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'Really odd': Internet puzzled as two jurors dismissed due to Covid-19 in Alex Murdaugh murder trial

Prosecutor Creighton Waters said that the team is on schedule to complete its case by Wednesday, paving the door for Murdaugh's defense

WALTERBORO, SOUTH CAROLINA: Following a bomb threat, a contentious GoFundMe campaign, and the Murdaugh family's poor behavior in the high-profile murder case, two jurors were replaced in the Alex Murdaugh trial after testing positive for Covid-19. Judge Newman made the announcement on Monday morning 13 February, adding to the high-profile case's ongoing drama.

Prosecutor Creighton Waters said on Friday, February 10 that the team is on schedule to complete its case by Wednesday, paving the door for Murdaugh's defense. The trial is happening in Colleton County Courthouse in South Carolina.

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Judge Newman denies postponing the trial

Dick Harpootlian, the defense attorney, petitioned Judge Newman to postpone the trial saying it would be costly for the defense, and things may get worse if more tests came back positive, the Independent reported. Prosecutor Creighton Waters noted neither party wanted the case to end in a mistrial due to a lack of jurors agreeing with the defense for postponing the trial. However, Judge Newman declined the request and recommended jurors and others wear masks.

'It’s really odd'

With alternate jurors selected for the trial to proceed, now three alternate jurors remain in the trial which began with six alternate jurors. The remaining jurors will be tested again on Wednesday for Covid-19. New information including that of GPS by General Motors over the weekend has been handed over to the stated, Creighton Waters told the court. It details the movement of Murdaugh’s vehicle on the night of the murders, it suggests. On the defense's request to review the data to benefit the case, Judge Newman said the defense needs more time. 

The prosecution is building the case against Alex Murdaugh as blood was found on the clothes when police arrived on the scene of the murders. He also told 911 dispatcher and law enforcement officials that he moved his wife and son’s bodies after finding them shot dead, however, other evidence revealed he appeared "clean".

The Internet reacted over jurours' replacement for Covid-19, one user said,  "Two jurors who tested positive for #COVID19 have been excused from service in the double murder trial of #AlexMurdaugh. The judge has ordered the trial to proceed with alternate jurors, follow-up testing on Wednesday, and masks encouraged". Another user remarked, "I have never watched a criminal case in detail like this Alex Murdaugh case. It’s really odd to me that 3 jurors have now been replaced due to illness. 2 this week and 1 a few weeks ago."

While another user said, "I need another cup of coffee! There is a whole lotta update to the #MurdaughTrial this morning! A member of the audience hacking #COVID like it's NBD, GM suddenly found GPS data for #AlexMurdaugh's vehicle, and 2 jury members were dismissed due to Covid. Whew! #AlexMurdaughTrial. One user questioned the FBI and said, "Wow, GM OnStar comes through with location data on Alex Murdaugh’s Suburban after initially saying they didn’t have any! I was wondering why the FBI expert didn’t address OnStar data earlier! This is a murder trial! Good job GM!"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.