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Hampton Today
By the People, for the People
Alex Murdaugh Appeals Murder Convictions to SC Supreme Court
Murdaugh continues to deny killing wife and son as he seeks new trial
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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Alex Murdaugh, the disgraced South Carolina lawyer convicted of murdering his wife and son, is appealing his two murder convictions and life sentence to the state's Supreme Court. Murdaugh's lawyers argue the trial judge made rulings that prevented a fair trial, including allowing in evidence of Murdaugh's financial crimes that had nothing to do with the killings. They also claim the court clerk overseeing the case influenced the jury. Prosecutors argue the verdict was justified based on the evidence presented. The Supreme Court hearing is expected to be contentious, with both sides making their case over 90 minutes.
Why it matters
The Murdaugh case has captivated the nation, with streaming series, bestselling books, and true crime podcasts exploring how a powerful legal dynasty in South Carolina unraveled. The Supreme Court's decision could have broader implications beyond just Murdaugh's fate, potentially impacting public trust in the state's judicial system.
The details
Murdaugh's lawyers will argue the trial judge made several rulings that prevented a fair trial, including allowing evidence of Murdaugh's financial crimes that had no direct link to the murders. They also claim the court clerk assigned to the case influenced the jury. Prosecutors counter that the verdict was justified based on the evidence, including a video that contradicted Murdaugh's initial alibi. Both sides have filed lengthy briefs, and the hearing is expected to be contentious.
- The Supreme Court hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
- Murdaugh was convicted and sentenced to life in prison in 2023 for the murders of his wife Maggie and son Paul in June 2021.
The players
Alex Murdaugh
A disgraced South Carolina lawyer convicted of murdering his wife and son in 2021. Murdaugh continues to maintain his innocence despite admitting to numerous other crimes.
Alan Wilson
The Republican South Carolina Attorney General who will be at the prosecution table for the Supreme Court hearing, as he is a candidate in the state's upcoming gubernatorial election.
Mary Rebecca 'Becky' Hill
The former Colleton County Clerk of Court who pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice and perjury for showing a reporter sealed court exhibits in the Murdaugh case and then lying about it.
What’s next
The South Carolina Supreme Court is expected to take months to issue a ruling on Murdaugh's appeal, with no immediate decision expected after the hearing.
The takeaway
The Murdaugh case has become a national obsession, exposing the downfall of a powerful legal dynasty in South Carolina. The Supreme Court's decision could have far-reaching implications for public trust in the state's judicial system, regardless of the outcome.
