Alex Murdaugh moves for new home for double-murder retrial

Alex Murdaugh’s retrial could be headed to Richland County, South Carolina , as his defense presses to move the double-murder case from the Lowcountry , arguing the new venue would offer a larger jury pool and reduce costly logistical challenges.

Court documents filed Monday by Murdaugh’s defense team, obtained by WIS in Columbia , and reviewed by Fox News Digital, show the attorneys are asking the court to select Richland County for the retrial.

The filing comes after Judge Debra R.

McCaslin ruled Friday that Murdaugh’s retrial must move out of Colleton County but did not choose a new location.

ALEX MURDAUGH MURDER SAGA LANDS RIGHT BACK WHERE IT STARTED BEFORE NEXT LOWCOUNTRY COURTROOM BATTLE During the hearing, defense attorney Phillip D.

Barber argued Charleston would not cost more than other parts of South Carolina.

"You don’t think the cost of living is higher in Charleston ?" prosecutor Creighton Waters asked.

"McDonald’s is the same price in Charleston as anywhere else," Barber replied.

In their latest filing, Barber and the defense team ask that the trial be moved to Richland County.

ALEX MURDAUGH'S DOUBLE MURDER CONVICTION UNANIMOUSLY OVERTURNED BY SOUTH CAROLINA SUPREME COURT Murdaugh was granted a new trial after the South Carolina Supreme Court found former Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill improperly influenced jurors during his 2023 murder trial, undermining his right to a fair proceeding.

"The size of the potential jury venire is on a scale comparable to Charleston, thus giving a much greater opportunity to find an impartial jury," the defense wrote.

"Further, although not an absolute requirement, the racial demographics are similar to Colleton." FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X Murdaugh’s team said a Richland County trial would eliminate the need for either side to book hotel rooms for attorneys, staff or South Carolina Law Enforcement Division witnesses.

The April 5, 2027, trial is scheduled during the Masters Tournament.

Prosecutors argued the event could make it harder to find hotel rooms in Richland County, but the defense said the first week would likely be spent selecting jurors, reducing the need for lodging.