Alex Murdaugh’s retrial for the murders of his wife and son will take place in Sumter County, South Carolina. Judge Debra McCaslin approved the venue change on Tuesday after defense lawyers argued that extensive coverage of the original case had compromised Colleton County’s jury pool. The decision follows the overturning of Murdaugh’s 2023 convictions because of misconduct involving former Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill. Murdaugh continues to deny killing his wife, Maggie, and their son, Paul.

Judge selects Sumter County for the retrial

Judge Debra McCaslin ruled Tuesday that the retrial will be held in Sumter County rather than Colleton County, where the original proceedings took place. The order grants a request from Alex Murdaugh’s defense team, which sought a different venue to help ensure an impartial jury. Defense lawyers had proposed courthouses in Charleston or Richland counties before the judge issued her decision.

The change applies to the retrial concerning the June 7, 2021, shootings of Murdaugh’s wife, Maggie, and his 22-year-old son, Paul. The proceedings will be conducted in a new county because the court determined that the original location could not provide the same level of confidence in the jury-selection process.

Defense cites concerns about the Colleton jury pool

Murdaugh’s lawyers argued that Colleton County’s potential jurors had been exposed to extensive publicity surrounding the 2023 murder trial. They also pointed to allegations that former clerk Becky Hill improperly influenced jurors during that proceeding. The defense maintained that those circumstances had affected the local jury pool and could threaten the fairness of another trial in the county.

The venue request was considered during a hearing that included testimony about practical issues associated with possible locations. The defense had sought to move the case away from Colleton County, while prosecutors opposed the requested move to Charleston. The judge ultimately found that Sumter County could accommodate the case and provide a fair trial.

Court weighs security, logistics and facilities

In her order, Debra McCaslin said the decision was based on several factors, including the financial effect on Colleton County, witness convenience, courthouse security, transportation and security for Murdaugh, courtroom facilities and technology. The order concluded that Sumter County has adequate resources to manage the high-profile proceeding.

“The judge considered several factors including the financial impact on Colleton County, the convenience of witnesses, courthouse security, transportation and security of Murdaugh, courtroom facilities, and technological capabilities.”

The venue decision addresses where the retrial will occur, but it does not resolve the underlying criminal allegations. The court will still need to manage jury selection, witnesses, evidence and security for the renewed proceedings.

Supreme Court ruling led to a new trial

The retrial became necessary after the South Carolina Supreme Court unanimously overturned Murdaugh’s 2023 murder convictions and two life sentences. The court found that his right to a fair proceeding had been violated because of the conduct attributed to Becky Hill, who was the Colleton County clerk of court during the original trial.

The Supreme Court’s decision opened the way for a new trial rather than ending the case. The latest venue ruling is the next major procedural step, moving the proceedings from the county associated with the original conviction to Sumter County.

Murdaugh still faces murder and weapons charges

Alex Murdaugh remains charged with murder and weapons offenses in connection with the deaths of Maggie and Paul at the family estate in June 2021. At his first trial, he acknowledged misleading investigators about his whereabouts shortly before the shootings, but he consistently denied killing either victim.

The new trial will therefore revisit the prosecution’s case and the defense’s response before a new jury. The venue change does not represent a finding on guilt or innocence. It is intended to provide a fair setting after the earlier convictions were overturned.

Summary

The decision to move Alex Murdaugh’s retrial to Sumter County reflects the court’s effort to separate the next proceedings from the publicity and alleged jury influence associated with the original Colleton County trial. The South Carolina Supreme Court’s reversal requires a new trial, while the latest order confirms that Sumter County has the security, facilities and technology needed to host it. The venue change does not determine the outcome of the murder and weapons case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will Alex Murdaugh’s retrial take place?

The retrial will take place in Sumter County, South Carolina, under Judge Debra McCaslin’s order.

Why was the trial moved from Colleton County?

Defense lawyers argued that publicity surrounding the 2023 trial and alleged misconduct by former clerk Becky Hill had compromised Colleton County’s jury pool.

Why is Murdaugh receiving a new trial?

The South Carolina Supreme Court overturned his 2023 convictions and two life sentences after finding that his right to a fair proceeding had been violated.

What charges does Murdaugh face?

He faces murder and weapons charges tied to the June 2021 shootings of his wife, Maggie, and his son, Paul. He denies killing them.

©2025 News Journos. All rights reserved.

A 911 call made moments after Saylor Hayes, a nonverbal 5-year-old with autism, disappeared from a rental home in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, captured her father’s frantic report to dispatchers. The child was reported missing late Sunday morning, Aug. 30, after her father said she escaped from a vehicle while the family prepared to go to the beach. Her body was found Monday in nearby waters, and her parents were arrested in Tennessee the following day.

The investigation remains focused on the circumstances surrounding the disappearance, the initial search and allegations that searchers were directed toward a tracking device rather than the water. Arrest warrants accuse the parents of placing their daughter in danger or abandoning her, but the warrants do not state the cause or manner of death.

The emergency call and missing-child report

John Herb Hayes III, 70, called 911 shortly before 11:40 a.m. from a rental home on Old Waccamaw Drive in Pawleys Island. He told the dispatcher that his daughter had disappeared after he went inside to get juice and other items before the family left for the beach.

