COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) — Alex Murdaugh wants an independent laboratory to review DNA evidence collected under his murdered wife’s fingernail.
His attorneys are moving for an order requiring the State to produce the DNA evidence for testing.
Murdaugh, a once-prominent Lowcountry attorney, is serving two life terms after a jury previously convicted him on March 2, 2023, of murdering his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul.
He was granted a new trial in May.
The evidence in question was collected under Maggie Murdaugh’s left-hand fingernail at the scene of the crime, according to the motion filed Wednesday.
SLED, the motion states, determined that the DNA was from an unknown and unrelated male, and that no further analysis was attempted.
“This evidence, however, is crucial to the defense,” the motion reads.
Murdaugh’s lawyers have contacted a company, Othram, Inc., that they say is well-known and specializes in the use of forensic genetic genealogy to resolve unsolved murders.
Othram has told Murdaugh’s counsel that they believe they can conduct a more thorough analysis of the DNA sample.
However, the testing takes “considerable time,” and a rush order would be needed.
Murdaugh’s legal team filed both this motion and the official motion for a change of venue Tuesday.
