Story perspectives

Judge Orders Alex Murdaugh Retrial in Sumter County

9/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. District Judge Debra McCaslin ordered Alex Murdaugh’s double-murder retrial to be held in Sumter County.
She cited extensive publicity, local family ties, and high juror disqualification rates as justification.
The retrial is scheduled to begin on April 5, 2027.
The South Carolina Supreme Court reversed Murdaugh’s 2023 convictions after finding clerk Becky Hill improperly influenced jurors.
McCaslin rejected moving an outside jury to Colleton County, deeming transportation and lodging costs excessive.

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Story summary

U.S. District Judge Debra McCaslin ordered Alex Murdaugh’s double-murder retrial to be held in Sumter County.
She cited extensive publicity, local family ties, and high juror disqualification rates as justification.
The retrial is scheduled to begin on April 5, 2027.
The South Carolina Supreme Court reversed Murdaugh’s 2023 convictions after finding clerk Becky Hill improperly influenced jurors.
McCaslin rejected moving an outside jury to Colleton County, deeming transportation and lodging costs excessive.