Judge in Alex Murdaugh murder trial grants new venue for retrial

(NBC, KYMA) - The judge in the Alex Murdaugh murder re-trial has granted a request for a new venue for the case, effectively moving the trial to Sumter County, South Carolina.

Murdaugh's first trial for the alleged murders of his wife and son, took place in Colleton County, South Carolina, where he was found guilty in 2023.

Judge Debra McCaslin signing a court order Tuesday, arguing that Murdaugh cannot get a fair trial in Colleton County.

The judge citing the jury tampering scandal that led the South Carolina Supreme Court to overturn his convictions earlier this year.

Writing in part, quote, "The court finds that Sumter County is best suited to accommodate the needs of this case."

The defense had pushed for the trial to be relocated to Charleston, but the prosecution did not agree with that request.

The second murder trial is tentatively scheduled for April 2027.

Murdaugh will be back in court on November 13th for a pre-trial hearing in Lexington County.