“I need help,” Hayes told the dispatcher. “My little 4-year-old, 5-year-old girl, she’s very autistic, just escaped.”

Hayes described Saylor as white, with brown hair and green eyes, and said she may have been wearing a bluish bathing suit. When asked whether she responded to her name, he said she was nonverbal. He also told the dispatcher that she had been buckled into a vehicle before he went inside.

The search near Pawleys Island waters

A deputy arrived within minutes, according to dispatch records. Hayes searched the property while officials began coordinating a wider response. During the call, he specifically said he needed to check the nearby water, an important detail because the rental home was close to waterways and the child had wandered from the Hagley Estates community.

“Yeah, I need to go look at the water,” Hayes said. “I’ve got to look around. I’ve got to find her.”

More than 200 residents joined deputies, firefighters, state agents and other personnel in searching nearby properties and monitoring local docks. The response included a South Carolina Department of Natural Resources dive team, drones, a marine unit and a helicopter. Officials established command outside the home and deployed personnel to watch the water.

Questions surrounding the tracking device

Dispatchers also investigated whether Saylor was carrying a Project Lifesaver tracking device. A caller said she had the device, but authorities needed a code from Washington County, Virginia, to operate it and determine its frequency. Dispatchers contacted Virginia officials while the search continued.

Arrest warrants allege that John Herb Hayes III and Geordyn Nichole Hayes, 31, directed search efforts toward a tracking device they knew Saylor was not wearing and away from nearby water. The warrants further allege that the device had been removed before the family left Virginia.

The dispatch records do not establish what the parents knew about the device or what instructions they may have given searchers. They do show that law enforcement pursued both the tracking technology and the water during the initial response.

Recovery of the child and arrests

Department of Natural Resources agents found Saylor’s body at about 9:45 a.m. Monday in waters near where she was last seen. A later call-for-service entry recorded that the child had been found and instructed DNR personnel to take her to the morgue.

John Herb Hayes III and Geordyn Nichole Hayes were arrested Tuesday evening in Tennessee and booked into the Carter County Jail on fugitive-from-justice charges. Authorities said the couple would be returned to South Carolina after extradition proceedings. The parents are accused under South Carolina law of putting their daughter in danger or abandoning her.

What remains unresolved in the case

The available warrants do not identify Saylor’s cause or manner of death. They also do not resolve the sequence of events between her disappearance, the search near the rental property and her recovery in the water.

The investigation must now address the child’s movements, the use and removal of the tracking device, the information provided to searchers and the decisions made during the initial emergency response. The allegations remain claims, and the criminal proceedings will determine what evidence supports them.

Summary

The 911 call shows that Saylor’s father reported her disappearance and identified nearby water as an area requiring an immediate search. Authorities mounted a broad response, but the child was later found dead. The investigation and court proceedings will determine the facts behind the disappearance, the search instructions and the parents’ alleged conduct.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Saylor Hayes disappear?

She was reported missing shortly before 11:40 a.m. on Aug. 30 from a rental home in Pawleys Island, South Carolina.

Where was Saylor found?

Department of Natural Resources agents found her body Monday in waters near where she was last seen.

What charges do her parents face?

John Herb Hayes III and Geordyn Nichole Hayes were arrested on fugitive-from-justice charges in Tennessee. Warrants accuse them of putting their daughter in danger or abandoning her under South Carolina law.

Has the cause of death been released?

No. The warrants do not state Saylor’s cause or manner of death.

©2025 News Journos. All rights reserved.

A search for 5-year-old Saylor Hayes, an autistic girl reported missing in coastal South Carolina, ended when authorities found her body in waters near Pawleys Island. Her parents, John Herb Hayes III, 70, and Geordyn Nichole Hayes, 31, were arrested in Tennessee on Tuesday evening. Authorities allege the parents placed their daughter in danger or abandoned her, but neither has been charged with homicide.

The case remains under investigation, and the warrants do not state how Saylor died. The couple is expected to be returned to South Carolina after extradition proceedings.

Investigators say Saylor was severely nonverbal, had a strong attraction to water and had previously wandered from caregivers. The search involved hundreds of people, multiple agencies, first responders, deputies, investigators and local residents.

Article Subheadings

Search ends near Pawleys Island

Authorities located Saylor’s body near Hagley Landing after an intensive search in the Pawleys Island area of Georgetown County, South Carolina. The operation followed reports that the child was missing and brought together law enforcement personnel, emergency responders, partner agencies and community members. The sheriff’s office said hundreds of people participated in efforts to locate her.

Saylor’s age, autism diagnosis and limited ability to communicate made the search especially urgent. According to arrest warrants, she was severely nonverbal, attracted to water and known to wander away from caregivers. The circumstances surrounding her death have not been publicly established in the warrants.

Parents arrested in Tennessee

John Herb Hayes III and Geordyn Nichole Hayes were arrested Tuesday evening in Tennessee and booked into the Carter County Jail. They face fugitive-from-justice charges there while South Carolina authorities pursue their return.

