Trending Now - South Carolina Supreme Court Grants New Trial for Alex Murdaugh

WHO:

Fox News - South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson stated, “Let me be clear — this decision does not mean Murdaugh will be released. He will remain in prison for his financial crimes.”

Fox News - Murdaugh's attorneys, Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin, stated, “We respect the decision that made clear that the retrial must look very different from the first.”

[10:00 AM] - NBC News - South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson stated, “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.”

[10:00 AM] - NBC News - Murdaugh's attorneys, Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin, said, “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.”

Fox News - South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson stated he would aggressively seek to retry Alex Murdaugh for the murders of Maggie and Paul as soon as possible.

Fox News - Murdaugh's attorneys, Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin, expressed that they look forward to a new trial conducted consistent with the Constitution and the guidance provided by the court.

Fox News - South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson stated he would retry Murdaugh on the murder charges.

Fox News - Murdaugh's attorneys, Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin, expressed that they look forward to a new trial conducted consistent with the Constitution.

CNN - Retired South Carolina Chief Justice Jean Toal determined that Becky Hill was “not credible” and was “attracted by the siren call of celebrity.”

CNN - Retired South Carolina Chief Justice Jean Toal determined that Becky Hill was not credible and was “attracted by the siren call of celebrity.”

CNN - Retired South Carolina Chief Justice Jean Toal determined that comments made by county clerk Becky Hill did not influence the jury’s verdict.

CNN - Alex Murdaugh, a prominent attorney from a South Carolina Lowcountry legal dynasty.

CNN - Becky Hill, the county clerk involved in the trial.

CNN - Murdaugh's wife, Maggie, and son, Paul.

WHAT:

The State - The South Carolina Supreme Court's ruling raised new questions about when a new trial will take place, whether a change in venue will be requested, and who will preside over the new trial since Trial Judge Clifton Newman has retired.

The State - The ruling indicated that the retrial must avoid the extensive presentation of prejudicial evidence that was allowed in the first trial.

[10:00 AM] - NBC News - The South Carolina Supreme Court's ruling was a 27-page, 5-0 decision that overturned Murdaugh's murder conviction and ordered a new trial.

[10:00 AM] - NBC News - The ruling raised questions about when a new trial will take place, whether a change in venue will be requested, and who will preside over the new trial since Trial Judge Clifton Newman has retired.

The State - The South Carolina Supreme Court's ruling was a 27-page, 5-0 decision that overturned Murdaugh's murder conviction and ordered a new trial.

The State - The ruling raised questions about when a new trial will take place, whether a change in venue will be requested, and who will preside over the new trial since Trial Judge Clifton Newman has retired.

The State - The court's ruling stated that the retrial must look very different from the first, particularly regarding the admissibility of Murdaugh's financial crimes evidence, which should be presented "efficiently without the lengthy presentation of inflammatory details."

The State - The South Carolina Supreme Court's ruling was a 27-page, 5-0 decision that overturned Murdaugh's murder conviction.

NBC News - The South Carolina Supreme Court ordered a new trial in the killing of Murdaugh's wife and son, citing the clerk's improper external influences on jurors.

Fox News - Murdaugh's double murder conviction was unanimously overturned by the South Carolina Supreme Court.

Fox News - The South Carolina Supreme Court's ruling is described as the latest twist in the Murdaugh saga that has spawned true crime documentaries, podcasts, and books.

NBC News - Murdaugh's attorneys argued that the prosecution's extensive focus on his financial crimes was inappropriate in a murder trial.

CNN - Murdaugh's appeal was based on comments made by Becky Hill, who later wrote a tell-all book about the trial.

CNN - The South Carolina Supreme Court stated, “We are accordingly constrained to reverse the post-trial court’s denial of Murdaugh’s motion and remand for a new trial consistent with this opinion.”

CNN - The South Carolina Supreme Court stated that the trial was marred by the “improper” influence of county clerk Becky Hill.

CNN - The ruling was made in a 5-0 vote by the justices.

CNN - Murdaugh's murder trial was described as lasting six weeks.

CNN - Murdaugh was convicted of the murders of his wife and son in June 2021.

CNN - Murdaugh's attorneys argued that the prosecution's focus on his financial crimes was inappropriate and should have been limited or excluded from the trial.

CNN - Murdaugh's appeal was based on alleged comments made by Becky Hill, including suggestions to jurors to "watch his body language," which some jurors affirmed in affidavits and testimony.

CNN - The South Carolina Supreme Court stated, “Although we are aware of the time, money, and effort expended for this lengthy trial, we have no choice but to reverse the denial of Murdaugh’s motion for a new trial due to Hill’s improper external influences on the jury and remand for a new trial,” in their ruling.

Fox News - Murdaugh's murder trial was described as the capstone to a remarkable fall from grace for the personal injury lawyer, whose family had served as local prosecutors consecutively from 1920 to 2006.

