Murdaugh Returns to Court as Defense Challenges Evidence Handling

WHO:

CNN - Alex Murdaugh, 58, is the defendant in the murder trial.

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

ABC News - Prosecutors include Senior Assistant Deputy Attorney General Creighton Waters.

CNN - Defense attorney Richard Harpootlian represents Murdaugh.

CNN - Greg Alexander is the Chief of Police of the Town of Yemassee.

WHAT:

CNN - Murdaugh is due back in court for a hearing regarding evidence handling.

CNN - The defense is requesting further evidence from prosecutors, including information about the murder weapons.

CNN - Murdaugh's retrial is set to begin on April 5.

ABC News - Murdaugh is facing two murder charges for the deaths of Maggie and Paul.

ABC News - The South Carolina Supreme Court overturned Murdaugh's convictions earlier this year.

ABC News - Murdaugh is currently serving a 40-year federal sentence and a 27-year state sentence for financial crimes.

CNN - The defense claims that the allegations regarding police handling of evidence are “exculpatory.”

ABC News - Prosecutors and defense lawyers are expected to dispute DNA testing and evidence sharing.

WHERE:

CNN - The retrial will be held in Sumter County, South Carolina.

ABC News - The original trial was held in Colleton County, South Carolina.

CNN - The murders occurred at the Murdaugh family estate, Moselle.

WHEN:

CNN - Murdaugh's retrial is scheduled for April 5.

CNN - The South Carolina Supreme Court overturned Murdaugh's convictions earlier this year.

WHY:

CNN - The defense argues that the handling of evidence by local police undermines the prosecution's theory that Murdaugh acted alone.

ABC News - The retrial is necessary due to the influence of a court clerk on the jury during the original trial.

HOW:

CNN - The defense is requesting further DNA testing on evidence, including fingernail clippings and a cell phone.

ABC News - Prosecutors are expected to argue over the sharing of ballistics and other evidence related to the case.

(UPDATED October 16, 2026 10:59 UTC)

Alex Murdaugh, who is currently serving a 40-year federal sentence and a 27-year state sentence for financial crimes, is set to return to court for a hearing on evidence handling as he faces two murder charges for the deaths of his wife Maggie and son Paul. His retrial is scheduled to begin on April 5 in Sumter County, South Carolina, after the South Carolina Supreme Court overturned his previous convictions due to concerns about jury influence. The defense is seeking further DNA testing on evidence, while prosecutors and defense lawyers are expected to dispute issues related to evidence sharing and the handling of the case by local police.