The South Carolina Court of Appeals has reversed Alex Murdaugh's murder conviction after finding that the clerk of court tampered with a juror. On Episode 76, Daniel Rosenberg and Michael Dye explain what the ruling means and what comes next.
They start with the backstory. The Murdaugh family held enormous influence in the Lowcountry. The fatal boat crash involving Paul Murdaugh began the family's public downfall, and Alex Murdaugh's financial crimes and opioid addiction followed.
The case at trial
The pair walk through the night of the murders at Moselle in 2021, how cell phone data and the kennel video undercut Alex Murdaugh's account, and why the state's case relied on circumstantial evidence. They also discuss his decision to testify, the missing white T-shirt and what a recent Netflix documentary added to public understanding of the case.
Possible next steps
With the conviction reversed, the options include a new trial, a change of venue or a plea. Daniel and Michael explain the trade-offs of each.
The panel first took up the appeal on Episode 73, with Lloyd Golburgh, asking whether any defendant can get a fair retrial when a case has been covered by streaming documentaries. That question now looks more urgent than ever.
This brief summarizes reporting and analysis discussed on Two Taps and Friends. It is not legal advice.
