Alex Murdaugh files notice of appeal after Judge Jean Toal denies request for new trial

COLLETON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – Convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh and his defense team filed a notice of appeal this week after their motion for a new trial in the deaths of his wife and son was denied.

Murdaugh alleged that members of the jury in his weeks-long trial in early 2023 were swayed by comments from Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill, ultimately leading to them agreeing on a guilty verdict.

During a hearing in late January, Retired Chief Justice Jean Toal individually questioned the jurors about whether their guilty verdict was impacted in any way by Hill.

While she acknowledged that one of the jurors may have had some influence by Hill, or felt pressure from other members, everyone – under their oath at the time – said their verdict was of their own decision and denied the motion for a new murder trial.

A filing from April 11 stated that Murdaugh received written notice of the order denying his motion on April 4, prompting the new appeal.