The View hosts shared their perspective on the recent news that former attorney Alex Murdaugh‘s murder convictions had been overturned by the South Carolina Supreme Court. The daytime hosts called it a case of the “haves versus the have-nots” as they spoke about how Murdaugh used his family’s influence to his advantage in the case.
Murdaugh was convicted of murdering his wife Maggie Murdaugh and his youngest son, Paul Murdaugh, in 2022. He was sentenced to life in prison, but the conviction was recently overturned after the South Carolina Supreme found Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca “Becky” Hill interfered in the 2023 trial. However, People reports he is still serving time in prison for other state and federal charges.
“If he was a poor white guy, a Black guy, or a Latino guy, he’d be rotting in jail for these charges,” Ana Navarro said during a spirited discussion about the case on the May 15 broadcast.
Sunny Hostin agreed, adding, “He’d still be in jail.”
Alyssa Farah Griffin pointed out that there are “five questionable deaths” tied to Alex, though he was only convicted for the deaths of his wife and son.
“This story kind of had everything. It’s the haves versus the have-nots, how the powerful and politically connected can get away with things no one else would,” she said, prompting Hostin and Sara Haines to point out his family of attorneys had significant influence over the county court.
Hostin tapped into her legal expertise to share her perspective on what could happen next with the case.
“I think it’s really hard to retry cases that have become so popular. Movies have been made about this case, there’s been documentaries made about this case,” she pointed out. “And as time goes by, witnesses memories fade, so even if they’re still alive they may not remember it in the same way. It’s pretty difficult.”
She also pointed out that the “integrity” of the jury is an important part of cases like these.
“Lawyers always say cases are won and lost at jury selection,” she told her co-hosts. “That’s your right to a fair trial.”
Navarro also clarified Alex has not been freed from prison.
“This guy’s not gonna get off scott free. He’s not out there walking. He’s likely going to be incarcerated for the rest of his life,” she stated.
The View airs on weekdays at 11/10c on ABC.
