Alex Murdaugh's 'Charleston or bust' prayer shot down by prosecutors in fight over 'Holy City' retrial
South Carolina prosecutors are strongly opposing Alex Murdaugh’s demand to move his trial to Charleston, calling the defense's "Charleston or bust" position logistically challenging and unreasonably expensive.
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In a court response filed Wednesday, the state urged the court to reject Murdaugh's attempt to mandate the historic "Holy City" as the only viable alternative venue.
State officials argued that while Charleston is renowned for its industry, arts and tourism, it represents the most difficult county in South Carolina to handle a trial of this magnitude.
Murdaugh's trial is tentatively set to begin in April 2027.
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Prosecutors filed a laundry list of logistical hurdles, pointing out that downtown traffic and parking are already difficult on a standard business day without an influx of jurors, witnesses, media and onlookers.
The filing also noted that spring tourist season, coupled with Masters week traffic, would drive local hotel costs to more than double or triple those of comparable areas. Additionally, prosecutors warned that heavy spring storms and king tides regularly paralyze the downtown area with flooding.
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The defense originally sought a venue change, citing the widespread attention surrounding the first trial, but prosecutors contend that the county immediately bordering Colleton County undermines the very rationale behind the request.
While the state remains open to reasonable alternatives like Spartanburg, York or Florence, it said Murdaugh is not entitled to a change of venue simply due to the heavy news coverage.
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The state’s response came after Murdaugh’s defense team filed its bid to move the trial to Charleston County, citing extensive local publicity, deep-seated local family ties and tainted courthouse integrity regarding the Colleton County Clerk of Court misconduct.
Murdaugh is expected to appear for a pretrial hearing Friday at 10 a.m. in the Lexington County Courthouse.
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