A sworne body in common-law systems that decides guilt or penalties
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.
A mistrial has left the Lindsay Clancy case unresolved as jurors failed to reach a verdict on criminal responsibility. Prosecutors are weighing a retrial, a plea deal, or other resolutions while Clancy remains in a psychiatric hospital. A September 29 conference could shape the next steps.
The government has announced specialist courtrooms for rape and serious sexual offences will be rolled out to every crown court within two years, with private entrances and trauma-informed training for staff. Trials will be fixed to dates, and funding is set to support victims through the national rape and sexual abuse support fund.
Caleb Flynn has been found guilty of aggravated murder and related charges in the February shooting of his wife, Ashley Flynn, at their Tipp City home. Prosecutors say he staged a break-in and sent messages and AI-generated songs to his mistress to conceal the crime. The sentencing phase will determine life in prison without parole.
A 16-year-old boy – previously 15 – is guilty of wounding with intent and possession of a knife after stabbing a 15-year-old girl at Thorpe St Andrew School in Norfolk last March. Armed police responded, the school went into lockdown, and the victim sustained a minor back injury.
The Massachusetts court has scheduled a November hearing to rule on motions that could shape a retrial for Lindsay Clancy. Prosecutors seek to move forward with a retrial, possibly on the same charges, while defense lawyers argue for dismissal under double jeopardy. If a retrial occurs, dates could land as soon as spring 2027.