South Carolina High Court Overturns Murdaugh Murder Convictions, Orders New Trial
The South Carolina Supreme Court reversed Alex Murdaugh's 2023 murder convictions, citing Colleton County clerk Becky Hill's improper jury influence; prosecutors say they will aggressively seek a retrial.
PJ MediaAlex Murdaugh Will Get a New Trial as SC Supreme Court Overturns Murder Convictions of Wife and Son
BBC NewsCourt overturns Alex Murdaugh's murder convictions
CBS NewsAlex Murdaugh murder convictions overturned by South Carolina Supreme Court, new trial ordered
FOX NewsAG aims to retry Alex Murdaugh ‘quickly’ as both sides enter courtroom chess match with each other’s gameplans
Overview
The South Carolina Supreme Court on May 13, 2026 overturned Alex Murdaugh's March 2023 murder convictions and ordered a new trial because the county clerk improperly influenced jurors, the court wrote.
The court said Colleton County Clerk Becky Hill told jurors not to be fooled by Murdaugh's testimony and pressured them to decide quickly, and it faulted the trial for extensive evidence about his financial crimes.
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson said his office will "aggressively seek to retry Alex Murdaugh as soon as possible," and Murdaugh's lawyers said he has maintained his innocence.
Murdaugh, described as 56 to 57 years old in reports, was convicted in March 2023, received life sentences for the murders and additional 27- and 40-year sentences for state and federal financial crimes.
A new trial date has not been set and legal experts said jury selection will be difficult in such a high-profile case.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame Murdaugh primarily as a disgraced, criminal figure by using loaded descriptors (disgraced lawyer), chronological emphasis on indictments and convictions, and highlights of sensational elements (documentaries, quick jury deliberation). They foreground prosecutorial actions and omit defense context, reinforcing a condemnation narrative.