Alex Murdaugh’s defence lawyers raised an unverified suggestion that a recent homicide in Allendale County could be linked to the weapons used in the killings of Murdaugh’s wife and son. The claim prompted scrutiny from the judge and opposition from prosecutors, because any credible connection could affect efforts to challenge Murdaugh’s murder convictions.

Prosecutor Creighton Waters said the rifle used in the Allendale shooting had been checked against a national gun database and produced no matches to other crimes. The defence’s suggestion was not supported by verified evidence in the material provided, while the court sought further answers about the proposed link.