NBC News - The South Carolina Supreme Court ordered a new trial in the killing of Murdaugh's wife and son, citing the clerk's improper external influences on jurors.

CNN - The South Carolina Supreme Court overturned Alex Murdaugh’s murder convictions and ordered a new trial.

CNN - The court ruled in a 5-0 vote that the trial was influenced by improper comments from county clerk Becky Hill.

CNN - Murdaugh was convicted of murdering his wife and son in March 2023 and received two life sentences.

CNN - Murdaugh also pleaded guilty to dozens of financial crimes, serving concurrent state and federal sentences of 27 and 40 years.

WHERE:

CNN - The trial took place in South Carolina.

WHEN:

The State - Murdaugh's appeal was heard in February 2024.

CNN - Hill was charged with perjury, obstruction of justice, and misconduct last May and was sentenced to three years of probation in December 2025.

CNN - Hill was charged with perjury, obstruction of justice, and misconduct last May and pleaded guilty to the charges in December 2025.

CNN - Murdaugh was convicted in March 2023.

CNN - Hill was charged with perjury, obstruction of justice, and misconduct last May.

CNN - Hill pleaded guilty to the charges in December 2025 and was sentenced to three years of probation.

WHY:

ABC News - Murdaugh’s attorneys contended that the prosecution improperly used evidence of his financial crimes to suggest a motive for the murders, asserting that this evidence was key to their theory of his motive.

CNN - Murdaugh’s attorneys argued that Hill's comments violated his right to a fair trial and an impartial jury.

CNN - Murdaugh’s attorneys contended that the prosecution improperly used evidence of his financial crimes to suggest a motive for the murders, asserting that this evidence was key to their theory of his motive.

CNN - Murdaugh's attorneys argued that Hill's comments violated his right to a fair trial and an impartial jury.

CNN - Murdaugh’s attorneys argued that the prosecution’s extensive focus on his financial crimes was inappropriate in a murder trial, claiming it was used to malign his character.

CNN - The Supreme Court found that Hill's comments to jurors constituted improper external influences that violated Murdaugh's right to a fair trial.

CNN - Murdaugh's attorneys argued that the trial was tainted by prejudicial evidence and failures at trial.

HOW:

The State - The South Carolina Supreme Court stated that the retrial must present evidence of Murdaugh's financial crimes "efficiently without the lengthy presentation of inflammatory details."

[10:00 AM] - NBC News - The South Carolina Supreme Court indicated that the retrial must avoid the extensive presentation of prejudicial evidence that was allowed in the first trial.

The State - The South Carolina Supreme Court indicated that the retrial must avoid the extensive presentation of prejudicial evidence that was allowed in the first trial.

The State - The South Carolina Supreme Court indicated that the retrial must look very different from the first, particularly regarding the admissibility of Murdaugh's financial crimes evidence, which should be presented "efficiently without the lengthy presentation of inflammatory details."

CNN - The prosecution acknowledged the clerk's comments were inappropriate but argued they were minor in the context of the trial.

CNN - The prosecution acknowledged that the clerk's comments were inappropriate but argued they were minor in the context of the trial.

CNN - Murdaugh's attorneys contended that the prosecution improperly used evidence of his financial crimes to suggest a motive for the murders, asserting that this evidence should have been limited or excluded from the trial.

CNN - Murdaugh's appeal focused on comments made by Becky Hill, which included suggestions to jurors to "watch his body language," implying Murdaugh's guilt.

CNN - The prosecution argued that the evidence against Murdaugh was overwhelming, despite acknowledging the clerk's comments were inappropriate.

(UPDATED May 14, 2026 15:41 UTC)

The South Carolina Supreme Court has ruled that Alex Murdaugh's retrial must significantly differ from the first, focusing on presenting evidence of his financial crimes efficiently and avoiding the prejudicial details that were previously allowed. South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson emphasized that this decision does not mean Murdaugh will be released, as he will remain in prison for those financial crimes. Meanwhile, Murdaugh's attorneys expressed their respect for the ruling, which has raised questions about the timing of the new trial, potential changes in venue, and the appointment of a new presiding judge following the retirement of Trial Judge Clifton Newman.

(UPDATED May 14, 2026 13:26 UTC)

The South Carolina Supreme Court has issued a unanimous ruling overturning Alex Murdaugh's murder conviction and ordering a new trial, prompting Attorney General Alan Wilson to announce that his office will aggressively pursue the retrial. Murdaugh's attorneys, Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin, reiterated their client's innocence, expressing eagerness for a trial that aligns with constitutional standards and the court's guidance. The Supreme Court's decision raises important questions about the timing of the new trial, the possibility of a venue change, and the appointment of a new presiding judge, following the retirement of Trial Judge Clifton Newman.

