Murdaugh Defense Requested New Crime Scene Evidence
Attorneys seek raw crime scene data and DNA testing ahead of the upcoming double murder retrial in South Carolina.
Updated on Sept. 18, 2026 in Criminal Justice
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Attorneys for Alex Murdaugh have filed a motion in Charleston demanding the production of DNA, ballistics, and laser scan data from the state. The defense claims the State Law Enforcement Division withheld critical material evidence necessary for his 2027 retrial.
Why it matters
The motion follows the South Carolina Supreme Court overturning Murdaugh's 2023 murder convictions. Access to raw data is essential for the defense as they prepare to challenge evidence, particularly regarding DNA found under his wife's fingernails.
Defense attorneys filed a motion requesting evidence production from the State Law Enforcement Division within 10 days. The state must now address these demands before a DNA hearing scheduled for before November 13, 2026.
The players
Alex Murdaugh
He is a former South Carolina attorney whose 2023 convictions for murdering his wife and son were later overturned.
State Law Enforcement Division
This is the primary state-level investigative agency responsible for processing forensic evidence in South Carolina criminal cases.
Othram Inc.
This is a private laboratory that specializes in advanced forensic DNA testing and genetic genealogy services.
The details
The motion specifically requests raw data from a FARO laser scan of the Moselle property, as the defense previously only received a read-only viewer file in 2022. Because the kennel area where the crime occurred has since been demolished, attorneys argue the original digital records are vital for their case.
Timeline
January 2021: Start of SLED's ballistic database records for .300 Blackout cases.
2022: Defense received read-only crime scene scan files.
2023: Murdaugh was convicted of double murder.
Before Nov. 13, 2026: Scheduled DNA hearing.
April 5, 2027: Retrial start date.
Legal Context
This motion follows the South Carolina Supreme Court's decision to vacate the 2023 murder convictions, creating a new legal environment for the prosecution. The defense is utilizing this opportunity to challenge forensic standards and evidence handling procedures that were not fully scrutinized in the first trial.
Residents in South Carolina may see continued media focus on court proceedings as the case moves toward a retrial in Sumter County. The defense's request highlights ongoing scrutiny of state investigative agencies and their evidence retention policies.
The takeaway
The defense's focus on raw digital data highlights the critical role of electronic forensics in modern homicide trials. Transparency in the handling of such data is becoming a central point of contention as attorneys seek to level the playing field before retrials.
What happens next
A hearing concerning DNA evidence is set to take place before November 13, 2026, followed by the start of the retrial on April 5, 2027.
Further reading
For more information on the ongoing legal developments in the state, visit Criminal Justice.
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