by JENN WOOD
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Welcome back to FITSNews’ live coverage of the Alex Murdaugh murder retrial — where weeks of increasingly contentious filings have set the stage for another closely watched courtroom showdown.
South Carolina circuit court judge Debra McCaslin is scheduled to hear arguments today (Friday, October 16, 2026) at the Lexington County courthouse in Lexington, S.C. concerning access to evidence, independent forensic testing and records tied to the alleged disposal of the missing murder weapons.
Specific disputes will revolve around additional DNA testing, proposed ballistics comparisons, cellphone extraction files and original crime-scene scans. The defense is also seeking investigative records and judicial review of state grand jury material concerning an alleged crime-scene coverup.
Murdaugh is awaiting his second trial for the June 7, 2021 murders of his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, 52, and their younger son, Paul Murdaugh, 22. His 2023 convictions – and the life sentences he received in their aftermath – were reversed in May after the S.C. supreme court found numerous issues with the conduct of the trial including allegations of jury tampering and potential jury rigging.
Jury selection for Murdaugh’s retrial is scheduled to begin April 5, 2027, in Sumter County.
Watch the proceedings in the livestream above and follow our live feed below for courtroom updates, key exchanges, rulings and analysis throughout the hearing. Refresh this page for the latest updates.
For a closer look at the disputes heading into court…
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RELATED | Murdaugh Retrial: Evidence Fights Head To Court
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THE FEED…
9:11 a.m. EDT – For those interested in viewing the court filings being heard today, FITSNews has them all organized on a landing page… Click here to view.
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News media cameras on scene at Lexington County SC courthouse hoping for shot of Murdaugh and/or his prison van in underground garage — he’s in court at 10 am https://t.co/ngYohaccyl
— John Monk (@jmonkatthestate) October 16, 2026
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9:03 a.m. EDT – As always, the Lexington County Courthouse staff has done a wonderful job coordinating the details of this hearing. The doors to the courtroom are expected to open around 9:15 a.m. Our founding editor Will Folks, will be in the courtroom for the hearing.
8:00 a.m. EDT – Our news team – led by research director Jenn Wood – is setting up at the courthouse now. Stay tuned for updates.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR …
As a private investigator turned journalist, Jenn Wood brings a unique skill set to FITSNews as its research director. Known for her meticulous sourcing and victim-centered approach, she helps shape the newsroom’s most complex investigative stories while producing the FITSFiles and Cheer Incorporated podcasts. Jenn lives in South Carolina with her family, where her work continues to spotlight truth, accountability, and justice.
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