Jury to Begin Deliberations in Double Murder Trial of Former Prominent Attorney Alex Murdaugh

A jury in South Carolina is set to begin deliberations in the double murder trial of former prominent attorney Alex Murdaugh. The jury is made up of 11 members, with one alternate remaining after five jurors were removed from the panel over the six-week trial.

Defense attorney Jim Griffin said in his closing argument Thursday that unless another suspect is found, Murdaugh will be held responsible for the murders of his wife and son. Griffin also accused law enforcement of botching the investigation and fabricating evidence to pin the crimes on Murdaugh because they had no other suspects.

The jury was removed Thursday after one juror was found to have discussed the case with other people. Judge Clifton Newman said it didn’t appear the juror intentionally violated the order he gives each day for the jury not to talk about the case with anyone.

If convicted, Murdaugh could face life in prison. The jury is expected to begin deliberations soon after the defense makes its closing argument.

The trial has been ongoing for weeks and has seen a number of twists and turns. The jury will now have to decide if Murdaugh is guilty of the double murder or if the prosecution has failed to prove its case.