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After the South Carolina Supreme Court overturned Alex Murdaugh’s double murder conviction on May 13 and ordered a new trial, his legal team publicly shared his immediate reaction. Attorneys Jim Griffin and Dick Harpootlian appeared on the Today show on May 14 to explain how Murdaugh responded when he learned about the ruling.

Griffin said they had already warned him that the appeal argument went “very, very well.” However, Murdaugh reportedly struggled to believe the outcome until he saw the written decision himself. Once confirmed, he expressed disbelief mixed with gratitude, calling it hard to accept even after reading it.
During the televised interview, Griffin described Murdaugh’s reaction as emotional and reflective. He said Murdaugh felt thankful and surprised by the ruling. The former conviction label, according to his legal team, still weighed heavily on him despite the court’s decision.

Griffin added that Murdaugh felt relief at removing what he called the “convicted murderer” label tied to the deaths of his wife Maggie and son Paul. The statement highlighted how deeply the original verdict impacted his public identity.
The defense team made a firm declaration regarding any future plea negotiations. Griffin stated clearly that Alex Murdaugh will never accept a guilty plea under any circumstance related to the murder charges.

When asked about the possibility of a plea deal, attorney Dick Harpootlian responded without hesitation. He insisted the reason was simple and direct, arguing that Murdaugh did not commit the crime and therefore had no reason to plead guilty.
Alex Murdaugh has consistently denied responsibility for the killings of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh. During his 2023 trial testimony, he stated that he would never harm his wife or son under any circumstances.
His legal team reinforced that position during the interview. They emphasized that his innocence remains unchanged and continues to form the foundation of the defense strategy heading into a potential retrial.
The appeal ruling has reshaped the direction of the case by ordering a new trial based on alleged juror influence issues. Defense attorneys argue that these procedural concerns affected the fairness of the original proceedings.
Meanwhile, prosecutors continue to support the conviction and have stated their intention to retry the case as soon as possible. This sets up another high profile courtroom battle in South Carolina.
Griffin and Harpootlian both emphasized that Murdaugh rejects any admission of guilt. They described his position as unwavering, even after years of legal pressure and public scrutiny.
Harpootlian reinforced this stance during the interview, stating that there is no evidence proving Murdaugh committed the murders. He insisted the defense will continue challenging the prosecution’s case.
The attorneys explained that Murdaugh reacted with disbelief followed by cautious relief after reading the court’s decision. Griffin said he expressed gratitude while still processing the magnitude of the ruling.
This emotional response reflected years of legal pressure following one of the most widely followed murder trials in recent U.S. legal history. The appeal win reopened debate over fairness and courtroom conduct.
Defense attorneys repeated that Murdaugh will never accept guilt for the murder charges. Griffin described this position as absolute and unchanging regardless of future legal negotiations.
Harpootlian supported that claim and argued that innocence drives the refusal. He maintained that Murdaugh has no legal or moral reason to consider a plea deal.
The Supreme Court ruling has given the defense renewed momentum heading into retrial preparations. Attorneys argue that a new jury will hear testimony in a different legal environment with greater scrutiny of inconsistencies.
Griffin explained that retrials often favor defendants because prior testimony becomes part of the record. This allows defense attorneys to challenge witness statements more effectively.
Harpootlian argued that the prosecution’s case lacks physical forensic evidence such as fingerprints, video recordings, or eyewitness testimony directly linking Murdaugh to the killings.
He also claimed that financial crime evidence influenced the original jury unfairly. According to him, removing that context leaves a weaker murder case based primarily on circumstantial elements.
The Supreme Court decision focused heavily on concerns involving former Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca “Becky” Hill. Allegations suggested improper juror influence during the original trial process.
Attorney General Alan Wilson confirmed that the state intends to retry Murdaugh. He stated that prosecutors will aggressively pursue a new trial as soon as possible.
The ruling overturned one of the most closely watched murder convictions in recent years. It ensured that Alex Murdaugh will face another full trial despite his previous sentencing.
He continues to serve prison time related to financial crimes, receiving both state and federal sentences. These convictions remain unaffected by the appeal decision.
Griffin stated that retrial conditions will give both sides more opportunity to challenge witness credibility. He believes inconsistencies in testimony may become more visible during a second trial.
The defense expects a new jury could interpret evidence differently. They argue that without certain prejudicial factors, the outcome could shift significantly.
The case has once again become a national legal focus. Supporters and critics continue debating whether procedural errors influenced the original verdict.
Public attention remains intense because the case involves a prominent legal family, financial scandals, and multiple criminal charges tied to a high profile double homicide.
Despite the appeal victory, the legal battle remains far from over. Prosecutors plan to retry the murder charges while defense attorneys continue challenging the evidence and procedure.
Alex Murdaugh’s legal team insists the fight will continue with full confidence. As retrial preparations begin, the case remains one of the most closely watched criminal proceedings in the United States.