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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 made rulings that prevented a fair trial, while prosecutors say the verdict was justified by the evidence.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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Alex Murdaugh, a disgraced South Carolina lawyer, is appealing his murder convictions for the 2021 killings of his wife, Maggie, and younger son, Paul. Murdaugh's lawyers argue the trial judge made rulings that prevented a fair trial, while prosecutors maintain the verdict was justified by the evidence. The case has captivated the public with streaming miniseries, best-selling books, and true crime podcasts.
Why it matters
The Murdaugh case has shaken the legal system in South Carolina's tiny Hampton County, where the Murdaugh family had long dominated the legal landscape. The appeal could have broader implications beyond the courtroom, as the state's attorney general, a candidate for governor, is involved in the prosecution.
The details
Murdaugh's lawyers argue the trial judge allowed in evidence of Murdaugh's financial crimes that had nothing to do with the killings but biased the jury against him. They also claim the court clerk assigned to the case influenced jurors to find Murdaugh guilty to help her sell a book about the case. Prosecutors, however, say the evidence, including a video that contradicted Murdaugh's timeline, justified the guilty verdicts.
- In June 2021, Maggie and Paul Murdaugh were killed outside their home.
- In 2023, Alex Murdaugh was convicted of their murders and sentenced to life in prison.
- On February 11, 2026, Murdaugh's lawyers will appear before the South Carolina Supreme Court to appeal the convictions.
The players
Alex Murdaugh
A disgraced South Carolina lawyer who was convicted of murdering his wife and son in 2021 and is currently serving a life sentence.
Alan Wilson
The Republican South Carolina Attorney General who is a candidate in the upcoming gubernatorial election and is involved in the prosecution of the Murdaugh case.
Clifton Newman
The trial judge who presided over Murdaugh's murder trial and made rulings that the defense claims prevented a fair 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 the Murdaugh case and then lying about it.
What’s next
The South Carolina Supreme Court has set aside 90 minutes for the hearing, although it is likely to run longer. The justices will hear arguments from both sides, but a decision is not expected immediately and will likely take months to be handed down.
The takeaway
The Murdaugh case has captivated the public and shaken the legal system in South Carolina's Hampton County, where the Murdaugh family had long held sway. The appeal could have broader implications beyond the courtroom, as the state's attorney general, a candidate for governor, is involved in the prosecution.
