While prosecutors said evidence discovered at the crime scene points to Alex Murdaugh as the killer, his defense attorneys contend he was a "loving husband and doting father."
Others on the list of potential witnesses include Alex Murdaugh’s brothers Randy and John Murdaugh, his former housekeeper’s son Tony Satterfield, former coworkers at his law firm and Curtis Edward Smith, the man accused of helping Murdaugh in a botched assisted suicide attempt.
Prosecutors say a video sent by Paul Murdaugh shortly before his death is "important to proving the State’s case in chief," as the trial against the former lawyer begins.
In a lengthy motion to the judge, Alex Murdaugh's attorneys questioned a state blood spatter expert's credential, methods and changing opinion while asking the judge to prohibit his testimony in the trial, slated to begin Monday.
"After carefully reviewing this case and all the surrounding facts, we have decided to seek life without parole for Alex Murdaugh,” South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson said Tuesday while announcing the state's decision.
Authorities allege Alex Murdaugh failed to report nearly $7 million in earnings he gained through "illegal acts" as reported income on his taxes from 2011-2019.
Prosecutors believe mounting financial pressures and stress created the "perfect storm," causing Alex Murdaugh to shoot his wife Maggie and son Paul to divert attention from his own activities.
Alex Murdaugh's attorney told the judge that, with only 90 days to go before his client's trial in the murder of his wife, Maggie, and their son, Paul, the prosecution still hasn't tested unknown DNA found under Maggie's fingernails.