The underlying South Carolina allegations accuse the couple of putting Saylor in danger or abandoning her. The charges do not allege homicide. Once extradition proceedings are completed, the parents are expected to be transported to South Carolina to face the case in court.

Sheriff Carter Weaver said the arrests followed an extensive investigation and evidence gathered by investigators. He emphasized that an arrest is not a finding of guilt and that both defendants are presumed innocent unless convicted.

“Parents and caregivers have a fundamental responsibility to protect children who cannot protect themselves. Saylor deserved to be safe. She deserved to be protected.”

Warrants outline alleged safety failures

The arrest warrants describe several actions investigators say contributed to the danger facing Saylor. The documents allege that she had used a monitoring device since 2024, but that the device was removed before the family left Virginia.

The warrants further allege that Saylor was left unsupervised within approximately 15 meters, or about 49 feet, of a body of water. After she was reported missing, the parents allegedly directed search efforts toward tracking technology even though they knew she was not wearing the device. Investigators also allege that the couple directed searchers away from the nearby water.

These allegations remain unproven in court. The warrants do not explain the precise sequence leading to Saylor’s death or identify a cause of death.

Earlier Virginia court records

Court records from Virginia show that John Herb Hayes III previously faced two felony cases involving allegations of child abuse or injury. The cases arose from a July 3, 2023, incident and were presented to a grand jury. Hayes entered Alford pleas in May 2024, allowing him to maintain his innocence while accepting the legal consequences of a guilty plea. The cases were dismissed on February 11, 2026.

Geordyn Nichole Hayes also faced two felony cases involving allegations of child abuse or injury filed in February 2026. Prosecutors dropped one case on August 14. In the other, a felony allegation involving child abuse and disregard for life was amended to a Class 1 misdemeanor alleging she contributed to the delinquency of a minor.

The records do not identify the children involved in those cases and do not establish whether they were connected to Saylor.

Investigation and next legal steps

The South Carolina investigation remains focused on the events surrounding Saylor’s disappearance, the search response and the circumstances of her death. Authorities have not announced homicide charges against either parent, and the available warrants do not provide a cause of death.

The parents’ immediate legal step is extradition from Tennessee to South Carolina. After their return, prosecutors will proceed with the South Carolina charges, while the defense will have an opportunity to respond in court. Further evidence, including investigative findings and medical information, could clarify what happened.

Authorities have credited the public and participating agencies for helping locate Saylor and advance the investigation.

Key Points

Summary

The death of Saylor Hayes has led to criminal allegations against her parents after a large search near Pawleys Island. Investigators say the child’s known vulnerabilities, proximity to water and the alleged removal of her monitoring device are central to the case. The parents remain presumed innocent, and the next major development will be their return to South Carolina for court proceedings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What charges do Saylor Hayes’ parents face?

They face allegations under South Carolina law that they put Saylor in danger or abandoned her. In Tennessee, they were booked on fugitive-from-justice charges pending extradition.

Where was Saylor found?

Authorities found her body in waters near Hagley Landing, in the Pawleys Island area of Georgetown County, South Carolina.

Have the parents been charged with homicide?

No. The available warrants do not charge either parent with homicide and do not state how Saylor died.

What happens next in the case?

The parents are expected to be returned to South Carolina after extradition proceedings, where they will face the underlying charges in court.

©2025 News Journos. All rights reserved.

A gunfight in Columbia, South Carolina, killed police Officer Christopher DeLong and wounded Officer David Dymock on Saturday morning. The officers had responded to a domestic dispute involving a woman who reported that a man subject to a restraining order was destroying property inside her home. The suspect, identified as Adam Tyler Dowdy, was later killed in the exchange of gunfire. Authorities said Dowdy had a lengthy arrest history spanning several states.

Domestic dispute call leads to police response

The incident began shortly after 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, when two Columbia police officers went to a residence in response to a domestic dispute. A woman told authorities that a man against whom she had a restraining order was inside the home and destroying property. The man had left before the officers arrived, but police located him about an hour later. A gunfight followed at that location in Columbia.

Gunfight leaves one officer dead and another injured

Officer Christopher DeLong was fatally wounded during the exchange. Officer David Dymock was also shot and remained in stable condition, according to Columbia Police Chief W.H. “Skip” Holbrook. The suspect, Adam Tyler Dowdy, was killed during the gunfight. Officials have not released additional details about the sequence of shots or the weapons involved.

“It’s with heartbreak and sadness that I inform you that one of our officers has succumbed to his injuries,” Chief W.H. “Skip” Holbrook said at a news conference.

Officer Christopher DeLong remembered by department

DeLong, 29, had served with the Columbia Police Department for two years. He leaves behind a wife and two young children, Holbrook said. The chief described the department as deeply hurt and asked the public to support DeLong’s family, friends and colleagues as they cope with the loss.

The death prompted condolences from law enforcement agencies across the region and from South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster. U.S. Sen. Darline Graham also expressed sympathy for DeLong’s family and support for Dymock’s recovery, describing the officers’ service as a sacrifice made while protecting the community.

