WALTERBORO, S.C. — A saga that has gained nationwide curiosity will quickly thrust a small South Carolina city into the highlight as jury choice begins for the Alex Murdaugh double-murder trial.
The previous South Carolina lawyer - and member of a distinguished authorized household within the state - is dealing with prices of killing his spouse and son in June 2021. The costs towards him and the trial surrounding them may also put Colleton County and the county seat of Walterboro, a city of about 5,500 folks, on the middle of the general public consciousness.
And whereas a lot of that might be on-line and on tv, the neighborhood can also be making ready to see a few of that curiosity generate foot - and automotive - visitors.
On Sunday night time, simply over 12 hours earlier than the Murdaugh trial begins, the Colleton County Sheriff's Workplace warned residents to be conscious of the influence it's going to have on on a regular basis journeys to and from work and college. The workplace urged locals to go away early and keep away from downtown to assist ease the influence of what may very well be an intense commute.
"Despite the fact that there might be a big police presence to help with visitors and safety – we encourage residents to decide on an alternate route round downtown to get to their locations," the sheriff's workplace introduced on Fb.
In the meantime, because the city begins for the influence of the trial, Murdaugh's protection attorneys stated in a Sunday press launch that they would not be releasing additional statements as a way to "protect the integrity of the trial course of."
An announcement from a consultant for attorneys Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin stated that the 2 are ready to problem the state's allegations and present weaknesses within the state's case towards Murdaugh in entrance of the soon-to-be-selected Colleton County jury and clear his identify.
On the opposite aspect of the courtroom might be lead prosecutor Creighton Waters, who has labored because the chief lawyer for the state grand jury and been a part of the division for twenty-four years.