Alex Murdaugh scores major win in bid for a new double murder trial
Share and Follow

South Carolina Circuit Judge Clifton Newman will not preside over any of the proceedings related to Alex Murdaugh’s bid for a new trial, a new court filing revealed on Thursday.

The convicted killer’s defense team has repeatedly asked that Newman, who presided over the double murder trial, be removed from all of Murdaugh’s future cases.

Newman sentenced Murdaugh to two life terms in prison in March for fatally shooting his wife, Maggie, and his older son, Paul, after jurors returned a guilty verdict.

ALEX MURDAUGH’S LAWYERS ASK SOUTH CAROLINA SUPREME COURT TO KICK JUDGE OFF MURDER CASE

Judge Clifton Newman sentences Murdaugh

South Carolina Circuit Judge Clifton Newman sentences Alex Murdaugh, right, March 3, to two life terms for the murders of his wife and son. (Andrew J. Whitaker/The Post and Courier/Pool)

Defense lawyers Jim Griffin and Dick Harpootlian filed a motion for a new trial based on allegations that Colleton County court clerk Becky Hill had tampered with jurors by trying to sway them toward a conviction. She has denied the allegations.

Earlier this month, the defense team asked the South Carolina Supreme Court to kick Newman off the case, arguing that it would be a conflict of interest when he is a witness in matters that will feature prominently in a hearing for a new trial. 

In addition, they argued that the jurist had flouted the Code of Judicial Conduct by discussing his opinions of Murdaugh publicly and said that he shouldn’t handle any of the disbarred lawyer’s pending cases. 

Murdaugh is currently facing more than 100 charges for financial and narcotics crimes in several South Carolina counties. 

WATCH: ALEX MURDAUGH’S SURVIVING SON SPEAKS OUT IN FOX NATION EXCLUSIVE

In an order from the state’s highest court, the panel of five judges wrote that Newman had already recused himself and “requested that a new judge be assigned to handle the post-trial motions involving the murder trial.”

In a loss for the defense, the order denied Murdaugh’s request to remove Newman from his other pending cases, including one trial scheduled for November 27 in Beaufort County.

Murdaugh is facing 13 charges stemming from allegations that he pocketed more than $4 million in insurance payouts that were supposed to go to the heirs of his late housekeeper, Gloria Satterfield, who died after tripping and falling at his property.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
White House monitoring possible Iranian ‘sleeper cells’ in US: Source

The White House is keeping an eye on potential Iranian ‘sleeper cells’ in the US: Insider

() As the Iranian supreme leader threatens “irreparable harm” if the United…
Purdue Pharma's $7B opioid settlement plan could get votes from victims and cities

Victims and cities may vote on Purdue Pharma’s proposal for a $7 billion opioid settlement plan

OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma ‘s $7 billion-plus plan to settle thousands of…
Who will launch nukes first amid WW3 fears, according to experts

Experts predict who will be the first to launch nuclear weapons in a possible World War III.

Scientists are increasingly worried about the possibility of a massive nuclear war…
Former Dem 'super mayor' pleads the Fifth after failing to produce public records in court

Ousted Dem ‘super mayor’ charges whopping price tag for tell-all book while dodging legal troubles

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! The embattled former Chicago…
Anti-Israel protester Mahmoud Khalil speaks out after release from Louisiana lockup 

Mahmoud Khalil, an anti-Israel protester, shares his thoughts after being released from prison in Louisiana.

Anti-Israel protester Mahmoud Khalil expressed his feelings about leaving some “incredible men”…
Mamdani mayoral campaign reports threatening, anti-Muslim messages to police

Mamdani mayoral campaign reports police about threatening, anti-Muslim messages

NEW YORK (PIX11) Assemblymember and New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani…
Federal agents thwart man's explosive alleged plot against officers during LA riots

Federal agents thwart man’s explosive alleged plot against officers during LA riots

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A man is in…
Border Patrol uncovers 'sophisticated' drug smuggling tunnel

Customs officers find advanced tunnel used for smuggling drugs

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — U.S. Border Patrol agents have discovered and…