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Hampton Today
By the People, for the People
Alex Murdaugh Continues to Deny Killing Wife and Son as He Appeals Convictions
Murdaugh's lawyers argue trial judge's rulings and biased court clerk prevented a fair trial.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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Alex Murdaugh, who was convicted of murdering his wife and son in 2021, is appealing his convictions to the South Carolina Supreme Court. Murdaugh's lawyers argue that the trial judge made rulings that prevented a fair trial, such as allowing in evidence of Murdaugh stealing from clients that had nothing to do with the killings. They also claim the court clerk assigned to the case influenced jurors to find Murdaugh guilty in order to sell a book about the case. Prosecutors maintain there is ample evidence to support the convictions.
Why it matters
The Murdaugh case has captivated the public's attention, with streaming miniseries, best-selling books, and true crime podcasts exploring how a prominent Southern lawyer's family came to be at the center of such a high-profile murder investigation. The outcome of the appeal could have broader implications in the insular world of South Carolina politics and the legal system.
The details
Murdaugh's lawyers will argue before the South Carolina Supreme Court that the trial judge's rulings and the actions of the court clerk assigned to the case prevented a fair trial. They claim the judge allowed in evidence of Murdaugh's financial crimes that were unrelated to the killings, biasing the jury against him. They also say the lack of physical evidence, such as DNA or blood on Murdaugh's clothing, casts doubt on the convictions. Prosecutors counter that the evidence presented at trial, including a video that contradicted Murdaugh's initial timeline, was sufficient to support the guilty verdicts.
- Murdaugh was convicted of the murders in 2023.
- Murdaugh was sentenced to life in prison.
- Murdaugh's appeal will be heard by the South Carolina Supreme Court on February 11, 2026.
The players
Alex Murdaugh
A former prominent Southern lawyer who was convicted of murdering his wife and son in 2021. He continues to maintain his innocence and is appealing the convictions.
Clifton Newman
The trial judge who presided over Murdaugh's murder trial.
Mary Rebecca 'Becky' Hill
The former Colleton County Clerk of Court who pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice and perjury for showing a reporter photographs that were sealed court exhibits in Murdaugh's case and then lying about it.
Alan Wilson
The Republican South Carolina Attorney General who will be at the prosecution table for Murdaugh's appeal hearing, as he is a candidate in the upcoming election for the state's open governor's seat.
What’s next
The South Carolina Supreme Court will hear Murdaugh's appeal on February 11, 2026, but a decision is not expected immediately. Rulings from the state's high court typically take months to be handed down.
The takeaway
The Murdaugh case has captivated the public's attention and raised questions about the influence of powerful legal families in South Carolina. The outcome of Murdaugh's appeal could have broader implications for the state's legal system and political landscape.
