales of justice, thereby denying Murdaugh his right to a fair trial by an impartial jury."
Murdaugh's defense team has argued that due to his family's long-standing legal ties in some South Carolina counties, he cannot receive a fair trial in certain areas. The defense had proposed Charleston as a potential venue, but the state argued it would create an undue financial burden on taxpayers. Murdaugh himself showed little reaction to the ruling.
Judge McCaslin confirmed her intention to adhere to the April 5, 2027, trial start date. During a hearing that spanned over three hours, various motions from both the prosecution and defense were addressed. The judge ruled that Murdaugh's testimony from his first trial may be admissible in the new trial, contingent on the specific content of the testimony. However, the defense will not be permitted to introduce results from Murdaugh's polygraph test, with the judge warning of potential contempt charges or a mistrial if it is mentioned.
Additionally, the judge ruled that if the defense intends to use data from Murdaugh's phone, they must provide advance notice and access to the prosecution. Both legal teams are to collaborate on a jury questionnaire, and the judge will directly oversee the jury selection process. The defense also requested access to the full potential jury list before the trial, suggesting that the former court clerk's interference may have started as early as the jury selection phase.
Murdaugh is currently serving prison time for separate financial crimes, for which he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 27 years on state charges and 40 years on federal charges. While he has admitted to financial misconduct, he maintains his innocence in the deaths of his wife and son.