As of now, Alex Murdaugh does not have a new trial granted, but he is pursuing a new trial through a state appeal and collateral proceedings in South Carolina. In September 2024, the South Carolina Supreme Court affirmed his convictions and sentences in a direct appeal, ending one major appellate path. He subsequently filed a motion for rehearing and a petition for a writ of certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court, which declined to intervene in early 2025. Murdaugh remains incarcerated and is also advancing claims in state post-conviction relief proceedings. Below is a concise status map of the key steps, outcomes, and what still could open the possibility of a new trial.
Key Case Milestones at a Glance
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| September 2022 | Guilty verdict on multiple counts (murder, fraud, etc.) | Established the core factual and legal findings against Murdaugh |
| January 2023 | Sentencing to two consecutive life terms plus 40 years | Set the sentence now being pursued in appeals |
| September 2024 | South Carolina Supreme Court affirms convictions and sentences | Direct appeal ended; new trial not granted at this stage |
| Early 2025 | U.S. Supreme Court declines certiorari Federal route foreclosed; state collateral options remain||
| Ongoing | State post-conviction relief proceedings | Potential narrow ground for a new trial if new evidence or constitutional errors are proven |
The Appeal Journey: From Trial to Supreme Court
After his 2022 convictions, Murdaugh took a direct appeal to the South Carolina Supreme Court. In September 2024, the court issued its opinion, largely upholding the trial court’s rulings on evidence, sentencing, and jury instructions. Because the state high court rejected his main arguments, Murdaugh turned next to the U.S. Supreme Court, seeking certiorari. When the Court declined in early 2025, it ended his chance of a federal constitutional override, leaving South Carolina post-conviction relief as the remaining state avenue.
Standard of Review in Direct Appeal
In a direct appeal, the higher court typically reviews whether legal errors occurred and whether they affected the outcome. The South Carolina Supreme Court found that the trial court’s decisions, though contested, did not deprive Murdaugh of a fair trial. This outcome is common when claims hinge on factual disputes or trial strategy rather than clear procedural violations.
Possible Pathways to a New Trial
- Proving newly discovered evidence that could not have been found earlier and that would likely change the verdict
- Demonstrating ineffective assistance of counsel with a substantial impact on the defense
- Establishing constitutional violations at trial that were preserved for appeal
Post-Conviction Relief: The Last Chance in State Court
Post-conviction relief allows a defendant to raise claims that could not be fully developed at trial or on direct appeal. Murdaugh has advanced arguments in this arena, asserting issues such as alleged prosecutorial misconduct and inadequate prior representation. Courts scrutinize these claims carefully, requiring clear proof of both error and prejudice. At present, no ruling has opened the door to a new trial, but the process remains ongoing, and future filings could target specific evidentiary or procedural flaws.
What Could Actually Grant a New Trial?
A new trial in South Carolina typically requires one of several narrow gateways: significant newly discovered evidence, proof of fundamental unfairness, or a successful claim of ineffective assistance. Because Murdaugh’s convictions have survived appellate review, the onus is now on him to show either a previously undiscovered path to innocence or a serious defect in the proceedings below. Until a court finds such grounds, the current sentences stand and the likelihood of a new trial remains uncertain.
Status Snapshot and Comparison
| Status | Current Position | Practical Effect |
|---|---|---|
| New trial granted | No | Not yet available; would reset sentencing and trial phases |
| Direct appeal exhausted | Yes | No further routine appellate relief in state court |
| U.S. Supreme Court review | Declined | Federal constitutional route closed |
| Post-conviction pending | Yes | Narrow, fact-intensive chance tied to specific claims |
Conclusion
Alex Murdaugh is not currently getting a new trial. His direct appeals have been denied, and the U.S. Supreme Court has declined to intervene. He remains in prison with sentences affirmed, while post-conviction relief offers a limited, evidence-heavy path that could, in theory, lead to a new trial if compelling new grounds emerge. For now, the definitive legal outcome is that his convictions and sentences stand, and the label of whether he is "getting a new trial" remains no, not yet, with a small contingent future possibility tied to collateral proceedings.