The South Carolina Supreme Court unanimously overturned the murder convictions of disbarred attorney Alex Murdaugh on Wednesday. Murdaugh had been serving two consecutive life sentences for the June 2021 slayings of his wife, Maggie, and his 22-year-old son, Paul, at their estate.
The state's highest court ruled that the 2023 trial was marred by shocking jury interference and improper external influences from county clerk Becky Hill. The justices stated that Hill's comments suggesting Murdaugh's guilt denied him a fair trial, leaving the court with no choice but to reverse the denial of a new trial despite the significant time and resources expended on the original proceedings.
Murdaugh, who has adamantly denied killing his family but admits to being a thief, liar, and insurance cheat, expressed through his lawyers that he is thankful to no longer be labeled a murderer. However, he will not be leaving prison soon, as he remains incarcerated for financial crimes and is serving a 40-year sentence. Prosecutors have indicated that they intend to retry the once-powerful lawyer.