In a move that further complicates the already convoluted saga of Alex Murdaugh, his defense team has requested a delay in his upcoming trial on alleged financial crimes. Citing the overwhelming media coverage of Murdaugh’s case and the resulting difficulty in finding impartial jurors, Murdaugh’s attorneys are seeking a postponement until at least a year after his murder trial concluded.
Murdaugh, once a respected attorney in Hampton County, South Carolina, rose to national notoriety in 2021 when he was accused of murdering his wife and son. The trial, which was broadcast live on national television, captivated audiences across the country and resulted in Murdaugh’s conviction and two life sentences.
The intense media scrutiny surrounding Murdaugh’s murder trial has raised concerns about the ability to find impartial jurors for his upcoming financial crimes trial. In a motion filed on November 9, Murdaugh’s attorneys argued that “the vast majority of potential jurors who have responded to the court’s questionnaire have indicated that they are familiar with the case from media coverage.“
They further stated that “there are perhaps counties located in the Upstate whose citizens have not followed the coverage of (Murdaugh) as closely as the citizens in the Low Country,” but even in those areas, “this is very doubtful in the present media climate.“
Murdaugh’s attorneys also pointed to the numerous fictionalized accounts of his case, including a “Saturday Night Live” sketch and two made-for-television movies, as further evidence of the pervasive media coverage and its potential impact on jury impartiality.
The S.C. Attorney General’s Office has declined to comment on Murdaugh’s request for a delay, stating that prosecutors will respond in court.
Murdaugh is currently facing 104 unresolved state charges related to alleged financial crimes, including stealing millions of dollars from insurance settlements belonging to his late housekeeper’s children. He has admitted to stealing the money and has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the scheme.
While Murdaugh’s attorneys have requested a delay of at least one year, they have not ruled out the possibility of seeking a change of venue if an impartial jury cannot be found in Beaufort County.
The ongoing legal proceedings against Alex Murdaugh continue to capture the attention of the public, highlighting the challenges of ensuring a fair trial in cases that receive intense media scrutiny. For those seeking a deeper understanding of Murdaugh’s complex and captivating story, Crime and Cask’s new book, “Defending Alex Murdaugh: Not Guilty by Reasonable Doubt,” offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking account of the events that led to his downfall.