Alex Murdaugh's Lawyers Seek Removal of Judge Newman from Case, Alleging Bias and Conflict of Interest

Murdaugh’s attorneys claim Judge Newman made prejudiced remarks in post-verdict interviews, further arguing the judge could be called as witness in alleged jury tampering by the Colleton County Clerk.

Alex Murdaugh's defense attorneys have petitioned the South Carolina Supreme Court to bar Judge Clifton Newman from presiding over Murdaugh's request for a new trial and a trial over financial crimes.
The filings highlight Judge Newman's post-verdict remarks, which include media interviews where he was perceived to have implied that Murdaugh was evidently guilty, potentially compromising his impartiality.
Murdaugh's defense also alleges that Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill tampered with the jury, suggesting she considered Murdaugh guilty and pressured them to reach a fast verdict.
The attorneys assert that due to these accusations, Judge Newman could be a key witness in the jury tampering allegations, further compromising his neutrality in overseeing the motion for a new trial.
Murdaugh's defense also seeks to suspend all of his ongoing criminal trials until the Supreme Court decides upon the request to remove Judge Newman.