Alex Murdaugh Continues to Deny Killing Wife and Son as He Appeals Convictions

South Carolina Supreme Court hears arguments to overturn Murdaugh's murder convictions and life sentence.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Alex Murdaugh, a disgraced South Carolina lawyer, continues to adamantly deny that he killed his wife and son, even as he appeals his murder convictions and life sentence. Murdaugh's attorneys argued before the state Supreme Court that the trial judge made rulings that prevented a fair trial, such as allowing in evidence of Murdaugh's financial crimes that had nothing to do with the killings. Prosecutors argued the evidence against Murdaugh was overwhelming, but Murdaugh's lawyer said the actions of a court clerk who was writing a book about the case removed his presumption of innocence before the jury deliberated.

Why it matters

The Murdaugh case has captivated the nation, with streaming miniseries, best-selling books, and true crime podcasts exploring how a powerful Southern lawyer's family came to dominate the legal system in a small county, only for Murdaugh to end up in prison. The state Supreme Court's decision could have far-reaching implications, both in the courts and in the upcoming gubernatorial election, where the state's Republican attorney general is a candidate.

The details

Murdaugh was convicted in 2023 of murdering his wife, Maggie, and younger son, Paul, outside their home in June 2021. His defense argues the trial judge made rulings that prevented a fair trial, such as allowing in evidence of Murdaugh's financial crimes. Prosecutors say the evidence against Murdaugh was overwhelming, but Murdaugh's lawyer argues the actions of a court clerk who was writing a book about the case removed his presumption of innocence before the jury deliberated.

  • Murdaugh was convicted in 2023 and is currently serving a life sentence.
  • The South Carolina Supreme Court heard arguments in Murdaugh's appeal on February 11, 2026.

The players

Alex Murdaugh

A disgraced South Carolina lawyer who was convicted of murdering his wife and son in 2023 and is currently serving a life sentence.

Dick Harpootlian

Murdaugh's lawyer, who argued before the South Carolina Supreme Court that the trial was unfair.

Creighton Waters

The prosecutor who argued that the evidence against Murdaugh was overwhelming.

Mary Rebecca 'Becky' Hill

The former Colleton County Clerk of Court who pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice and perjury for her actions during Murdaugh's trial.

Alan Wilson

The Republican South Carolina Attorney General who is a candidate in the upcoming gubernatorial election and was present at the prosecution table during the Supreme Court hearing.

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What they’re saying

“If only the people who may be innocent get a fair trial, then our Constitution isn't working.”

— Dick Harpootlian, Murdaugh's lawyer (fm99.com)

“It was improper. Perhaps not improper to the point of reversal, but it was improper.”

— John Kittredge, Chief Justice, South Carolina Supreme Court (fm99.com)

“You can't understand the boiling point if you don't understand the slow burn that led up to it. The jury could not understand the full weight of the pressure if they didn't understand the entre criminal and financial history.”

— Creighton Waters, Prosecutor (fm99.com)

What’s next

The South Carolina Supreme Court will take several months to issue a ruling on Murdaugh's appeal.

The takeaway

The Murdaugh case has captivated the nation and raised questions about the integrity of the legal system in South Carolina, as well as the role of powerful families in the state's politics. The state Supreme Court's decision could have far-reaching implications, both in the courts and in the upcoming gubernatorial election.