Alex Murdaugh’s attorneys have filed a trio of responses challenging prosecutors over the venue of his murder retrial, whether jurors should be able to hear his prior testimony, and whether the defense must surrender its own extraction of his cellphone.
Venue Dispute
Murdaugh’s attorneys have asked the judge to move the proceeding to Charleston County, arguing that the Murdaugh family’s century-long legal and political presence in the Lowcountry, the saturation of publicity, and the connections between local residents and individuals involved in the case make it impossible to obtain an impartial jury within the circuit.
Prosecutors have opposed the move to Charleston, citing the high costs and logistical difficulties of conducting the retrial in Charleston, particularly during the spring tourist season. They have suggested alternative venues, including Spartanburg, Newberry, Lancaster, York, and Florence counties.
Prior Testimony
A separate dispute has arisen over whether prosecutors should be permitted to play or read Murdaugh’s prior testimony for the new jury, even if he elects not to take the witness stand again. Murdaugh’s attorneys have argued that this would violate his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.
Original reporting: FITSNews — read the source article.
