Alex Murdaugh's lawyers seek dismissal of murder indictments, allege investigator deception

Attorneys for Alex Murdaugh are scheduled to appear before a judge on Friday to request that the original murder indictments for the 2021 killings of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, be dismissed. The defense argues that State Law Enforcement Division agent David Owen, the chief investigator, provided inaccurate statements to the Colleton County grand jury.

The request comes as the South Carolina Supreme Court has already ordered a retrial, overturning Murdaugh's convictions and life sentence after finding that a court clerk improperly influenced jurors during the 2023 trial. Even if the judge grants the motion, prosecutors could seek a new set of grand jury indictments as early as next month, and the defense has indicated it will not block further proceedings.

The defense contends that Owen told jurors that blood spatter was found on a T-shirt Murdaugh wore on the night of the killings, a claim contradicted by earlier state reports that found no such stains. Owen also alleged that ammunition used in the shooting was discovered loaded in weapons across the property, a statement the defense says is inaccurate.

Prosecutors maintain that ample evidence supports the murder charges and have noted that "a single mistake is not bad faith." They also say Owen informed jurors about a video recorded by Paul Murdaugh that captured Alex Murdaugh's voice at the scene, as well as the family's financial troubles and Murdaugh's alleged theft schemes.

Murdaugh, 58, has previously admitted to financial misconduct and opioid addiction but continues to deny involvement in the killings. His lawyers emphasize the lack of physical evidence, such as DNA or blood on Murdaugh or his clothing, despite the close-range nature of the shootings.

If the judge dismisses the indictments, the case would likely proceed to a new trial scheduled for April, with prosecutors prepared to present fresh grand jury charges.