Alex Murdaugh, convicted of murdering his wife and son, appeared in a pre-trial public status hearing on Tuesday. The judge discussed the upcoming hearing later this month, which will determine if Murdaugh should be granted a new trial.

 

 In October, Murdaugh's legal team filed for a new trial, arguing that the court clerk had unduly influenced the jury during his trial for the murder of his wife and younger son. At the pre-trial hearing, the defense presented reasons for an evidentiary hearing, while the state contended that such a motion should have been filed within 10 days of the verdict. They also claimed the defense was aware of the clerk's alleged misconduct before this deadline.

 

 Former South Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Jean Toal, who replaced Judge Clifton Newman in the case, emphasized the need for factual evidence. Toal faces the decision of whether to repeat a six-week murder trial that involved over 70 witnesses and around 800 exhibits. She was appointed by the state's highest court to manage the significant decision of a retrial.

 

 Central to the defense's appeal are claims that Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill tampered with the jury, influencing their verdict for personal gain. Allegations include Hill questioning jurors about Murdaugh's guilt, discrediting his testimony, and accompanying jurors to post-trial media interviews in New York City. Hill has denied these accusations.

 

 Toal will also decide if jurors can testify privately for their protection. The defense is scheduled to present evidence in a three-day hearing starting January 29.

 

 Murdaugh is currently serving a life sentence without parole for the June 2021 murders, plus an additional 27 years for financial crimes, including stealing about $12 million.

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