Suspect identified and arrest history outlined

Authorities identified the suspect as Adam Tyler Dowdy. Holbrook said Dowdy had been arrested for allegations including disorderly conduct, driving under the influence, contempt of court, public intoxication, possession of a controlled substance and probation violations. His arrest history reportedly extended across South Carolina, Kentucky, Wisconsin and Georgia.

Holbrook also said preliminary information indicated Dowdy might have been out on bond in Georgia on a battery case. He cautioned that investigators were still working to verify that detail. The information provides background on the suspect but does not establish what led to the confrontation or how the shooting unfolded.

State investigators take over the case

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating the shooting. The state agency’s involvement is intended to establish the circumstances of the encounter, including the officers’ response to the call, the later location of Dowdy and the exchange of gunfire. No further findings were announced in the initial account.

The investigation is expected to address the actions of the officers and the suspect separately, while the police department supports DeLong’s family and Dymock’s recovery. Officials have not announced funeral arrangements for DeLong or a timetable for Dymock’s release from medical care.

Summary

The Columbia Police Department is mourning Officer Christopher DeLong after a domestic dispute response escalated into a fatal gunfight. Officer David Dymock was wounded but stable, while the suspect was killed. A state investigation will examine the circumstances of the confrontation and verify information about the suspect’s criminal and court history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened in Columbia?

Two police officers responding to a domestic dispute later encountered a suspect, and a gunfight followed. One officer was killed and the other wounded.

Who was killed?

Columbia Officer Christopher DeLong, 29, and suspect Adam Tyler Dowdy were killed. DeLong leaves behind a wife and two young children.

Who is investigating the shooting?

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating the incident.

©2025 News Journos. All rights reserved.

The siblings of Mica Miller allege that her estranged husband, South Carolina pastor John-Paul Miller, arranged an involuntary mental-health hospitalization before her death in April 2024. Their claims appear in a three-part documentary series examining Miller’s marriage, reported allegations of abuse and the circumstances surrounding her death. Authorities ruled that Miller died by suicide, while her husband has denied involvement and has not been charged in connection with her death. The allegations about the hospitalization form part of a broader family account of alleged coercive control.

Family allegations about the final hospitalization

Miller’s siblings say John-Paul Miller contacted a mental-health facility and initiated her final admission against her wishes. They describe the hospitalization as one episode in a larger alleged pattern of coercive control. According to the family, Miller had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder while she was engaged to the pastor, who they say took an active role in overseeing her care.

The siblings also allege that Miller was hospitalized several times during the relationship, including shortly before the couple married in 2017. The claims are presented through interviews and family accounts in the documentary series, which focuses on Miller’s life and marriage.

Claims of abuse and control during the marriage

In a handwritten affidavit submitted with her divorce filing, Miller alleged that she had experienced emotional, sexual, spiritual, financial and physical abuse. Her family further said that, while she was hospitalized, John-Paul Miller took possession of her vehicle, phone and laptop.

The relatives said the computer contained intimate photographs of Miller and that she later reported the alleged incident to police. The documentary includes interviews with family members, friends, former members of Solid Rock Church and Miller’s divorce attorney. John-Paul Miller reportedly declined to participate, and his attorneys were contacted for comment.

Miller’s death and the official investigation

Mica Miller, 30, was found dead in Lumber River State Park in North Carolina on April 27, 2024, two days after serving her husband with divorce papers. The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office said she made a 911 call shortly before her death.

Investigators found Miller in the water with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound and located a gun nearby. The North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the death a suicide, and the sheriff’s office closed its investigation. John-Paul Miller has denied involvement and has not been charged in connection with her death.

Separate federal charges against the pastor

Although no charges have been filed against John-Paul Miller over Miller’s death, he faces an unrelated federal prosecution concerning alleged conduct before her death. A federal grand jury indicted him in December 2025 on charges of cyberstalking and making false statements to investigators.

The indictment alleges that he posted an intimate photograph of Miller without her consent, arranged for tracking devices to be placed on her vehicle, contacted her more than 50 times in one day, interfered with her finances and damaged her tires. Prosecutors allege the conduct caused Miller to fear death or serious bodily injury and created substantial emotional distress. He has pleaded not guilty, remains free on a $100,000 bond and could face prison time and fines if convicted.

Proposed changes to South Carolina law

Miller’s relatives support South Carolina Bill 702, known as Mica’s Law. The proposed legislation would recognize coercive control, including sustained psychological, emotional and financial manipulation, within the state’s domestic-violence laws.

The bill was referred to the South Carolina Senate Judiciary Committee but did not advance during the 2026 legislative session. Solid Rock Church in Myrtle Beach, where the couple served, permanently closed in November 2024 after weekly protests by domestic-violence advocates and an FBI investigation involving John-Paul Miller.

Summary

The documentary presents allegations from Miller’s family about an involuntary hospitalization and a wider pattern of alleged coercive control. Those claims remain allegations, while the official investigation determined that Miller died by suicide. Her former husband faces separate federal charges and has pleaded not guilty. The proposed Mica’s Law did not advance during the 2026 legislative session.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Miller’s siblings allege?

They allege that John-Paul Miller arranged an involuntary mental-health hospitalization and exercised coercive control during the marriage.

