Crime Stories with Nancy Grace - ALEX MURDAUGH MURDER CONVICTIONS VACATED | Crime Alert 05.14.26

Episode Date: May 14, 2026

The South Carolina Supreme Court reverses Alex Murdaugh's double murder convictions on grounds that former Colleton County Clerk, Becky Hill, improperly influenced the jury toward a guilty verdict. Sydney Silvagni reports. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an I-Heart podcast. Guaranteed human. Crime alert, hourly update. Breaking Crime News now. I'm Sidney. In a stunning, unanimous ruling issued this Wednesday, the South Carolina Supreme Court has officially overturned the murder convictions and life sentence of Alex Murdo.

The 57-year-old former Sion of a legal dynasty was found guilty in early 2023 for the brutal 2021 shooting deaths of his wife, Maggie, son Paul at their Moselle estate. However, the state's highest court determined the integrity of that trial was compromised. The reversal doesn't stem from a lack of evidence or a procedural error, but from the conduct of the very person sworn to oversee the administration of the courtroom, Colleton County Clerk of Court, Becky Hill. According to the ruling, Hill improperly influenced the jury by suggesting Murdo was guilty in that his testimony could not be trusted. The Alex Murdoch isn't going anywhere. Despite this legal victim,

the reality for Murdoch remains one of long-term incarceration. He is a disgraced figure, a self-admitted thief and liar who is currently serving substantial time for a staggering array of financial crimes. Murdoch admitted to schemes in which he stole roughly $12 million from his own law firm and clients, many of whom were in desperate, vulnerable situations. He is currently serving both federal and state sentences for those admissions. Alec Murdoch is currently serving a 27-year sentence for the financial crimes that he has admitted to. He received a concurrent 40-year sentence in addition to the state's charges. So Alec Murdole will not be getting out of prison for several decades.

However, Murdoz now vacated murder charges remain the focal point of the nation's attention. Because the stakes are so high, the prosecution is not backing down. While the state has a brief window to appeal, the Attorney General's office is already signaling its intent to move forward with a new trial. They are aiming for a speedy retrial, likely before the end of the year. Alan Wilson made it clear that while he respects the High Court's decision, he believes the pursuit of justice for Maggie and Paul Murdoch requires a return to the courtroom. The state has 15 days to ask the state Supreme Court to reconsider its decision, and we have 90 days to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. However, it is currently my intention to seek a speedy retrial

in the case against Alec Murdole. Murdo's defense team, led by Dick Harputlian and Jim Griffin, is viewing this ruling as a massive validation. They have maintained from day one that while their client is a thief, liar, an insurance cheat, he is not a murderer. They argue that he has been consistent in his denial of killing his family since the moment he called 911 in 2021. In their joint statement, the defense team noted they look forward to a new trial.

More crime and justice news after this. Experience Harry Stiles live in London, England at Wembley Stadium. This is Harry Stiles. IHart Radio wants to send you and a mate across the pond, with flights from Virgin Atlantic, hotel from TripCentral.C.A., tickets, and $1,000 cash. Here we got it! Download the free IHart Radio app.

Listen to IHart new music for 10 minutes. Enter to win. Every day is another chance to see Harry Stiles. Very excited to see you at the show. all the time disco occasionally available now. Murdo's defense team likely already preparing to attack the prosecution's lack of physical evidence. During the first trial, the defense hammered home the fact that no DNA evidence linked Murdo to the shootings. Despite the killings occurring at extremely close range with powerful weapons, no blood spatter was found on Murdo or his clothing. Furthermore,

those murder weapons were never found. Prosecutor's smoking gun remains the kennel video. Murdoch claimed he hadn't seen his wife or son for at least an hour before they were killed. That alibi was decimated when investigators cracked the passcode on Paul's phone. They found a video recorded at the dog kennels just five minutes before Paul's phone activity ceased forever. In the background of that video, you can hear Murdo's voice. Hey, he's out. Hey, Bobba. It's a guinea. This is a chicken. Come in my, Bob. Come in my, gosh. Catch. Quit. The prosecution's theory was that Murdoch spiraling from opioid addiction and the impending exposure of his $12 million financial shell game killed his family to create a diversion and buy himself time. But the Supreme Court's unanimous ruling didn't focus on the strength of that video.

It focused on Becky Hill. The justices were scathing, stating that Hill's behavior egregiously attacked Murdaugh's credibility. The court found she used her access to whisper to jurors, telling them not to be fooled or confused by Murdo's testimony. One juror, Myra Crosby, described these interactions in detail. She said, the defense has decided that they're going to put Alex on the stand. And she said, now, I don't want you to be fooled by what they say. Play close attention to his body language, his movements, you're going to hear a lot of things. The Supreme Court stated Hill placed her fingers on the scales of justice, denying Murdoch his right to a fair trial. The motive for this interference, according to the

court was the siren call of celebrity. Hill was working on a book titled Behind the Doors of Justice, the Murdae murders, and the court suggested she wanted a guilty verdict to boost sales. That book was later pulled due to plagiarism allegations. Hill has since pleaded guilty to lying about her actions, including showing graphic crime scene photos to the media. Murdaugh's lawyers have called her conduct breathtaking and unprecedented. The justice has also issued a warning for the next trial. Be cautious with the financial evidence. While the prosecution used the $12 million theft to establish motive, the court ruled that details about Murdoz stealing from disabled or vulnerable victims

should be restricted next time to avoid unfairly prejudicing the jury. Despite this, Chief Prosecutor Creighton Waters stands by his aggressive approach. The Supreme Court multiple times in the order said that this was viable evidence of motive, but ultimately gave us some guidance about the extent. That's how it works. Waters remarked, you don't hit a home run if you're afraid to strike out. As we look toward the 26th Showdown, the legal world remains transfixed. Alex Murdoch remains in prison, Becky Hill remains disgraced, and the search for a fair resolution continues.

For the latest crime and justice breaking news, be sure to tune in tomorrow on your favorite podcast app. With this crime alert, I'm Sidney Silvani. This is an I-Heart podcast. Guaranteed human. Thank you.