His defense team disputed the findings, accusing the examiner of “odd conduct” and criticizing the prosecution for sealing the results.
Meanwhile, Murdaugh’s lawyers — including Attorney Dick Harpootlian — have announced plans to appeal the murder convictions, claiming jury tampering by Colleton County Court Clerk Rebecca Hill, who co-authored a book about the case. However, Judge Jean Toal denied the motion for a new trial in January 2024, saying, “I simply do not believe that our Supreme Court requires a new trial on the strength of fleeting and foolish comments by a publicity-seeking clerk.”
