Lawyers representing convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh have requested the removal of Circuit Court Judge Clifton Newman from any of his ongoing cases.
In a motion filed in the South Carolina Supreme Court, Murdaugh’s legal team seeks to disqualify Judge Newman from proceedings related to the disgraced lawyer.
Murdaugh, who is currently facing state charges of financial crimes in addition to his conviction for the murders of his wife and son, has also filed a motion for a new trial.
Judge Newman presided over Murdaugh’s murder trial, during which he was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. The lawyers argue that the judge’s post-trial comments to the media indicate a lack of impartiality.
The motion highlights the judge’s discussion of Murdaugh’s guilt and legal strategy, suggesting that it may prejudice future legal proceedings.
In addition to seeking the removal of Judge Newman, the motion for a new trial is based on allegations of jury tampering by the Colleton County Clerk of Court, Rebecca Hill.
According to Murdaugh’s attorneys, three jurors claim that Hill instructed them not to trust Murdaugh’s testimony in his defense during the trial. The lawyers assert that Judge Newman may be aware of the clerk’s misconduct.
Meanwhile, the South Carolina Court of Appeals has temporarily halted Murdaugh’s appeal as his legal team prepares the motion for a new trial.
