The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office has filed a motion with the state Supreme Court to unseal court transcripts related to the removal of Juror 785, known as the 'egg juror,' in Alex Murdaugh’s murder trial. The motion was submitted on Thursday, following the granting of a new murder trial for Murdaugh, who was convicted in June 2021 for the murders of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul. The transcripts contain details from a private hearing where Juror 785 was dismissed for allegedly discussing the case prematurely.
The South Carolina Supreme Court overturned Murdaugh’s murder convictions on May 13, with the formal remittitur issued on May 29, sending the case back to lower court for further proceedings. Prosecutors noted that no judge has yet been appointed to oversee the new trial. The sealed transcripts were initially restricted under protective orders, but prosecutors argue that the circumstances have changed, allowing for public access to the records.
Crosby, the juror in question, has previously requested the unsealing of the transcripts. The state’s motion emphasizes that the request is focused on public access to court records rather than litigation. Prosecutors have asked the court to declare prior restrictions moot, enabling the parties involved to discuss the matter publicly without violating court orders. Murdaugh remains incarcerated after pleading guilty to financial crimes, while his murder case is set to return to court.
