Murdaugh Defense Cites Jury Tampering, Hidden Texts in Retrial Push

Alex Murdaugh's defense attorney, Dick Harpootlian, argues that newly uncovered evidence, including text messages between Murdaugh and his alleged drug dealer Curtis 'Eddie' Smith, as well as jury tampering by Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill, could be grounds for a new trial. The texts, which were not disclosed to the defense during the original 2023 trial, reveal communications around the time of the June 2021 murders of Murdaugh's wife and son, potentially impacting witness decisions and defense strategy. Harpootlian claims Hill influenced jurors to convict Murdaugh to boost sales of a book she was writing about the trial, an assertion supported by a retired South Carolina Supreme Court chief justice who found Hill not credible and charged her with misconduct, obstruction of justice, and perjury. The defense highlights that at least two jurors were pressured to vote guilty due to Hill's interference, and that the new text evidence might have altered the defense's approach, particularly regarding calling Smith as a witness or exploring third-party guilt. The state’s high court is expected to rule on the appeal by early next year, with the defense emphasizing the significance of these developments in potentially overturning Murdaugh’s conviction. Additionally, Smith, alleged to be a major drug distributor linked to Murdaugh, has not faced prosecution despite evidence suggesting his involvement in illegal drug activities.