Court to Hear Venue Dispute in Alex Murdaugh Retrial Amid Other Motions

A status hearing in Lexington on Friday will focus on a dispute between prosecutors and the defense over the location of Alex Murdaugh's second murder trial. The disbarred former lawyer, convicted in 2023 for the 2021 killings of his wife and son, is seeking to have the retrial moved from Colleton County to neighboring Charleston County, arguing that a larger population would make it easier to seat an impartial jury.

Prosecutors oppose the Charleston venue, citing higher costs, hotel shortages during the spring tourist season and the overlap with the Masters golf tournament, as well as potential traffic disruptions from seasonal storms. They contend that a suitable jury was selected quickly in the first trial and that the defense never challenged that process.

The defense responded that the state’s opposition effectively amounts to “anywhere but Charleston,” and that none of the alternative counties proposed by prosecutors meet their criteria.

Judge Debra McCaslin is also expected to address several other motions. Murdaugh’s lawyers have asked to dismiss the 2022 murder indictments, alleging that a key witness provided false testimony and fabricated evidence to the grand jury. The state has not yet filed a response.

The defense seeks independent testing of DNA found under Maggie Murdaugh's fingernails, arguing that earlier analysis was incomplete. The state does not oppose further testing but objects to handing over the remaining samples to a third party.

Additionally, prosecutors have moved to reuse Murdaugh’s 2023 testimony in the new trial, while the defense argues that using his testimony would violate the terms under which he testified.

Other pending matters include a juror questionnaire, protective orders for discovery, and a request to review digital evidence. The judge previously ordered that Murdaugh appear unshackled and in civilian clothing at pre-trial hearings and the trial when cameras are present.