Story perspectives

Murdaugh Seeks DNA Test Before June 29 Hearing

6/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Alex Murdaugh’s lawyers asked a court to release DNA found under his wife’s fingernails for independent testing.
Murdaugh will appear at status conference on June 29 2026 in Lexington County after South Carolina Supreme Court overturned his murder convictions.
The state attorney general’s office opposed Murdaugh’s request to appear without shackles.
Murdaugh’s defense also sought to move the retrial out of Colleton County because of local publicity.

History

Historical Context

In 2002, DNA analysis showed the semen on Trisha Meili matched serial rapist Matias Reyes, a match described as one in 6 billion, prompting the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office to seek vacating the Central Park Five’s 1990 convictions. The precedent now drives Alex Murdaugh’s 2024 defense team to seek independent DNA testing of evidence from his wife’s injuries.

1 of 2

Story summary

Alex Murdaugh’s lawyers asked a court to release DNA found under his wife’s fingernails for independent testing.
Murdaugh will appear at status conference on June 29 2026 in Lexington County after South Carolina Supreme Court overturned his murder convictions.
The state attorney general’s office opposed Murdaugh’s request to appear without shackles.
Murdaugh’s defense also sought to move the retrial out of Colleton County because of local publicity.

1 / 2