...
By Amanda Castro
Associate News Editor
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Alex Murdaugh’s retrial took on a sharper edge Friday as Judge Debra McCaslin confronted new allegations and credibility disputes that could reshape the state’s case.
The developments strike at the foundation of the original investigation, raising questions about ballistics, law‑enforcement conduct and the integrity of the jury process.
The hearing revealed four major bombshells:
Read More on News
- a disputed ballistic link to a recent homicide,
- a rare judicial review of SLED agents’ personnel files,
- heightened oversight of jury selection after the Becky Hill scandal, and
- renewed suspicion surrounding Curtis “Eddie” Smith’s unresolved charges.
Together, they highlight how different the retrial will look from the 2023 proceedings that were overturned due to “egregious” jury interference.
...
Who Is Alex Murdaugh
Former South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh became the central figure in one of the nation's most high-profile criminal cases after being accused of killing his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, at the family's hunting estate in June 2021.
He was convicted of the double murders in 2023, but the South Carolina Supreme Court overturned those convictions in 2026 and ordered a new trial due to jury-related misconduct concerns.
Separately, Murdaugh pleaded guilty to numerous state and federal financial crimes involving the theft of millions of dollars from clients and associates, and he remains in prison serving lengthy sentences for those offenses
1. Defense Floats Explosive Claim Linking Murdaugh Ballistics to a Recent Allendale County Murder
Defense attorney Jim Griffin told the court that reporting suggested shell casings from a recent Allendale County homicide may match extraction marks tied to the 300 Blackout rifle used to kill Maggie Murdaugh. Griffin said the claim surfaced in a podcast but insisted the state must investigate because it directly challenges SLED’s forensic conclusions.
Griffin argued that if the Allendale casings match the Murdaugh casings, “either their test is bad or someone’s out there using a gun to murder other people.” During the first trial, SLED’s ballistics expert testified that casings found at the murder scene matched casings from the family’s property, suggesting the same weapon fired both sets.
Lead prosecutor Creighton Waters said he had “never heard the first thing about that” and would be “blown away” if such a match existed. He told the judge he would make inquiries but emphasized he does not rely on podcasts or blogs.
The claim remains unverified, but its introduction signals the defense’s intent to attack the reliability of SLED’s forensic work—an issue that could become central in the retrial.
2. Judge Orders In‑Camera Review of SLED Agents’ Personnel Files
Judge McCaslin agreed to personally review personnel files for two SLED agents whose conduct has come under scrutiny:
- David Owen, the lead agent in the murder investigation
- Ryan Kelly, the former SLED agent later terminated from the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office for “conduct unbecoming, harassment, improper procedures”
Griffin told the court that Owen was involved in a separate murder case—State v. Michael Carlucci—that was dismissed after allegations the state withheld exculpatory evidence. He argued the defense is entitled to know whether Owen was reprimanded or sanctioned.
Waters responded that he found no dishonesty findings in Owen’s file but agreed to re‑verify. He also said Kelly’s termination did not involve falsification or dishonesty.
McCaslin said she would conduct an in‑camera review, meaning she will examine the files privately and release any material relevant to Giglio or Brady obligations. Judges rarely take this step themselves, signaling how central law‑enforcement credibility will be in the retrial.
3. Judge Takes Control of Jury Summons After Defense Raises Concerns About Prior Tampering
The defense pressed the court to oversee the entire jury‑summoning process, citing fears that former clerk Becky Hill may have manipulated the initial jury list during the first trial. Griffin argued that Hill’s misconduct—now documented in felony charges and a Supreme Court opinion—raises questions about whether she improperly screened jurors before summonses were issued.
McCaslin agreed to take full control of the process, ensuring no clerk or staff member narrows the jury pool before judicial review. She also agreed to oversee the drafting of a new juror questionnaire, which will be finalized by November 1.
This decision aligns with her broader ruling that the retrial must be moved out of Colleton County and the 14th Circuit due to the difficulty of seating an impartial jury and the lingering impact of Hill’s interference. McCaslin said “no lesser remedy” could protect Murdaugh’s constitutional rights.
Related Story
Nancy Mace Blasts SC Leaders Over Murdaugh Ruling: ‘Justice System Broken’
4. Defense Suggests Curtis 'Eddie' Smith May Have a Secret Cooperation Deal
The defense raised renewed suspicion about Curtis “Eddie” Smith, a distant cousin of Murdaugh who was charged in the 2021 roadside shooting incident and later indicted on state grand jury charges including money laundering and drug trafficking. Griffin noted that Smith’s charges have remained unresolved for nearly five years—unusual given the pace of other related cases.
Griffin told the court: “If they have a deal, they’re obligated to disclose it… and we’ve never received it.”
Waters denied that any cooperation agreement exists and said the defense has all discovery related to Smith. But the prolonged pendency of Smith’s charges remains a point of contention, especially because Smith is expected to be a witness in the retrial.
The allegation adds another layer of complexity to the credibility disputes now surrounding multiple figures connected to the case.
What Happens Next
Judge McCaslin will issue a formal order naming the new venue for the retrial, which is scheduled for April 2027 and set to be held outside Colleton County.
Additional DNA testing on material found under Maggie’s fingernails will be conducted by Othram Inc., with quantitative results to be returned to the court.
Murdaugh’s prior testimony will be admissible under certain conditions, and all motions for the next hearing on November 13 must be filed by October 30.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Gabe Whisnant and Gray R. Thomas
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines