South Carolina judge rules on ballistics, DNA and laser-scan requests in Alex Murdaugh evidentiary hearing
Judge Debra McCaslin denied a request for additional ballistics reports, ordered the state to provide raw data, and set deadlines for DNA testing and crime-scene laser scans as the Murdaugh case moves toward a retrial.
South Carolina Circuit Court Judge Debra McCaslin held an evidentiary hearing on Friday to address the defense’s requests for additional ballistics, DNA testing and 3-D laser mapping in the upcoming retrial of Alex Murdaugh. The judge rejected the defense’s motion for more ballistics reports on .300 Blackout ammunition, describing the request as lacking material relevance, but ordered prosecutors to hand over the raw data used for crime-scene comparisons.
"I don't believe that the defense has established that the requested information is material for the preparation of the defense, or otherwise subject to disclosure," McCaslin said.
Defense attorney Dick Harpootlian argued that the ammunition type is widely used in the region and should be examined under Brady and Giglio precedents. Prosecutor Creighton Waters countered that no ballistic matches have been identified linking the evidence to other crimes, though he noted the popularity of .300 Blackout rounds.
The judge also set a deadline for the state to provide the FARO laser-scan of the crime scene by the following Monday and directed that the defense receive the raw data for further expert analysis.
In separate matters, the court addressed a dispute over DNA testing of samples from Maggie Murdaugh’s fingernails and cellphone. The prosecution proposed using a single independent lab for shared testing, while defense lawyer Jim Griffin cited Rule 5 to prevent the state from using defense-conducted tests against the defendant. McCaslin warned prosecutors against “hogging” the defense’s right to independent testing.
During the hearing, McCaslin admonished both sides to maintain professionalism, interrupting a heated exchange between Harpootlian and Waters. She also granted a prosecution motion to correct the record regarding a prior statement that Murdaugh had passed a polygraph with “flying colors,” clarifying that he failed a polygraph related to asset concealment.
The hearing concluded with the judge’s order that the state supply the requested raw data and laser scans, while further motions on DNA and ballistics evidence remain pending as the case proceeds toward a retrial scheduled for next year.