HAMPTON COUNTY, S.C. () — A libel lawsuit against Netflix, a South Carolina reporter and other media companies has been ordered to take place in Hampton County, a move that could help Buster Murdaugh.

The 28-year-old is the surviving son of Alex Murdaugh, who was convicted in the murders of his wife and younger son. His lawsuit alleges that the companies linked him to the death of Stephen Smith, which occurred in 2015.

Smith’s death was originally ruled a highway vehicular manslaughter, but the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) later ruled the death a homicide in 2023. Though the investigation was reopened, no evidence has been produced connecting Buster to Smith’s death.

U.S. Judge Richard Gergel ruled that the lawsuit against Netflix, Cinemart LLC and the Gannett Co. Inc. including reporter and editor Michael M. DeWitt Jr. of the Hampton County Guardian would be heard in a Hampton County court.

The film in question is Cinemart LLC’s “Murdaugh Murders: A Southern Scandal” which DeWitt was featured in and was broadcast by Netflix. DeWitt is the only defendant named in the suit that resides in South Carolina and is being sued, according to the court documents, due to statements made in the Netflix documentary.

Other defendants will be heard in Charleston federal court, including Warner Bros. The ruling means that there will be four defendants in federal courts and Hampton County courts.

According to the court document, Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc., Warner Media Entertainment Pages, Inc., Blackfin, Inc. and Campfire Studios Inc., collectively, known as the Warner Defendants in the suit, motioned to sever which was granted.

The films included in the lawsuit for Warner Defendants are “Murdaugh Murders: Deadly Dynasty” and “Low Country: The Murdaugh Dynasty.” The first was produced by Blackfin Co. and the second by Campfire Studios Inc., both were broadcast by Warner Bros.

You can read the full order and opinion below: