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Alex Murdaugh Murder Convictions Overturned; New Trial Ordered

May 14, 2026

Summary

The South Carolina Supreme Court overturned Alex Murdaugh's murder convictions for the June 2021 killings of his wife and son, ordering a new trial. The court cited clerk misconduct as the reason for denying Murdaugh a fair trial, with the Attorney General aiming for a swift retrial.

How coverage differs

Left outlets highlight the clerk's misconduct as the reason for Murdaugh's unfair trial, while right outlets focus on the Attorney General's swift plan to retry him as a courtroom chess match.

  • Left: Court overturns Murdaugh conviction, citing clerk misconduct denied fair trial Left-leaning outlets emphasize the South Carolina Supreme Court's decision to overturn Alex Murdaugh's murder convictions, highlighting the clerk of court's misconduct as the reason for denying him a fair trial. They also note Murdaugh's lawyers' statement about looking forward to a new trial.
  • Center: Murdaugh murder convictions overturned; state court orders new trial Center outlets report the South Carolina Supreme Court overturned Alex Murdaugh's murder convictions, ordering a new trial for the 2021 killings of his wife and son. They state the court cited clerk of court misconduct as the reason for the decision.
  • Right: Attorney General vows quick Murdaugh retrial despite legal setback Right-leaning outlets focus on the Attorney General's swift response, emphasizing the aim to retry Alex Murdaugh quickly following the overturned convictions. They frame the situation as a 'courtroom chess match' between the prosecution and defense, each strategizing for the new trial.

Coverage by lane

Left

  • South Carolina court tosses murder conviction in Alex Murdaugh case
  • Alex Murdaugh's lawyers say they "look forward to a new trial"

Center

  • Court overturns Alex Murdaugh's murder convictions and orders new trial

Right

  • AG aims to retry Alex Murdaugh ‘quickly’ as both sides enter courtroom chess match with each other’s gameplans

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