Defense Attorney for Alex Murdaugh Affirms Innocence and Anticipates New Trial

Two years after Alex Murdaugh’s contentious murder conviction, his defense attorney, Dick Harpootlian, remains steadfast in his belief that Murdaugh is innocent of the murders of his wife, Maggie, and youngest son, Paul. The former lawyer, now serving a life sentence, was found guilty of fatally shooting both family members in June 2021 at their hunting estate in Colleton County, South Carolina.

Harpootlian shared his insights during an interview with Fox News Digital, emphasizing his long-standing professional relationship with the Murdaugh family. He recounted that he first met them when Paul was charged in a boat incident a year before the murders. According to Harpootlian, the Murdaughs frequently visited his office, and their interactions displayed a close-knit family dynamic. “Every time Maggie and Alex left this office, they were holding hands,” he remarked. “There’s no way in hell that he would have executed that kid.”

The Financial Crimes Narrative

Prosecutors have painted a different picture, suggesting that the tragic murders were orchestrated to divert attention from Murdaugh’s escalating financial violations, which were beginning to surface. Harpootlian does acknowledge that Murdaugh committed financial crimes, for which he was also sentenced to 27 years in a separate case in November 2023. However, he firmly rejects the notion that Murdaugh would resort to murder to conceal them.

“Remember, the state says he concocted this plan to distract from the money he stole,” Harpootlian stated. He added that any confession would have been made by Murdaugh if it would have protected his family. The heinous nature of the crime further complicates Murdaugh’s alleged involvement. As Harpootlian noted, public testimonies report that Paul was shot with a shotgun in a brutal manner, causing excessive trauma. He believes it to be implausible that Murdaugh could have committed such an act.

Lingering Questions Surrounding the Case

The question of who killed Maggie and Paul persists as the key point of uncertainty. Harpootlian expressed that new revelations could emerge that would aid their case. He reflects on the complexity of proving Murdaugh’s guilt and asserts, “We just need to create reasonable doubt in the jury’s mind about [Murdaugh] killing [Maggie and Paul]. There are plenty of doubts to discuss.” For example, he highlighted forensic evidence that shows no traces of blood found on Murdaugh, which he argues contradicts the claims of the prosecution.

Harpootlian maintains regular communication with Murdaugh, speaking with him once a week. He remains hopeful that they will secure a new trial. He attributes part of their strategy to alleged misconduct involving the clerk of court, which he believes warrants a legal re-evaluation of the case.

A Look Back at Harpootlian’s Career

While he is known for defending Murdaugh, Harpootlian’s legal career spans several decades, dating back to the 1980s. Upon graduating from Clemson University in 1975, he began as a prosecutor, where his views on capital punishment shifted significantly. Throughout his career, he has managed hundreds of murder cases, including several high-profile death penalty cases.

One such case involved Donald “Pee Wee” Gaskins, a notorious serial killer in South Carolina. Harpootlian’s experiences during the prosecution of Gaskins deeply affected his views on justice and the morality of capital punishment. He detailed his experiences in his upcoming book titled “Dig Me a Grave: The Inside Story of the Serial Killer Who Seduced the South,” co-authored with Shaun Assael.

The Gaskins Saga

Gaskins, a criminal mastermind, confessed to numerous murders in hopes of receiving a life sentence instead of the death penalty. His criminal activities left a haunting legacy, particularly noted by Harpootlian’s recollection of Gaskins attempt to poison a fellow inmate and orchestrate a murder from behind bars.

Harpootlian recalled, “The tapes obviously were damning, and the jury sentenced him to death. I was the DA at that time, and discovered that he had a plot to have my daughter kidnapped, which led to significant security challenges for my family.” Harpootlian reflected on the grim necessity of confronting issues of life and death while practicing law.

Reflections on Justice and Morality

Harpootlian’s upcoming book explores the moral dilemmas he faced throughout his career. He candidly discusses the psychological toll of handling cases where the stakes are so high. The narrative is described as cathartic, as he navigates the conflict between his duties as a defense attorney and his own morals surrounding capital punishment.

As he prepares for the book’s release on December 16, Harpootlian hopes to shine a light on these critical themes while shedding light on his complex experiences in the legal world.

While the saga of the Murdaugh case continues to unfold, with potential new developments on the horizon, Harpootlian’s commitment to seeking justice and revealing the truth remains unwavering. The legal community and public alike will be watching closely as this high-profile case evolves.