Murdaugh's DNA Fight
Alex Murdaugh Seeks Independent DNA Testing on Crucial Fingernail Evidence Before 2027 Retrial
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Key Points
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SNP testing via Othram uses genetic genealogy to identify unknown contributors by analyzing hundreds of thousands of markers and constructing family trees, with Othram described as a private forensic genetic genealogy lab capable of identifying the unknown male DNA found under Maggie's nails.
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Defense says reserve DNA samples from the fingernail evidence (SLED Items 70 and 71) remain unprocessed and should be preserved before any further analysis, to avoid loss or degradation of material.
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The defense argues that starting with SNP testing would not foreclose subsequent STR testing by SLED; they contend the SNP analysis could be followed by STR analyses if needed.
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In addition to the fingernail DNA dispute, the defense raises broader claims of exculpatory forensic evidence being withheld, noting conflicts over blood evidence recovered from a T-shirt in past proceedings.
Alex Murdaugh has filed court motions seeking independent DNA testing of evidence found under his wife Maggie's left-hand fingernails, according to Sacramento Bee. His attorneys want a private forensic lab to analyze the DNA before state investigators retest it — a move they say could help exonerate him ahead of his April 2027 retrial.
South Carolina's top crime lab, SLED, previously found DNA from an unknown, unrelated male under Maggie's nails but never identified who it belonged to. The defense argues that more standard testing could destroy the limited sample before advanced analysis has a chance to identify that unknown person, according to Idaho Statesman.
Defense Pushes Advanced DNA Lab to Name Unknown Male
Murdaugh's attorneys want Othram Inc., a private forensic genetic genealogy lab, to run what is called SNP testing on the fingernail samples. SNP testing scans hundreds of thousands of genetic markers and builds family trees to identify unknown contributors — something standard DNA testing cannot do. Standard testing, known as STR testing, only checks DNA against known profiles in databases like CODIS.
The defense says two specific evidence items — labeled SLED Items 70 and 71 — still contain unprocessed reserve DNA. They argue those reserves must be protected. If SLED runs more STR tests first, the defense warns, the sample could be used up or degraded, wiping out any chance of advanced analysis, according to Mahoning Matters.
SNP Testing First Would Still Allow Standard Retesting Later
The defense stresses that running SNP analysis first would not block SLED from doing its own STR retesting afterward. They say the two methods can be used in sequence. Their plan is to start with the more advanced test, see if the unknown male can be identified, and then allow SLED's conventional retesting to follow if needed.
Murdaugh's team also says they will pay for the Othram testing themselves, removing any cost burden from the state. The core dispute is about order and method — not whether DNA exists. Both sides agree an unknown male's DNA was found. The question is who he is, according to Idaho Statesman.
Broader Evidence Disputes Shadow the Retrial Buildup
The fingernail DNA is not the only forensic fight. The defense has also raised claims that exculpatory blood evidence from a T-shirt was withheld in past proceedings, according to Kansas. These broader claims add to what the defense frames as a pattern of incomplete forensic disclosure ahead of the retrial.
The South Carolina Supreme Court ordered a new trial after finding juror misconduct in the original case. Murdaugh was convicted of murdering Maggie and their son Paul in 2021. He also faces additional state and federal charges. His retrial is now set for April 2027, per Mahoning Matters.
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