How did authorities classify Miller’s death?

The North Carolina Medical Examiner’s Office ruled that Miller died by suicide after she was found at Lumber River State Park on April 27, 2024.

What charges does John-Paul Miller face?

He faces federal charges of cyberstalking and making false statements to investigators in an unrelated prosecution. He has pleaded not guilty.

©2025 News Journos. All rights reserved.

Alex Murdaugh’s defense team has asked a South Carolina court to move his upcoming double-murder retrial to Richland County. The filing argues that the county offers a larger potential jury pool, comparable racial demographics and lower logistical costs than other possible venues. The request follows a ruling that the retrial must leave Colleton County after allegations of jury interference. The retrial is scheduled to begin April 5, 2027.

The defense’s request comes as the court considers where the case should be heard after Judge Debra R. McCaslin ruled that Colleton County could no longer host the proceeding. Prosecutors have raised concerns about hotel availability because the trial is scheduled during the Masters Tournament, but the defense says jury selection would likely occupy the first week.

Defense requests Richland County

In court documents filed Monday, defense attorney Phillip D. Barber and Murdaugh’s legal team asked Judge McCaslin to select Richland County for the retrial. The request follows the judge’s Friday decision that the case must be moved out of Colleton County, where Murdaugh was convicted in 2023. The judge did not identify a replacement venue at that hearing.

Richland County includes Columbia, the state capital, and would provide a different pool of prospective jurors while keeping the case within South Carolina. The court must determine whether the proposed location can support a fair and practical proceeding before the scheduled April 2027 start.

Why the defense favors the proposed venue

The defense said Richland County has a jury pool comparable in size to Charleston County’s and therefore offers a greater opportunity to identify jurors who can remain impartial. The filing also said Richland County’s racial demographics are similar to those of Colleton County, an argument the attorneys presented as relevant to the composition of the jury.

During an earlier hearing, Barber argued that Charleston would not necessarily be more expensive than other parts of the state. Prosecutor Creighton Waters questioned whether Charleston’s cost of living would increase expenses, while Barber responded that everyday prices, including McDonald’s, are not necessarily higher in a way that would determine the trial’s total cost.

“The size of the potential jury venire is on a scale comparable to Charleston, thus giving a much greater opportunity to find an impartial jury,” the defense wrote.

Scheduling and accommodation concerns

The April 5, 2027, trial date overlaps with the Masters Tournament, creating a potential dispute over hotel rooms and other accommodations in the Richland County area. Prosecutors have argued that the major golf event could make lodging more difficult to secure for attorneys, staff and witnesses.

Murdaugh’s attorneys countered that the first week of the trial would likely be spent mostly or entirely on jury selection. They said witnesses may not need hotel rooms during that period, reducing the impact of the tournament on the proceeding. The defense also argued that holding the trial in Richland County would eliminate the need for both sides to reserve lodging for many participants.

The legal basis for a new trial

Murdaugh received a new trial after the South Carolina Supreme Court found that former Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill improperly influenced jurors during the 2023 proceeding. The court concluded that the alleged conduct undermined Murdaugh’s constitutional right to a fair trial and required his murder convictions to be overturned.

The defense has argued that the state should not shift the financial consequences of the venue change onto Murdaugh. Its filing said the defense does not have the state’s “nearly limitless resources” and noted that the alleged misconduct involved an elected Colleton County official.

“It was Defendant’s constitutional rights, not the State’s, which were violated by the intentional conduct of Becky Hill, an elected state official,” the defense wrote.

Murdaugh’s position on the killings

Murdaugh was convicted in 2023 of killing his wife, Maggie, and their son, Paul. During that trial, he acknowledged misleading investigators about his whereabouts shortly before the shootings, but he has consistently denied killing either family member.

The new venue request does not resolve the central factual dispute over the deaths. It addresses where the retrial should occur and how the court can assemble an impartial jury while limiting avoidable expenses and logistical difficulties.

Summary

The court must now decide whether Richland County is an appropriate venue for Murdaugh’s retrial. The defense says the location could improve jury selection and reduce expenses, while prosecutors have identified tournament-related lodging concerns. The case remains scheduled for April 5, 2027, but the final venue has not yet been selected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Alex Murdaugh want the retrial in Richland County?

His defense says Richland County would offer a larger potential jury pool, similar racial demographics and lower logistical costs.

Why must the retrial leave Colleton County?

Judge McCaslin ruled that the retrial must move after the South Carolina Supreme Court found that alleged jury interference undermined Murdaugh’s right to a fair trial.

When is the retrial scheduled?

The retrial is scheduled to begin April 5, 2027. The court has not yet finalized the county where it will take place.

©2025 News Journos. All rights reserved.

South Carolina prosecutors are urging a court to reject Alex Murdaugh’s request to move his planned retrial to Charleston County. The state argues that Charleston would create significant traffic, housing, cost and flooding problems for a case involving jurors, witnesses, attorneys, media and spectators. Murdaugh’s defense has cited extensive publicity, local family connections and concerns about courthouse integrity in seeking a new venue. The retrial is tentatively scheduled for April 2027.

