Alex Murdaugh trial latest: Prosecution finds ‘significant disputes’ in convicted murderer’s jury tampering claims
Follow updates after convicted killer appears in court on financial fraud charges
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Prosecutors have responded to Alex Murdaugh’s motion for a new trial on the grounds of jury tampering allegations at his murder trial, stating that South Carolina investigators have found “significant factual disputes” with the claims.
The response filed on Friday by South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson concedes a hearing may be needed to decide if the killer should get a new trial - but moved to dismiss the motion for a “procedural defect” in the filing.
It’s the state’s first response to the bombshell motion filed by Murdaugh’s attorneys Jim Griffin and Dick Harpootlian last week that accused Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill of pressuring jurors to return a guilty verdict.
An investigation was launched by the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), which the AG claims is still ongoing, but has said has “revealed significant factual disputes as to claims in (Murdaugh’s) motion.”
On Thursday, a smiling Murdaugh appeared in court for the first time since he was sentenced to life in prison for the murders of his wife Maggie and son Paul, this time to face a string of financial fraud charges.
Judge Clifton Newman set a trial date for 27 November.
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Murdaugh’s ties to courtroom revealed
This marks Alex Murdaugh’s first court – and public – appearance since his sentencing for the murders of his wife and son.
But, in another interesting detail, it transpires that the convicted killer and his slain son have another link to the courthouse where he will appear.
Paul Murdaugh appeared in Beaufort County Court back in 2019 when he was arraigned on charges over the boating death of Mallory Beach.
Paul was murdered before the case went to trial.
Happening now: Russell Laffitte is sitting at defence table
Laffitte is the former Palmetto State Bank CEO who is facing 21 state charges accused of conspiring with Murdaugh to misappropriate funds.
He is appearing today for a status hearing.
He was previously convicted in November of six federal charges including bank fraud, wire fraud and conspiracy in connection to Murdaugh’s alleged white collar financial fraud schemes and sentenced to seven years in federal prison. He is appealing the verdict.
His conviction came on the basis that he was Murdaugh’s co-defendant in his sprawling multi-million-dollar – and decade-long – schemes.
Laffitte – whose family launched Palmetto State Bank in 1907 and who like Murdaugh came from a prominent family in the Lowcountry – was fired from the bank as details of the alleged scheme came to light.
Familiar faces from the Murdaugh saga reunite in court
Murdaugh’s attorneys Jim Griffin and Dick Harpootlian, prosecutor Creighton Waters, South Carolina attorney Eric Bland and members of the Satterfield family are all in court.
Russell Laffitte – former banker and Murdaugh friend – is currently sat at the defence table.
Judge Clifton Newman will preside over the hearings.
Happening now: Russell Laffitte status hearing under way
The status hearing is under way for Russell Laffitte.
Laffitte is the former Palmetto State Bank CEO who is facing 21 state charges accused of conspiring with Murdaugh to misappropriate funds.
Prosecutor Creighton Waters said that the alleged loss from the charges is $1.8m.
Laffitte’s attorney began the hearing by saying he was seeking to severe the case from Murdaugh.
Judge Newman said that he wanted to set aside Laffitte’s case and hold Murdaugh’s hearing first.
LIVE NOW: Smiling Alex Murdaugh enters courtroom
Prosecutor: Murdaugh to face trial over 101 state charges
A smiling Alex Murdaugh entered the courtroom shackled and handcuffed while dressed in a bright orange jumpsuit.
The convicted killer smiled and shook hands with his defence as he sat at the defence table.
His hair was markedly longer than the shaven-headed look he sported after reporting to prison.
Mr Waters said that Murdaugh is facing 101 total financial fraud charges over almost $8.8m in losses.
The prosecutor said that the Gloria Satterfield case “represents the single greatest loss of all the cases” and so will be the main case they plan to take to trial.
Murdaugh attorney argues financial trial should be pushed back – and brings up jury tampering claims
Alex Murdaugh’s attorney Dick Harpootlian is arguing that his financial fraud trial should be pushed back – as he brings up the jury tampering claims in the murder case.
“There has been more publicity than any case in this state and maybe in the country,” he said.
Because of the high-profile murder case, he asked that the judge put some time between that and the financial case.
“Why? What is the hurry?” he asked.
Mr Harpootlian also went off on a tangent about the jury tampering allegations the Murdaugh legal team has raised Colleton County Clerk Rebecca Hill.
He is arguing that a new trial cannot go ahead while those matters are still being investigated.
“That we could go forward with another trial while that matter is being litigated?” he said.
Judge Newman responded: “Probably not in Colleton County.”
Judge Newman’s sentencing comments resurface
Alex Murdaugh’s attorney Dick Harpootlian pointed to Judge Clifton Newman’s comments about the killer at his sentencing.
“I know you have to see Paul and Maggie at nighttime when you are attempting to go to sleep,” the judge said at Murdaugh’s sentencing.
“I’m sure they come and visit you ... They will continue to do so and will reflect on the last time they looked you in the eyes.”
Pointing to his comments, Mr Harpootlian asked the judge to put his own feelings aside as he makes decisions on the financial case.
“You obviously belieev he is guilty of that... but I will ask you to put those feelings aside.”
Murdaugh financial crimes trial date set
Judge Clifton Newman has set Alex Murdaugh’s financial crimes trial for the end of the year.
He gave the defence and prosecution a choice of three dates.
The trial is set to begin on 27 November.
Murdaugh’s attorneys argued that a trial by the end of the year would be too soon – that they wouldn’t be able to prepare.
They also claimed that the state had pushed for the murder trial to take place first before the financial crimes case.
But the prosecution pushed back against this – pointing out that Murdaugh and his legal team waived his right to a speedy trial so the case ploughed ahead with speed.
Murdaugh has left the courtroom
The convicted killer has now been escorted out of the courtroom.
A brief recess is under way before the other two hearings – of Corey Fleming and Russell Laffitte – will get under way.
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