Judge McCaslin Slams 'Circus' Tactics as Murdaugh Defense Wins DNA Rights, Loses Ballistics Fight
Judge Debra McCaslin rebuked both sides in Alex Murdaugh’s retrial for turning the courtroom into a 'circus,' warning that the trial will proceed as scheduled in April 2027. The defense won the right to independent DNA testing on Maggie Murdaugh’s phone and fingernails but lost its bid for broader ballistics data and evidence regarding the disposal of the murder weapons. McCaslin also corrected the record, noting Murdaugh failed a polygraph related to financial crimes, not the murders.