Alex Murdaugh’s double murder retrial is tentatively scheduled to begin on April 5, 2027, in Lexington County. Newly assigned South Carolina circuit court judge Debra McCaslin made clear that she intends to move the case forward without unnecessary delay.

New Judge, New Timeline

Monday marked McCaslin’s first public hearing since being assigned the retrial following the South Carolina Supreme Court’s decision overturning Murdaugh’s 2023 murder convictions due to jury tampering by former Colleton County clerk Becky Hill.

Unlike judge Clifton Newman, who presided over the original six-week trial, McCaslin made clear she is approaching the case with fresh eyes. The judge questioned both sides extensively about discovery, expert witnesses, DNA testing, digital evidence, and scheduling before proposing the April 5 trial date.

Discovery Dispute Continues

Although prosecutors insisted the defense already possessed virtually every piece of evidence collected during the investigation, Murdaugh’s attorneys argued they cannot yet say with confidence that discovery is complete.

Defense attorney Dick Harpootlian pointed to statements made by former Colleton County Sheriff Office (CCSO) personnel following the murders that he contends differ from testimony presented at trial, arguing those discrepancies justify another exhaustive review of investigative materials.

DNA Testing Could Shape the Schedule

One of the more substantive discussions centered on the defense’s request for advanced DNA testing on genetic material recovered from beneath Maggie Murdaugh’s fingernails. Defense attorney Jim Griffin said technology has advanced dramatically since the murders occurred in 2021 and identified Houston-based Othram as the laboratory the defense hopes to use.

Original reporting: FITSNews — read the source article.