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.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.ALEX MURDAUGH MURDER SAGA LANDS RIGHT BACK WHERE IT STARTED BEFORE NEXT LOWCOUNTRY COURTROOM BATTLEAlex Murdaugh wants his retrial moved to Charleston, South Carolina.(iStock; Pool)SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST TRUE CRIME NEWSProsecutors 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.FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON XProsecuting attorney Creighton Waters participates in a judicial hearing on Monday, June 29, 2026, at the Marc H.Westbrook Judicial Center in Lexington, South Carolina.
Alex Murdaugh will be retried in the June 7, 2021, shooting deaths of his wife and son, after his original conviction was overturned due to jury tampering.(Tracy Glantz/The State via Pool)SEND US A TIPThe 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.GOT A T...