In a filing submitted Wednesday, prosecutors said Charleston is among the most difficult counties in South Carolina in which to conduct a trial of this scale. They maintained that the defense should not be allowed to require Charleston as the only acceptable alternative, while indicating that other counties could provide more practical options.

Prosecutors challenge Charleston as the only venue

The state’s response addresses the defense request to transfer Murdaugh’s retrial from Colleton County to Charleston County. Prosecutors said the defense’s insistence on Charleston is unreasonable because the proposed destination borders the county associated with the original proceedings and would not necessarily resolve the concerns raised about local influence or public attention.

The filing described Charleston as a prominent center for business, arts and tourism but argued that those characteristics make it poorly suited for a trial requiring extensive coordination. Prosecutors said the court should consider practical conditions rather than treat Charleston as the sole viable location.

Traffic, lodging and flooding create logistical concerns

Prosecutors identified downtown traffic and parking as immediate problems. They said ordinary business-day congestion would be compounded by the arrival of jurors, witnesses, lawyers, media representatives and members of the public. Managing transportation and access would therefore require additional planning and resources.

The state also cited seasonal pressures. Spring tourism and traffic associated with Masters week could cause hotel prices in the Charleston area to rise to more than double or triple the rates found in comparable South Carolina locations. Prosecutors further warned that severe spring storms and king tides can produce flooding that disrupts downtown operations.

Defense points to publicity and courthouse concerns

Murdaugh’s defense sought a venue change after the intense attention surrounding his first trial. The lawyers argue that widespread local publicity and longstanding family ties could affect the fairness of proceedings in the region. They also cited concerns involving misconduct by former Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill and the resulting questions about courthouse integrity.

The defense position is that moving the case is necessary to protect the integrity of the retrial. Prosecutors countered that heavy news coverage alone does not automatically establish a legal entitlement to a new venue. The dispute will require the court to weigh potential prejudice against the administrative burden of relocating the proceeding.

State identifies alternative South Carolina counties

Although prosecutors oppose making Charleston mandatory, they said the state remains open to reasonable alternatives. The filing specifically identified Spartanburg, York and Florence as possible locations for the retrial.

Those suggestions reflect the state’s argument that a venue change, if ordered, should balance impartiality with courtroom capacity, transportation, accommodation and public access. The court has not announced a final decision on the location, and the parties remain divided over which county best addresses the defense’s concerns.

Pretrial proceedings continue ahead of 2027

Murdaugh is expected to appear at a pretrial hearing Friday at 10 a.m. at the Lexington County Courthouse. State Judge Debra McCaslin is overseeing the proceedings. The hearing is part of the continuing preparation for a retrial tentatively set for April 2027.

The venue dispute is separate from a federal lawsuit brought by Murdaugh against former clerk Becky Hill. U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel dismissed that $600,000 lawsuit, according to the proceedings described in connection with the case. The immediate state-court issue remains whether the retrial should be held in Charleston, another county or the original venue.

Summary

The venue decision will determine where the next phase of Murdaugh’s case is conducted. Prosecutors are asking the court to reject a Charleston-only approach, citing the city’s seasonal congestion, costs and vulnerability to flooding, while the defense maintains that a move is needed because of publicity and local institutional concerns. The court is expected to address the issue as pretrial proceedings continue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Alex Murdaugh’s defense want the retrial moved?

The defense cited extensive publicity, local family connections and concerns about the integrity of the Colleton County courthouse after alleged clerk misconduct.

Why are prosecutors opposing Charleston?

Prosecutors said Charleston would be unusually difficult and expensive because of traffic, parking, seasonal hotel demand, Masters week congestion and potential flooding.

What other venues did the state mention?

The state identified Spartanburg, York and Florence as possible alternatives to Charleston.

When is the retrial expected to begin?

The retrial is tentatively scheduled to begin in April 2027, although the venue and other pretrial matters remain unresolved.

©2025 News Journos. All rights reserved.

South Carolina prosecutors are urging a court to reject Alex Murdaugh’s request to move his planned retrial to Charleston County. In a filing submitted Wednesday, the state argued that Charleston would create serious logistical and financial difficulties for a proceeding of this scale. Murdaugh’s retrial is tentatively scheduled to begin in April 2027. The defense has cited extensive publicity, local ties and concerns about the integrity of the Colleton County courthouse.

The state said Charleston should not be treated as the only acceptable alternative venue and maintained that heavy news coverage alone does not automatically justify a transfer. Prosecutors identified Spartanburg, York and Florence as possible alternatives while opposing what they characterized as an inflexible demand for Charleston.

Prosecutors challenge Charleston as the venue

The state’s response was filed Wednesday as the court considers the defense request to relocate the case from Colleton County. Prosecutors described Charleston County as the most difficult county in South Carolina for managing a trial of this magnitude, despite its established industries, arts scene and tourism economy.

The dispute centers on whether Charleston is an appropriate location for a proceeding expected to attract jurors, witnesses, attorneys, media representatives and members of the public. The prosecution argues that a venue change should be based on practical and legal considerations rather than a requirement that Charleston be selected.

