Judge McCaslin Delays Alex Murdaugh DNA Bid in 2027 Retrial

Q: Could advanced DNA testing of a fingernail scrap finally reveal a new killer in the Murdaugh murders?

Yes—but only as a possible investigative lead, not yet as proof of a different killer. The defense says unknown male DNA was found under Maggie Murdaugh’s fingernails and wants Othram, a forensic genetic genealogy lab known for difficult cold-case work, to test it. In theory, newer methods can sometimes recover usable profiles from degraded or mixed samples that older testing could not, and that could identify an unknown person or at least generate a family-tree lead. The problem is the sample’s quality and context. Prosecutors say SLED already tested it and found only a mixture of Maggie’s DNA and a very partial, incomplete profile from another contributor—too limited for CODIS. They also argue fingernail “touch DNA” can come from innocent contact, can transfer indirectly, and does not show when it was deposited. They note there was no clear evidence of a struggle and that Maggie had her nails done the day she was killed, which could further complicate interpretation. So the key issue is not whether advanced testing exists, but whether enough viable DNA remains to produce a reliable result. Judge Debra McCaslin has not approved the request yet and told both sides to clarify the sample’s viability and testing timeline before the next hearing. If Othram can develop a stronger profile, it could produce a new suspect lead and become important retrial evidence. If the sample remains too partial or ambiguous, it is unlikely to materially change the case on its own.

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 5

Judge Debra McCaslin withheld a ruling on Alex Murdaugh’s request to send fingernail evidence to Othram, telling defense lawyers to clarify whether the sample is viable before his tentatively scheduled April 2027 retrial.
Unknown male DNA found beneath Maggie Murdaugh’s fingernails is central to the defense effort to build an alternate-suspect theory in the South Carolina double-murder case.
Prosecutors said state testing already found only Maggie’s DNA plus a very partial, incomplete second profile that was too limited for submission to CODIS, calling further testing unsupported.
Murdaugh, convicted in 2023 of killing his wife, 52, and son, 22, won a new trial after that verdict was overturned over jury tampering.