Alex Murdaugh’s defense demands a retrial in Richland County, South Carolina, arguing the change will secure a larger, more impartial jury and cut costly logistics. The motion, filed Monday, asks Judge Debra R. McCaslin to select Richland County as the new venue.
Defense Seeks Richland County Retrial
Court documents obtained by WIS and reviewed by Fox News Digital show the defense filing requests Richland County, noting the venue’s jury pool matches Charleston’s size and shares similar racial demographics. They claim the move will eliminate hotel expenses for attorneys, staff and state witnesses.
Judge McCaslin earlier ordered the retrial moved out of Colleton County but left the specific county unspecified. The hearing on the venue request took place Friday at the Marc H. Westbrook Judicial Center in Lexington.
Defense attorney Phillip D. Barber insisted Charleston costs no more than any other South Carolina locale, citing McDonald’s menu prices as evidence. He argued that a Richland County trial would provide a jury pool comparable to Charleston, ensuring impartiality.
The defense wrote that the expanded jury size “offers a much greater opportunity to find an impartial jury,” and noted the racial demographics are similar to Colleton County. They also said the first week of the trial, devoted to jury selection, would reduce the need for lodging.
Prosecutors countered that the Masters golf tournament during the scheduled week could limit hotel availability in Richland County. They warned that scarce accommodations might impede witness attendance.
The defense rebutted, stating the first week would be consumed by jury selection, making hotel rooms unnecessary for witnesses. They emphasized that the State’s resources are not unlimited, while their own budget constraints demand cost efficiency.
Murdaugh’s team reiterated that former Clerk Becky Hill’s alleged juror influence violated the defendant’s constitutional rights, a claim that triggered the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn his 2023 conviction. They argue the venue change protects Colleton County from costs generated by Hill’s misconduct.
The trial is set for April 5, 2027, just days before the Masters, a factor both sides have raised in their arguments. The defense says the early scheduling will further limit lodging demands.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the defense and prosecution for comment, and reporter Greg Wehner covered the story for the outlet. Sarah Rumpf‑Whitten also contributed to the report.
