Murdaugh Defense Requested Forensic Cellphone Data
Attorneys for Alex Murdaugh have filed a formal request to access digital files from victims' devices.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Financial Crime
Attorneys for Alex Murdaugh filed a written request on September 21, 2026, seeking forensic copies of cellphones examined by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED). The defense aims to independently verify the timeline of events established during the initial murder trial.
Why it matters
The defense seeks to analyze digital data including messages, movement, screen lock times, steps, and device orientation to challenge the State's original timeline. This filing represents an ongoing effort by the defense to scrutinize evidence used in the proceedings, following prior requests for additional DNA testing and shooting records.
The defense motion filed on September 21, 2026, requests full digital files from the phones of Paul and Maggie Murdaugh that were previously analyzed by a SLED examiner. The State's position remains unknown as they have not yet issued a response to the filing.
The players
Alex Murdaugh
He is a disbarred South Carolina attorney currently serving prison sentences for the murders of his wife and son.
SLED
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is the primary state-level agency responsible for investigating major crimes.
The details
The request specifically encompasses forensic data that could potentially alter the understanding of the timeline established during the first trial, which famously utilized kennel video from Paul Murdaugh's phone. This move marks another phase in the legal battle as the defense continues to pursue independent investigative access to evidence.
Timeline
September 21, 2026: Defense filed a written request for forensic cellphone files.
September 25, 2026: The deadline requested by the defense for a State response.
Legal Context
This request follows a pattern established during the first Alex Murdaugh murder trial, where digital forensic evidence played a critical role in the prosecution's timeline. It highlights the ongoing legal efforts to scrutinize physical evidence and electronic records following the initial conviction.
This filing maintains public attention on the ongoing post-conviction processes within South Carolina's judicial system. Residents can expect continued coverage as legal motions regarding trial evidence move through the state courts.
The takeaway
The defense is banking on the forensic data to provide a different perspective on the events at the Moselle crime scene. This action highlights the importance of digital metadata in contemporary criminal litigation where timelines are established via device usage.
Further reading
For more context on ongoing litigation, visit the Financial Crime section.