(UPDATED May 14, 2026 11:33 UTC)

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced plans to aggressively retry Alex Murdaugh for the murders of Maggie and Paul following a recent ruling from the South Carolina Supreme Court, which overturned Murdaugh's conviction in a unanimous decision. Murdaugh's attorneys expressed their eagerness for a new trial that adheres to constitutional standards and court guidance, while the Supreme Court emphasized that this retrial must differ significantly from the first, particularly in how evidence related to Murdaugh's financial crimes is presented. Key questions remain about the timing of the new trial, the possibility of a change in venue, and the appointment of a new presiding judge, as Trial Judge Clifton Newman has retired.

(UPDATED May 14, 2026 06:06 UTC)

In a significant development, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced plans to retry Alex Murdaugh on murder charges following a unanimous ruling from the South Carolina Supreme Court that overturned his previous conviction. Murdaugh's attorneys, Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin, expressed their eagerness for a new trial that adheres to constitutional standards, while the court's decision raises important questions about the trial's timing, potential venue changes, and the selection of a new presiding judge after Trial Judge Clifton Newman’s retirement. The Supreme Court emphasized that this retrial must differ markedly from the first, particularly in how evidence related to Murdaugh's financial crimes is presented, insisting it should be done efficiently and without excessive inflammatory details.

(UPDATED May 14, 2026 04:16 UTC)

The South Carolina Supreme Court has ordered a new trial in the double murder case of Alex Murdaugh, overturning his previous conviction due to improper external influences on jurors. In a related development, retired Chief Justice Jean Toal found that Becky Hill was “not credible” and drawn to the allure of celebrity, as she faced charges of perjury and obstruction of justice last May, resulting in a three-year probation sentence in December 2025. Murdaugh's legal team argued that the prosecution improperly introduced evidence of his financial crimes to suggest a motive for the murders, which they claimed was crucial to their case.

(UPDATED May 14, 2026 01:35 UTC)

In a significant ruling, retired South Carolina Chief Justice Jean Toal found Becky Hill to be “not credible” and suggested she was drawn to the allure of celebrity. This decision marks another twist in the ongoing Murdaugh saga, which has inspired numerous true crime documentaries, podcasts, and books, as Murdaugh's attorneys argued that the prosecution's focus on his financial crimes was inappropriate for a murder trial. The prosecution admitted that comments made by the clerk were inappropriate but maintained that they were minor in the overall context of the trial.

(UPDATED May 13, 2026 23:19 UTC)

In a significant ruling, the South Carolina Supreme Court has reversed the denial of Alex Murdaugh's motion for a new trial, citing concerns over comments made by Becky Hill, who has been deemed not credible by retired Chief Justice Jean Toal. Hill, who was charged with perjury and obstruction of justice last May, later wrote a tell-all book about the trial, leading Murdaugh's attorneys to argue that her remarks compromised his right to a fair trial. The court's decision comes with a remand for a new trial, emphasizing the need for an impartial jury in light of the inappropriate comments acknowledged by the prosecution.

(UPDATED May 13, 2026 21:21 UTC)

The South Carolina Supreme Court has ruled that Alex Murdaugh's murder trial was tainted by the "improper" influence of county clerk Becky Hill, with justices voting unanimously five to zero. Murdaugh, who was convicted of murdering his wife and son in June 2021, had a trial that lasted six weeks, during which his attorneys argued that the prosecution inappropriately focused on his financial crimes to suggest a motive for the murders. They maintained that this evidence should have been limited or excluded from the trial altogether.

(UPDATED May 13, 2026 19:33 UTC)

Retired South Carolina Chief Justice Jean Toal has ruled that comments made by county clerk Becky Hill did not impact the jury's verdict in the Murdaugh case. Murdaugh's appeal was based on allegations that Hill suggested jurors "watch his body language," which some jurors confirmed in affidavits and testimony, while his attorneys argued that these comments violated his right to a fair trial. Although the prosecution conceded that Hill's remarks were inappropriate, they maintained that they were minor in the overall context of the trial.

(UPDATED May 13, 2026 17:41 UTC)

The South Carolina Supreme Court has ordered a new trial for Alex Murdaugh in the murder case of his wife and son, citing improper external influences on jurors as the reason for their decision. Murdaugh's attorneys argued that the prosecution's focus on his financial crimes was inappropriate for a murder trial and claimed it was used to tarnish his character. They contended that evidence of his financial issues should have been limited or excluded, as it suggested a motive for the murders that was not relevant to the case.

(UPDATED May 13, 2026 15:53 UTC)

In a significant legal development, the South Carolina Supreme Court has overturned Alex Murdaugh’s murder convictions and ordered a new trial, ruling unanimously that improper comments from county clerk Becky Hill influenced the original proceedings. Murdaugh, who was convicted of murdering his wife Maggie and son Paul in March 2023 and sentenced to two life terms, also faces concurrent sentences for financial crimes totaling 67 years. The court found that Hill's suggestions to jurors about watching Murdaugh's body language constituted external influences that violated his right to a fair trial.