The State and Alex Murdaugh’s defense team filed pre-hearing briefs Wednesday, January 3, outlining their arguments for a hearing regarding Murdaugh’s request for a retrial for his double murder conviction.
At the upcoming hearing scheduled for the end of January, a judge will examine whether there is enough evidence to support defense teams claim that the jury who found Murdaugh guilty was influenced by the Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill. Hill is facing allegations of misconduct during the trial.
In their pre-hearing brief, the defense stated that they anticipate at least one juror will testify and show that Hill asked jurors for their opinions in reference to Murdaugh’s guilt or innocence. Murdaugh’s team also says that it wants to collect evidence from Hill, such as her texts, phone records, and testimony from her coworkers.
The State’s pre-hearing brief argues that no juror who deliberated on the case indicated that the verdict was impacted by alleged contact from Hill. The State also indicated that call for a retrial, Murdaugh’s team needs to prove that Hill had improper contact with the jury and that their verdict was influenced by the contact.
The next hearing regarding the case will happen for January 29-31.
For more information visit sccourts.org
