Alex Murdaugh pleads not guilty to murder charges

COLLETON COUNTY, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Alex Murdaugh appeared in bond court at 10 a.m. in Colleton County where he faced a bond judge for two counts of murder.

Murdaugh was indicted last week by a grand jury in connection with the shooting deaths of his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and youngest son, Paul Murdaugh, in 2021.

According to the indictments, Murdaugh allegedly used two different weapons - a rifle and a shotgun - to kill his family members.

Murdaugh pleaded not guilty to the murder charges. He was denied bond.

A FOX Carolina crew saw Murdaugh arrive at the courthouse with his legs and arms shackled. His head is shaved.

Murdaugh’s defense attorneys, Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin, have filed motions for a gag order in the case, as well as a Brady motion and Rule 5 motion for disclosure.

The Brady and Rule 5 motions compel prosecutors to turn over any evidence that may be potentially favorable for the defense in their attempt to exculpate Murdaugh.

A judge will issue a written decision on the motions at a later time.

FOX Carolina’s Cody Alcorn asked Harpootlian for comment after the hearing and he said he was gagged, so the defense team for Murdaugh is unable to comment on the case.

Murdaugh has denied involvement in the double homicide and previously offered a reward for information leading to the arrest of his wife and son’s killer.

Harpootlian and Griffin released a statement shortly after Murdaugh was indicted for murder, saying, “Alex wants his family, friends and everyone to know that he did not have anything to do with the murders of Maggie and Paul. He loved them more than anything in the world.”

READ MORE: Timeline of Murdaugh family murders, investigations

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