Traffic, tourism and courtroom logistics drive the objection

Prosecutors cited downtown Charleston’s existing traffic and parking problems, saying ordinary business-day conditions would become more difficult with the additional people connected to the trial. They also raised concerns about finding and paying for accommodations for participants and observers.

According to the filing, spring tourism and traffic associated with Masters week could cause hotel prices in the Charleston area to rise to more than double or triple the rates in comparable locations. The state also warned that spring storms and king tides can produce flooding that disrupts downtown operations. These conditions, prosecutors said, could make the trial more expensive and harder to administer.

The defense points to publicity and courthouse concerns

The defense originally sought a venue change because of the extensive attention surrounding the first trial. It has also cited deep-rooted family connections in the local area and alleged concerns about the integrity of the Colleton County courthouse following misconduct involving the county clerk of court.

The defense position is that moving the case is necessary to protect the fairness of the proceeding. Prosecutors disagree that Charleston is the only location capable of addressing those concerns, noting that the county immediately bordering Colleton County may not satisfy the purpose of distancing the trial from local influence and publicity.

The state proposes other South Carolina counties

Although prosecutors oppose making Charleston the mandatory destination, they said the state remains open to reasonable alternatives. Spartanburg, York and Florence were identified as counties that could potentially host the proceeding.

The alternatives reflect the state’s broader argument that venue selection should balance fairness, available facilities, travel demands and cost. Prosecutors also maintained that Murdaugh is not entitled to a transfer solely because the case has received substantial news coverage. The court will ultimately decide whether the defense has shown sufficient grounds for a change and, if so, where the case should be heard.

A pretrial hearing is expected before the retrial

Alex Murdaugh is expected to appear at a pretrial hearing at 10 a.m. Friday at the Lexington County Courthouse. The hearing is part of the continuing litigation ahead of the retrial, which is tentatively set for April 2027.

The proceedings will give the court an opportunity to address pending issues, including the venue dispute. Prosecuting attorney Creighton Waters has participated in earlier judicial hearings, while Judge Debra McCaslin is overseeing the current proceedings. No final decision on the requested Charleston venue was described in the state’s filing.

Summary

The venue dispute places practical concerns alongside the defense’s arguments about impartiality and local influence. Prosecutors are willing to consider a transfer but oppose limiting the court to Charleston, citing the city’s congestion, seasonal costs and vulnerability to flooding. The court’s ruling will determine whether the retrial remains in Colleton County or moves to another South Carolina venue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the defense want the retrial moved?

The defense has cited extensive publicity surrounding the first trial, local family ties and concerns about the integrity of the Colleton County courthouse after clerk of court misconduct allegations.

Why are prosecutors opposing Charleston?

Prosecutors say Charleston would present unusually difficult logistical and financial conditions because of downtown traffic, limited parking, seasonal tourism, elevated hotel prices, Masters week traffic and flooding risks.

What other venues did the state identify?

The state said it remains open to reasonable alternatives including Spartanburg, York and Florence.

When is the retrial expected to begin?

The retrial is tentatively scheduled for April 2027, subject to the court’s decisions on pending pretrial matters.

©2025 News Journos. All rights reserved.

Derrick Moore, a Georgia elementary school teacher and father of four, died after rescuing a young girl from a rip current off Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The 47-year-old entered the water near 10th Avenue South on Friday evening after the child was caught in the current. Police said Moore brought the girl to safety before being pulled underwater himself. His death has prompted tributes from his family, school district, university and state leaders.

The rescue took place at approximately 7:53 p.m., after lifeguards had ended their shifts. Myrtle Beach police and firefighters searched through Saturday morning before Moore’s body washed ashore and was recovered later that day.

Moore was remembered as a devoted parent, educator, coach and former college athlete whose final actions reflected a longstanding commitment to helping others.

The rescue at Myrtle Beach

Derrick Moore was visiting Myrtle Beach when he saw a young girl struggling in a rip current near 10th Avenue South. Authorities said the incident occurred at about 7:53 p.m. Friday, after the beach’s lifeguards had gone off duty.

Moore entered the ocean to help the child, whom he did not know. Police said he successfully brought her out of the current and got her to safety, but the same conditions then pulled him underwater. The rescue demonstrates the danger of rip currents, which can quickly carry swimmers away from shore even in relatively calm-looking water.

Search and recovery efforts

Myrtle Beach police officers and firefighters continued searching for Moore into Saturday morning. The operation followed his disappearance after the rescue and involved emergency personnel responding to the coastal water incident.

Police later announced Saturday afternoon that Moore’s body had washed ashore and had been recovered. The circumstances described by authorities established the sequence of events: a child was caught in a rip current, Moore entered the water, the child reached safety, and Moore was swept underwater.

A teacher remembered by his community

Moore was a current teacher at Rockbridge Elementary School in Georgia, part of the DeKalb County School District. Students affectionately called him “Coach,” and he had previously taught at Jolly Elementary School.

The district said Moore had made a meaningful impact on students, families, colleagues and the communities he served. Its statement described his presence, care and dedication to education as qualities that would be deeply missed.

“The DeKalb County School District is deeply saddened by the passing of Mr. Derrick Moore, a beloved educator and valued member of the DeKalb County School District family.”

