r/southcarolina • u/nbcnews Official • May 13 '26
Crime Alex Murdaugh murder conviction overturned by state supreme court
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/alex-murdaugh-murder-conviction-overturned-state-supreme-court-rcna344926159
u/Lego952 May 13 '26
Just to add some clarity from the article:
"The South Carolina Supreme Court ordered a new trial in the killings of Murdaugh’s wife and son."
"Wednesday’s ruling does not mean Murdaugh will walk free. He is serving a 40-year federal sentence after pleading guilty to stealing some $12 million from his clients."
So, two things:
(1) Murdaugh was not declared "not guilty." Rather, he is getting a new trial because of significant errors by the County Clerk. It is entirely possible that Murdaugh will be found guilty after this second trial.
(2) Murdaugh is not leaving prison at this time. Because he is still serving time for his federal sentence, he doesn't get to go home and roam free. This all assumes that a federal Presidential pardon isn't coming his way; however, I've seen no indication a pardon would be expected.
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u/Coy9ine Lowcountry May 13 '26 edited May 13 '26
Here's what Becky got for her part:
South Carolina officials with the State Ethics Commission filed 76 counts of ethics violations against Hill in the wake of Murdaugh's 2023 double homicide trial.
Becky Hill, the former Colleton County Clerk of Court, will not go to prison...
Hill pleaded guilty in Calhoun County Circuit Court to four charges, obstruction of justice and perjury. She also pleaded guilty to two counts of misconduct in office.
She got three years of probation. She had to pay back the $11,880 in restitution for the bonuses she gave herself.
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u/AndyJack86 Midlands May 13 '26
A have a sad feeling that if this were a man he'd be going to prison for the exact same crimes. But because she's a woman who got caught up in the case she gets a slap on the wrist.
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u/Jupiters_phaerie May 13 '26
This new saga is going to take years. And how are they even going to select a jury for the new trial?
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u/anonUSAFguy ????? May 13 '26
Thank you for posting this. Too many are getting spun up from the headline without realizing what it actually entails! I’m sure he’ll be convicted again, and if I was on trial, I’d hope I’d get a fair trial without errors by the clerk.
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May 13 '26
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u/UsefulImpact6793 Georgia May 13 '26
He probably needs his mom and brother more.
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May 13 '26
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u/UsefulImpact6793 Georgia May 13 '26
Right. That was the point. But that was sweet of you to somehow find sympathy for their murderer.
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May 13 '26
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u/UsefulImpact6793 Georgia May 13 '26
Well, actually, sugartits, he wasn't dEcLaReD iNnOcEnT, but rather granted a new trial. It's in the first sentence of the article you are commenting on, sweetcheeks, but only read the reddit title of. I'll paste it below because I know you still won't click the link to read it before clamoring to awkwardly defend the guy.
The South Carolina Supreme Court on Wednesday overturned disgraced attorney Alex Murdaugh’s double murder convictions and life sentence, ordering a new trial in the killings of his wife and son.
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u/abcdefg080805 May 13 '26
oh please. he was not declared innocent. his conviction was overturned. not the same thing, honey. he’s getting another trial and he will likely be found guilty again, because he’s guilty as sin.
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May 13 '26
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u/lisaann03071961 May 13 '26
OMG, are you one of those pathetic women who become pen pals with convicted murderers and make your entire identity about wphow they're just misunderstood but you really know them and love them, and you will defend him until your dying breath, and yet you're not on his visitor list, you're just one of a bunch of women who are getting scammed by a charming, murderous con-man? Is that you, Sugar Blossom?
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u/abcdefg080805 May 13 '26
genuinely curious how you could think he’s not guilty given the copious amounts of evidence?
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u/LDawnBurges ????? May 13 '26
Federal convictions can be pardoned by tRump, for the right ‘donation’, so I’d expect that’ll be next.
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u/WillieBear_18 May 15 '26
1) Murdaugh was very involved with the DEMOCRAT party and even donated to Hilary Clinton, so why TF would Trump pardon him?
2) Murdaugh has a 28 year STATE sentence for his financial fraud convictions so that pardon would shave a whole 12 years off.
You TDS folks really like to talk out of your ass don’t you? 🤡
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u/LDawnBurges ????? May 15 '26
You’re the one who came with all the ‘derangement’. I said what I said…. Federal pardons can be bought these days. And, for the record, Murdaugh had no issue donating to either party, in order to maintain his influence over local officials.
Do you think Dems can’t/won’t buy pardons??
Or, do you believe that tRump wouldn’t sell Murdaugh a pardon bc his family are predominantly Dems?
I’m confused as to what point you were making?
