South Carolina lawyer in the spotlight for a double-murder conviction and ongoing appeals
Shirilla has filed a federal habeas corpus petition asking a federal judge to set aside her murder conviction and grant a new trial. Her new defense argues ineffective assistance, withheld evidence, improper transfer to adult court, and other constitutional challenges. The filing details claims including altered death findings, confrontation rights, and omitted evidence.
The retrial of Alex Murdaugh for the 2021 killings is moving ahead in Lexington County after a judge refused to dismiss the indictments, despite defense claims of misconduct by investigators and potential jury taint. The trial is slated for April 2027, with motions and witnesses expected to shape the proceedings.