The South Carolina Supreme Court on Wednesday unanimously overturned the murder conviction of Alex Murdaugh, ordering a new trial in one of the country’s most closely watched criminal cases after ruling that improper conduct by a court official compromised his right to a fair trial.

Murdaugh was convicted in March 2023 of murdering his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, at the family’s South Carolina property in 2021. The case drew national attention due to the Murdaugh family’s long-standing influence in the state’s legal community and the dramatic downfall of the once-prominent attorney.

In its ruling, the state’s highest court determined that former Colleton County court clerk Becky Hill improperly influenced jurors during the original trial, violating Murdaugh’s constitutional right to an impartial jury. The justices ordered the case returned to lower court for a completely new trial.

The court specifically cited comments Hill allegedly made to jurors while Murdaugh testified in his own defense. According to court documents, Hill referred to the testimony day as “important” and allegedly encouraged jurors to closely watch Murdaugh’s body language. One juror later claimed Hill warned the panel not to be “fooled” or “confused” by the defense’s arguments.

The Supreme Court sharply criticized Hill’s actions, describing her behavior as improper external influence that interfered with the fairness of the proceedings. The ruling referenced findings that Hill became consumed by the public attention surrounding the nationally televised case and allowed that attention to interfere with her professional duties.

Murdaugh’s attorney, Dick Harpootlian, praised the decision, saying it reaffirmed the strength of the rule of law in South Carolina. He argued that the original trial was tainted not only by Hill’s conduct, but also by extensive testimony related to Murdaugh’s financial crimes, which the court said may have unfairly prejudiced jurors.

Despite the overturned conviction, Murdaugh will remain behind bars. He is currently serving lengthy prison sentences tied to multiple financial crime convictions, including fraud and theft charges involving millions of dollars stolen from clients and associates.

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson said prosecutors strongly disagree with the ruling but vowed to retry Murdaugh for the murders of Maggie and Paul as quickly as possible. Wilson emphasized that the decision does not clear Murdaugh of wrongdoing or result in his release from prison.

The ruling adds another dramatic chapter to the Murdaugh saga, which has captivated national audiences through documentaries, podcasts, and extensive media coverage focused on the family’s legal dynasty, financial scandals, and the shocking killings that rocked South Carolina’s Lowcountry region.