The South Carolina Supreme Court has agreed to hear convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh’s jury tampering appeal. This decision skips the Court of Appeals process and goes straight to the high court. The state Supreme Court has the authority to potentially overturn a judge’s previous ruling that denied Murdaugh’s request for a new murder trial.
In July, Murdaugh's attorneys filed a motion requesting the high court to review the ruling before the appeal is determined by the state Court of Appeals. They argue that the case involves a significant public interest issue and a major legal principle that warrants certification.
The appeal stems from allegations that the former Colleton County Clerk of Court tampered with the jury by making comments implying Murdaugh’s guilt. Despite acknowledging improper comments by the clerk, a retired Chief Justice previously ruled that they did not influence the jury's verdict.
Murdaugh's legal team questions whether it is presumptively prejudicial for a state official to advocate for a guilty verdict through secret contacts with jurors during a trial. The former clerk has denied the allegations but resigned from her position and is under state investigation for ethics violations.
After a six-week trial last year, a Colleton County jury found Murdaugh guilty of murdering his wife and youngest son. He is currently serving two life sentences for their murders and has also been sentenced in state and federal court for financial crimes.
Despite his convictions, Murdaugh continues to appeal his federal sentence for the financial charges. The state Attorney General’s Office declined to comment on the ongoing matter following the state Supreme Court's decision to hear the appeal.
