Courthouse evacuated after bomb threat

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WALTERBORO, S.C. — Testimony resumed Wednesday in the double murder trial of former attorney Richard “Alex” Murdaugh after the South Carolina courthouse was evacuated over a bomb threat.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division confirmed that a bomb threat was received by personnel at the Colleton County Courthouse, part of the 14th Judicial Circuit where Murdaugh’s ancestors once held legal power for 85-plus years as solicitors.

Just a few hours after jurors began hearing testimony, Judge Clifton Newman ordered that the courtroom be evacuated. The South Carolina Attorney General’s Office confirmed that the threat was “phoned in.”

“The building has been evacuated and SLED along with the Colleton County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the threat,” law enforcement said in a statement.

After law enforcement cleared the building, court resumed shortly after 3 p.m.

Who is Alex Murdaugh?

Murdaugh, part of a legal dynasty in Hampton County, is charged with fatally shooting his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and son, Paul Murdaugh, at their home on June 7, 2021. After a verdict is reached on those charges, Murdaugh, who is jailed in the state capital on a $7 million bond, must then stand trial on roughly 100 financial and drug-related charges.

What happened at the courthouse?

A Colleton County Sheriff’s Office deputy was seen sprinting across the grounds of the courthouse, panic in his voice as he yelled for people to clear the area. Court attendees exited the building through the front, sweeping stairs — ones not normally used by the public.

Murdaugh was taken from the courthouse and driven from the property in a large black van, according to reports from journalists outside of the courthouse. There was a heavy police presence in the area, and law enforcement formed a perimeter around the courthouse square.

Murdaugh’s family members, including his surviving son, Richard “Buster” Murdaugh Jr., and several student groups on field trips, were at the courthouse at the time.

Evacuation comes during 13th day of trial

Before the bomb threat Wednesday, gunshot forensics expert Megan Fletcher returned to the stand for cross-examination about gunshot primer residue found on Murdaugh’s hands, clothing, seatbelt and a blue raincoat found at his parent’s home.

Murdaugh’s former paralegal, Annette Griswold, testified mid-morning Wednesday about Murdaugh allegedly stealing millions from his family law firm.

Contact Breaking News Reporter N’dea Yancey-Bragg at nyanceybra@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @NdeaYanceyBragg

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