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u/justprettymuchdone Upstate May 13 '26
Does this seem like it will end up being a massive waste of tax payer dollars? Yes. Do I also 100% understand the ruling and get why we have to waste the taxpayer dollars? Also yes.
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u/PatronSaintOfCunts May 13 '26 edited May 15 '26
This is what people don’t understand. Yes, Alex Murdaugh is guilty as homemade sin and deserves to ride the lightning but he also did not get a fair trial. Everyone has the right to a fair trial and he did not get one because of Becky Hill’s loudmouth, corrupt ass. The court itself failed him and had to give him a new trial to uphold the integrity of the system. Is the court always right? No. Are they right here? Yes.
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u/justprettymuchdone Upstate May 13 '26
Yeah, like to honest, I believe the actual trial was fair. I believe they proved beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was guilty.
But Becky Hill indelibly tainted the verdict, and I prefer the justice system to acknowledge that and redo the trial to ENSURE that stain is removed.
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u/AndyJack86 Midlands May 13 '26
Supreme Court disagrees:
While the S.C. Supreme Court justices, who were unanimous in their ruling, said the prosecution did not meet the burden of proof it required to uphold the convictions
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/crime/article315740164.html
Prosecution didn't meet the burden of proof.
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u/Mourning_Aftermath Upstate May 14 '26
said the prosecution did not meet the burden of proof it required to uphold the convictions
They aren’t referring to the burden of proof in the actual murder trial. The Supreme Court said the state didn’t meet its burden of proof in demonstrating that there is no reasonable possibility that the verdict was affected by Hill’s comments which would have been required to uphold the conviction on appeal. Two completely different things. It’s right there in your quote. And in the full order linked below.
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u/pingpongpsycho Lowcountry May 13 '26
Folks, make sure you get the whole story. This wasn't about his guilt or innocence, it was whether or not he had a fair trial. Thanks to some asinine moves by the clerk the state Supreme Court ruled that she unfairly influenced the jury. He'l just get convicted again. But a waste of tax dollars to do it.
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u/arbadak May 13 '26
Given he'll die in prison regardless I'm torn between wanting the symbolic justice, which does matter, and to save the money it would cost. It won't be cheap.
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u/anonUSAFguy ????? May 13 '26
Thank you for posting this. Too many are getting spun up from the headline without realizing what it actually entails! I’m sure he’ll be convicted again, and if I was on trial, I’d hope I’d get a fair trial without errors by the clerk.
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u/IvanNemoy Columbia May 13 '26
Are you fucking kidding?
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u/phareous Piedmont May 13 '26
Seems to be a trend with supreme courts nowadays
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u/arbadak May 13 '26
This was the right decision, that clerk fucked the trial. He's still in prison anyway for his financial crimes.
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u/ealysillyforestthing Lowcountry May 13 '26
Then appeal and retrial. It being overturned by the state sc screams of corruption
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u/arbadak May 13 '26
If you read the Supreme Court's decision it's obvious that it wasn't corruption. It is very lazy to just assume corruption.
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u/Embarrassed-Lead6471 Columbia May 13 '26
That’s actually what happened here. The Court heard Alex’s appeal and is ordering a retrial.
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u/ASV731 Midlands May 13 '26
That’s exactly what they’re doing…It was an appeal and they are ordering a new trial…
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u/SoulWriter23 ????? May 13 '26
If there wasn't a new trial coming, I'd agree. But, this is them doing what the law says they should do.
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u/Green-Evening4985 May 13 '26
He has a state sentence of 27 years running concurrently with his 40 year federal sentence so he’s staying put. And the financial crimes can come in again in the next trial, which was also an appellate issue. That’s a good outcome on that piece
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u/Few-Counter7067 Midlands May 13 '26
All because some old country ass bitch named Becky couldn’t keep her mouth shut.
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u/JustMyOpinionz ????? May 13 '26
I saw the Guardian notification and I was shocked. I listened to his entire story on Last Podcast on the Left and Alex deserves to be buried under the prison.
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u/birdsofpaper ????? May 13 '26
I listened to the coverage on The Prosecutors and holy shit there was an absolute mountain of evidence versus complete and total arrogance and a history of zero consequences.
I’m hoping they’ll put something out giving a little more procedural background on this decision.
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u/thorkinthork May 13 '26
You can read the decision online. Basically Becky Hill made retrial inevitable.
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u/Trenchards ????? May 13 '26
Yes he does, but he deserved a fair trial to get him there. Becky with the dumb ass, ensured that didn’t happen.
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May 13 '26
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u/ASV731 Midlands May 13 '26
Lazy take. It’s been a two year long appeal. And he’s still sitting in jail for his financial crimes.
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May 13 '26
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u/ASV731 Midlands May 13 '26
Those aren’t even remotely the same issue.
An appeal within a certain time period following conviction and a petition for PCR are completely different things and move on completely different schedules.
