In a stunning decision that could reignite one of America’s most closely watched murder cases, the South Carolina Supreme Court has unanimously overturned the double murder conviction of disgraced attorney Alex Murdaugh and ordered a new trial.

Murdaugh, who was convicted in March 2023 of murdering his wife Maggie and son Paul at the family’s Lowcountry property, will remain behind bars despite the ruling because he is also serving decades in prison for financial crimes.

The state’s highest court ruled that former Colleton County clerk of court Becky Hill improperly influenced jurors during the original trial, violating Murdaugh’s constitutional right to a fair trial.

“Although we are aware of the time, money, and effort expended for this lengthy trial, we have no choice but to reverse the denial of Murdaugh’s motion for a new trial due to Hill’s improper external influences on the jury and remand for a new trial,” the court wrote in its unanimous decision.

The ruling centered on allegations that Hill made inappropriate comments to jurors during the six-week trial. According to court documents, Hill reportedly told jurors on the day Murdaugh testified that “this is an important day” and encouraged them to closely watch his body language while he testified in his own defense.

One juror also recalled Hill warning the panel about the defense’s arguments, allegedly saying, “They’re going to say things that will try to confuse you. Don’t let them confuse you or convince you or throw you off.”

The court concluded that Hill’s behavior crossed the line. The opinion stated that she attempted to “insert herself into the jury’s deliberations,” allegedly motivated by a desire to profit from public interest in the trial through a book she planned to write.

The ruling referenced findings that Hill “was attracted by the siren call of celebrity” and “allowed her desire for the public attention of the moment to overcome her duty to her oath of office.”

Murdaugh attorney Dick Harpootlian praised the decision, saying the court recognized how damaging Hill’s actions were to the fairness of the proceedings.

“The Supreme Court’s decision today affirms that the rule of law remains strong in South Carolina,” Harpootlian said. He added that the court described Hill’s conduct as “breathtaking,” “disgraceful,” and “unprecedented in South Carolina.”

Harpootlian also argued that prosecutors introduced too much testimony about Murdaugh’s financial crimes during the original trial, creating “unfair prejudice” against him. “Alex has said from day one that he did not kill his wife and son,” Harpootlian said. “We look forward to a new trial conducted consistent with the Constitution and the guidance this Court has provided.”

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson vowed to prosecute the case again.

“While we respectfully disagree with the Court’s decision, my Office will aggressively seek to retry Alex Murdaugh for the murders of Maggie and Paul as soon as possible,” Wilson said. “Let me be clear—this decision does not mean Murdaugh will be released.”

The case has captivated the nation since 2021, when Maggie and Paul Murdaugh were found shot to death near the family’s dog kennels. Prosecutors argued Murdaugh killed them to distract from mounting investigations into his financial crimes and legal troubles.

Even amid the legal drama, some connected to the broader Murdaugh story are leaning on faith. Phillip Beach, whose daughter Mallory Beach died in a 2019 boat crash involving Paul Murdaugh, responded to the ruling by saying, “We’ve put everything in God’s hands,” before quoting Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for the good to them that love God, to them that are called according to His purpose.”