Murdaugh Defense Withdraws Request for Civilian Clothes at Upcoming Hearing

Alex Murdaugh's defense team withdrew its request that he appear without restraints and in civilian clothing at an upcoming status conference. The motion had sought the change for both trial and televised pretrial hearings while Murdaugh awaits a new murder trial.

Prosecutors opposed the request, stating that Murdaugh's notoriety and long sentence do not entitle him to different treatment from other inmates. They cited his current 27-year state sentence for financial crimes and a concurrent 40-year federal sentence, along with prior custody incidents during the original trial.

Background on the Case Murdaugh's murder convictions were reversed in May by the South Carolina Supreme Court, which ordered new proceedings after finding improper interference by the former Colleton County Clerk of Court. The state maintains that the reversal does not alter his status as an inmate or reduce security requirements.

The defense argued that prosecutors had not demonstrated a specific need for restraints and noted that Murdaugh has not attempted escape or shown disruptive behavior in prior court appearances. Lawyers for Murdaugh also cited a separate case in which a judge ordered cameras repositioned to avoid showing a defendant in restraints.

The defense withdrew the motion to avoid diverting attention from other pretrial issues, including questions about unknown DNA evidence, access to case materials, and a possible change of venue.