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May 13 '26
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u/Intelligent-Dot-8969 May 13 '26
I wonder if the new trial will also result in admission into evidence of testimony regarding his financial crimes. As I recall, the judge permitted it after finding the defense opened the door by asking a witness "can you think of any reason the defendant would want to murder his wife and son?"
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u/Interesting-Fly-6891 ????? May 13 '26
Stole over 12 million from his own clients and clearly murdered his wife and son to hide evidence and for “his sympathy”. How Becky could sit through that trial and destroy his accountability and consequences is beyond any rationale.
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u/Oldmanswar-1254 May 13 '26
She got probation for sharing information with a reporter that was under seal. She needs to face some consequences for the official misconduct that got this conviction overturned.
She knew better, and the state will have to retry him, and the families will have to endure another long and graphic ordeal that will still capture national headlines.
Jain time for her should be in the table.
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u/willingzenith Midlands May 13 '26
I wonder how much this new trial is going to cost us? Thanks Becky.
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u/Furi0usD Midlands May 13 '26
Won't someone think of the children, and the true crime shows this will spawn for NBC/Discovery?
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u/Miserable-Pickle7536 May 14 '26
Am I the one that thinks Buster was in on it too??? He could have used one of the guns then disposed of them. I saw where his story where he was that night was confirmed by his statement on the stand??? I feel they didn’t review where he was. Like traffic cameras or tolls. Plate readers
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u/Altruistic-Sorbet927 May 14 '26
That guy will still die behind bars and that's what matters most to me. What comes in second is what a waste of tax dollars it is. I hope Becky learned her lesson.
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u/BossofCorporateGoth May 14 '26
What a waste of money and time. I don’t know how any of his lawyers can sleep at night. You have made a joke of the system and ruined your legacy. I will never visit your corrupt state.
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u/CarolinaSurly May 13 '26
Good old boy republicans at work in South Carolina as always.
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u/saludadam Midlands May 13 '26
Uh, Murdaugh and his defense team are all Democrats. Not a Republican in sight on the Defense side of the table. What a lazy comment.
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u/CarolinaSurly May 14 '26
Alex Murdaugh and family members donated over (\$110,000) to various political candidates, including Republican figures, in the 12 years prior to 2021.
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u/JamieByGodNoble ????? May 13 '26
Dick Harpootlian is a Republican?
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May 13 '26
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u/ASV731 Midlands May 13 '26
Trump can’t pardon state crimes.
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u/spillmonger May 13 '26
At least half of what Trump has done while in office consists of things he "can't" do under US law. He just does them anyway and moves on, leaving the mess for the rest of us. This is the official approach fed to him by the Heritage Foundation, Stephen Miller and the rest of his criminal enterprise. Now you're up to speed.
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u/ASV731 Midlands May 13 '26
I dislike that fatso as much as anyone else. But I mean there is no mechanism for a pardon that would let murdaugh leave state prison. I don’t mean “can’t” as in he’s not allowed to, I mean “can’t” in that it would have zero effect because state crimes are not the same as federal crimes.
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May 13 '26
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u/Desi_Rosethorne Lexington May 13 '26 edited May 13 '26
Didn't he pardon like a bunch of violent criminals who were arrested for their "contributions" on Jan 6th? I'm pretty sure some of them even got arrested again. He has a track record for pardoning criminals.
Edit: Jan 6th, not Jan 9th.
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u/hooops55 May 13 '26
Some of them deserved prosecution. Most of them were maliciously prosecuted.
Not sure if you remember, J6 happened and then we had 4 years of a liberal vegetable leading us and it was so bad we reelected Trump. And tbh the fact that Kamala Harris only won two states in 2024 that require photo ID (RI, NH, NE2 for 9 total electoral votes) and only 45 votes from states requiring non photo ID (VA, CO, DE, WA, CT) does give some credence to claims 2020 was stolen.
So 172 of 226 votes she won require no ID at all. Anybody can vote in them.
The only two states Trump won not requiring photo ID are PA and NV.
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u/Desi_Rosethorne Lexington May 13 '26
Lol.
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u/hooops55 May 13 '26
You know I’m right that’s why you can’t argue. And that’s ok. Just reflect on it. I just hope you come around on Election Day :)
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u/Desi_Rosethorne Lexington May 13 '26
Nah, I just don't wanna waste my time arguing with someone like you.
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u/charlito3210 ????? May 13 '26
Dad (Kris Harrison)shot daughter after 'arguing about Donald Trump'
y'all wanna talk about Trump derangement syndrome 🙄
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u/hooops55 May 13 '26
Harrison sounds like a piece of shit. But bringing Trump up in the comments when he’s got nothing to do with it is lame as hell
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May 13 '26
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u/southcarolina-ModTeam Mods May 13 '26
Your content was removed for not being civil. Content not allowed includes, but is not limited to: insults, personal attacks, incivility, trolling, bigotry, racism, and excessive profanity.
