South Carolina prosecutors are pushing back hard against Alex Murdaugh’s bid to have his retrial moved to Charleston, arguing that the defense’s apparent “Charleston or bust” stance would create major logistical problems and drive up costs unnecessarily.
In a court filing submitted Wednesday, the state asked the judge to deny Murdaugh’s effort to make the historic “Holy City” the only acceptable alternate location for the high-profile proceedings.
Prosecutors acknowledged Charleston’s prominence as a hub for business, culture, tourism and the arts, but said those same qualities make it one of the least practical counties in South Carolina for a trial of this size and public interest.
Murdaugh’s retrial is currently expected to begin in April 2027.
Alex Murdaugh is seeking to have his retrial transferred to Charleston County, South Carolina. (iStock; Pool)
In their response, prosecutors outlined a long list of practical concerns, including Charleston’s already congested downtown traffic and limited parking — issues they said would only intensify with jurors, witnesses, reporters and spectators converging on the courthouse.
The state also warned that April’s busy tourism season, along with travel tied to Masters week, could send hotel rates soaring to two or three times the prices found in similar locations. Prosecutors added that seasonal storms and king tides frequently bring flooding that can bring downtown Charleston to a standstill.
Prosecuting attorney Creighton Waters takes part in a judicial hearing on June 29, 2026, at the Marc H. Westbrook Judicial Center in Lexington, S.C. (Tracy Glantz/The State via Pool)
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.
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.
State Judge Debra McCaslin oversees a judicial hearing June 29, 2026, at the Marc H. Westbrook Judicial Center in Lexington, S.C. (Tracy Glantz/The State via Pool)
Murdaugh is expected to appear for a pretrial hearing Friday at 10 a.m. in the Lexington County Courthouse.