Tributes from family and leaders

Moore’s family described him as a devoted father, son and brother. He is survived by four children, according to a fundraising page established in his memory. His daughter said the family was heartbroken and remembered him as a great father who would be missed by all who loved him.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp also recognized Moore’s death, describing him as a father, teacher and coach. Friends, former teammates and relatives said his decision to risk his life for a child he did not know reflected the selflessness they had seen throughout his life.

“You died a HERO. You died saving the life of a child, a stranger. What a Legacy,” one family member wrote.

His legacy as an educator and athlete

Moore’s connection to sports extended to his college years at Samford University, where he graduated in 2001 and competed in football and track and field. The university remembered him as a beloved teacher and a true hero while asking its community to support his family.

Former teammates and friends recalled Moore as someone who consistently showed up for others. His work in schools, athletic background and role as a father shaped a legacy now being defined by both service to children and the final rescue that cost him his life.

Summary

Derrick Moore died after entering a Myrtle Beach rip current to rescue a girl and getting her safely out of the water. The Georgia teacher’s death has left four children and a broad school and athletic community mourning. Tributes have focused on his dedication to children, family and others, with his final act remembered as a defining example of his character.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Derrick Moore?

Derrick Moore was a 47-year-old Georgia elementary school teacher, father of four and former Samford University football and track and field athlete.

Where did the rescue occur?

The rescue occurred in the ocean near 10th Avenue South in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

What happened after Moore rescued the girl?

Police said Moore got the girl to safety but was then pulled underwater by the rip current. His body was recovered after washing ashore on Saturday.

©2025 News Journos. All rights reserved.

Georgia teacher and father of four Derrick Moore died after rescuing a young girl from a rip current off Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The 47-year-old entered the water near 10th Avenue South at about 7:53 p.m. Friday, after lifeguards had ended their shifts. Authorities said Moore brought the girl to safety but was then pulled underwater, and his body was recovered the following afternoon. His family, school district, former teammates and state leaders have praised his final act as an expression of his lifelong selflessness.

Rescue attempt ends in tragedy

Derrick Moore, a teacher from Georgia, was visiting Myrtle Beach when he saw a young girl caught in a rip current near 10th Avenue South. Myrtle Beach police said the emergency unfolded at approximately 7:53 p.m. Friday, after lifeguards had gone off duty. Moore entered the ocean despite the danger and reached the child, allowing her to return safely to shore.

The rescue succeeded for the girl, but the current then pulled Moore underwater. Police said he disappeared after getting the child to safety, prompting a search by police officers and firefighters. The incident highlights the unpredictable danger of rip currents, particularly when trained beach patrols are no longer operating.

Search teams recover Moore

Myrtle Beach police and firefighters continued searching for Moore through Saturday morning. Police announced Saturday afternoon that his body had washed ashore and had been recovered. The discovery brought an end to the immediate search while leaving his family, colleagues and community to mourn.

Authorities have not publicly reported additional details about the girl’s identity or condition. Moore’s death followed his decision to act immediately for a child he did not know, a fact repeatedly emphasized by relatives and those who knew him.

Family and community remember a devoted father

Derrick Moore leaves behind four children. His daughter said the family was devastated by his death and remembered him as a great father whose presence would be deeply missed.

“We loved him and are truly heartbroken that he’s gone. He was a great father and we are all going to miss him.”

Relatives described Moore as a devoted father, son and brother who consistently showed up for the people he loved. Family members said his decision to risk his life for a stranger reflected the way he had lived, placing the needs of others ahead of his own.

Educator and athlete honored

Moore was a current teacher at Rockbridge Elementary School in Georgia, where students affectionately called him “Coach.” He had previously taught at Jolly Elementary School. The DeKalb County School District said his care and dedication had affected students, families, colleagues and the wider communities he served.

Moore’s connection to sports extended to his college years. Samford University said he graduated in 2001 and competed in football and track and field. The university remembered him as a beloved teacher and a hero while asking its community to support his family in prayer.

Tributes focus on his selflessness

Tributes came from friends, former teammates, relatives, educators and public officials after news of Moore’s death spread. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and his wife, Marty, expressed condolences to Moore’s family and the DeKalb County community, describing him as a father, teacher and coach whose death was tragic.

Former teammates recalled Moore as a gifted athlete and a person who made himself available to others. One tribute said his decision to give his life while saving someone else revealed the kind of man he was. Another family message described his final act as a lasting legacy built around saving a child’s life.

Summary

Derrick Moore died while saving a young girl from a Myrtle Beach rip current, but his actions brought the child to safety. The Georgia educator’s death has prompted mourning across his family, school district, former university and broader community. Tributes have centered on his devotion to family, students and the people around him.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Derrick Moore?

He was a 47-year-old Georgia elementary school teacher, father of four and former college football and track-and-field athlete.

What happened in Myrtle Beach?

Moore entered a rip current near 10th Avenue South to rescue a young girl. He got her to safety but was then pulled underwater.

When was Moore’s body recovered?

Police said his body washed ashore and was recovered Saturday afternoon after a search by police and firefighters.

©2025 News Journos. All rights reserved.