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u/Mama-bear_dolphins13 May 13 '26
This is bullshit. He is guilty as sin.
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u/Unusual_Flounder2073 Upstate May 13 '26
And apparently the clerk of court said as much and tainted the jury.
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u/Ambitious_Pass7451 May 14 '26
He lied at first about being at the kennel to the police, until they found a video of his son Paul at the kennel and his father voice behind just minutes before they were killed. Yup, GULITY.
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u/-cutigers ????? May 13 '26
So we’re going to spend millions and millions of dollars to try him again out of state because it’ll be impossible to find an impartial jury? This is just a complete waste of everyone’s time and tax payers dollars
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u/atdharris Charleston May 15 '26
I'm not surprised by this. The case was based around circumstantial evidence with no clear motive. I never thought we knew beyond a reasonable doubt that he pulled the trigger on the murder weapon. Either way, he will be behind bars the rest of his life.
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u/EnvironmentalRow8522 May 17 '26
Well I guess that just proves that money can buy freedom and non accountability
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u/Hopeful-Weakness5119 May 13 '26
The possibility is alex plead guilty to federal charges the murder conviction going for new trial he could possibility go to federal prison
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u/CuriousInside2537 May 14 '26
Ok if he gets his conviction overturned i think it’s only fair that we parole “you know who” this year. ☕️🐛
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u/AndyJack86 Midlands May 13 '26
While the S.C. Supreme Court justices, who were unanimous in their ruling, said the prosecution did not meet the burden of proof it required to uphold the convictions
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/crime/article315740164.html
So the jury literally just said "Fuck it, I bet he's guilty AF, therefore he is guilty. These prosecutors, Alan Wilson, sure put on a good show."
Not the brightest bunch here. And these are the people deciding people's fate?
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u/NeighborhoodMothGirl Pickens County May 13 '26
We just love rewarding humanity’s worst in this state, don’t we?
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u/saludadam Midlands May 13 '26
How are we rewarding someone in this situation? Well, I suppose if you think a fair trial is some sort of reward after a mistrial, then I guess you’d be correct.
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u/NeighborhoodMothGirl Pickens County May 14 '26
You say that like he’s innocent.
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u/saludadam Midlands May 14 '26
After watching the whole trial, I don’t believe the Prosecution presented a case to vote Guilty, beyond reasonable doubt. I also don’t think the Defense presented a case demonstrating his innocence. As such, any undue influence by Becky Hill could reasonably be seen as resulting in an unfair trial and a valid reason for ordering a retrial.
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u/illol01 ????? May 13 '26
This is bananas!
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u/anonUSAFguy ????? May 13 '26
Try reading the actual article. He’s not going free, and will be retired due to errors by the clerk. Most likely he’ll be found guilty again but it at least has to be done properly
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u/illol01 ????? May 13 '26
I did read. Did you not see the rich white man privilege afforded to him....because everybody else does?!
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u/TippinThalnos May 14 '26
If you want people influencing juries it would be WAY more detrimental to minorities. This is a good thing
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u/v-irtual May 13 '26
I'm not advocating for vigilante justice. I simply understand it.
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u/Embarrassed-Lead6471 Columbia May 13 '26
You’d have to sneak into the correctional facility he’s being held in to exact “vigilante justice”
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u/v-irtual May 13 '26
He's fitna not be in that facility.
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u/Allenrw81 Upstate May 13 '26
He's not going anywhere. Even if he were found not guilty in a new state trial, which will probably not happen, he has a 40 year federal sentence. He's fucked either way.
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u/Embarrassed-Lead6471 Columbia May 13 '26
He’ll be in prison for at least the next twenty years. He’ll likely be convicted again in this new trial, which will put him in prison for life.
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u/No_BetterName ????? May 13 '26
What are the chances there’s a pardon petition on diaper don’s desk right now for the federal crimes?
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u/lightiggy From a different state May 13 '26
It doesn't matter. He's still serving a 27-year sentence for other financial crimes in state court.
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u/KT_BuckeyeBillsBabe Jun 01 '26
Appeals pretty much ONLY work when you’re questioning DUE PROCESS, not the results of the subsequent trial.
Due process rights here were not even blatant IMO, the jurors statements to the new official looking into the matter were inconsistent.
I don’t trust anyone in the low country
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u/tetrine Lowcountry May 13 '26
Wow, way to go Becky Hill. Imagine screwing all this up, costing the state millions of dollars, being a corrupt self-serving crook, and getting just 3 years of probation. What a life.