Alex Murdaugh defense teases new trial strategy with jury fight, testimony looming
Alex Murdaugh's defense team is preparing for a retrial after the South Carolina Supreme Court overturned his convictions for the murders of his wife and son. Lead attorney Dick Harpootlian plans to seek a venue change, expanded jury screening, and potential juror sequestration. The defense also intends to use subpoena power to obtain new forensic cellphone evidence and scrutinize jurors' social media.
- ▪The South Carolina Supreme Court unanimously overturned Alex Murdaugh’s murder convictions due to juror influence by Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill.
- ▪Defense attorney Dick Harpootlian plans to seek a venue change and stricter jury screening for the retrial.
- ▪The defense intends to use subpoena power to gather new forensic cellphone evidence and review potential jurors' social media.
- ▪Prosecutor Creighton Waters anticipates a contentious battle over jury fairness in South Carolina.
- ▪Harpootlian argued that jurors in the first trial were pre-conditioned to distrust Murdaugh due to improper influence.
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True Crime Alex Murdaugh defense teases new trial strategy with jury fight, testimony looming Dick Harpootlian says defense will use subpoena power to gather new forensic cellphone evidence for the second trial By Sarah Rumpf-Whitten , Julia Bonavita Fox News Published May 16, 2026 7:00am EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video Alex Murdaugh's lead attorney seeks venue change and jury lockdown for retrial Dick Harpootlian, Alex Murdaugh’s lead defense attorney, told Fox News Digital he plans to seek a venue change, stricter jury screening and possible sequestration ahead of Murdaugh’s retrial.
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