Crime & Justice with Donna Rotunno
Episode: Dick Harpootlian: My Plan to Overturn Alex Murdaugh’s Conviction
Date: March 19, 2026
Host: Donna Rotunno
Guest: Dick Harpootlian (Defense Attorney for Alex Murdaugh)
Episode Overview
In this episode, renowned criminal defense attorney Donna Rotunno interviews Dick Harpootlian, the leading attorney for Alex Murdaugh. The discussion centers on Harpootlian’s strategy and perspective regarding Murdaugh’s conviction for the murder of his wife and son. They break down the appeal process, focusing especially on evidence involving court clerk misconduct and the controversial inclusion of Murdaugh’s financial crimes, which could potentially lead to a new trial. The episode reveals insider details on the legal issues underpinning one of America’s most watched legal sagas.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Dick Harpootlian’s Connection to the Murdaugh Family
[01:06 – 03:24]
- Harpootlian recounts his long-standing professional relationship with the Murdaugh family spanning decades.
- He had known the family since 1975 via prosecutorial and legal circles in South Carolina.
- His involvement started when Paul Murdaugh was charged in the infamous "boat case," leading to his later defense of Alex Murdaugh after the murder charges.
“I've known the family since 1975.” — Dick Harpootlian [03:19]
2. Personal Dynamics and Defending the Murdaughs
[03:24 – 05:25]
- Harpootlian clarifies he was not a close personal friend with Alex, Maggie, or Paul before representation, minimizing concerns about bias.
- Reflects on the close relationship he observed between Alex and his son Paul, casting doubt on prosecution theories.
- Stresses the emotional impact and unique pressures that come with defending high-profile clients with whom a lawyer has a deep knowledge of their backgrounds.
“The chemistry, especially between Alec and Paul, was more than father and son. They were almost like brothers or best friends.” — Dick Harpootlian [04:33]
3. Community Dynamics and Juror Selection
[07:03 – 09:05]
- The community was divided due to the Murdaughs’ wealth and power, with some resenting them—a factor Harpootlian’s team considered in jury selection.
- Harpootlian describes his broader reputation as a lawyer in both criminal and civil law, and the challenges any prominent defense attorney faces in such charged cases.
- Both Harpootlian and Rotunno reflect on public and personal backlash received for defending controversial clients.
“I got one morning I woke up and looked at my emails. It says, you are a worthless son of a bitch. I hope you die of ass cancer.” — Dick Harpootlian [09:13]
4. Broader Ethical and Constitutional Principles
[09:38 – 11:39]
- Both lawyers express pride in fulfilling the role of defense attorney, referencing historical examples like John Adams and Abraham Lincoln.
- Discuss the fundamental constitutional right to a fair trial and the necessity of zealous defense regardless of public opinion.
“None of it means anything if you don't enforce that right to a fair trial, the Sixth Amendment.” — Dick Harpootlian [11:20]
5. The Appeal: Central Arguments
[11:39 – 16:32]
- Two main issues on appeal:
- The introduction of Murdaugh’s financial crimes: Harpootlian asserts these were used far beyond establishing motive, prejudicing the jury.
- Misconduct by court clerk Becky Hill: She allegedly made prejudicial remarks to jurors and was motivated by book sales, undermining the fairness of the trial.
“She was also telling her co clerks that she was writing a book and a guilty verdict would sell more books and that a guilty verdict would sell more books, which would allow her to buy a lake house that she wanted.” — Dick Harpootlian [13:36]
- Argues that both these issues fundamentally compromised Alex Murdaugh’s right to a fair trial.
6. The Scope and Impact of Clerk Misconduct
[13:21 – 14:28; 20:12 – 24:53]
- Harpootlian’s team personally interviewed jurors, uncovering that the clerk not only communicated inappropriate messages but was financially motivated.
- Becky Hill’s statements are uncontradicted, aside from her own denials—which are undermined by her conviction for perjury.
- State and federal law typically presume prejudice when a court official improperly influences a jury.
“Once they learned all this and saw that Toll had made such a big, heinous error in her ruling… the right thing to do would have been to just say he ought to get a new trial. That’s what good prosecutors do.” — Dick Harpootlian [23:26]
7. Judicial Attitudes and Appeal Hearing Dynamics
[21:10 – 24:53]
- Rotunno queries how Harpootlian gauged the justices’ attitudes during appeal.
- Harpootlian describes the justices as focused on the legal standards of prejudice and fair trial, grilling the state for answers.
- He expresses confidence in the court’s willingness to critically address court official misconduct and protect the integrity of the justice system.
8. Predictions and Potential Outcomes
[27:08 – 28:57]
- Harpootlian anticipates a relatively quick appellate decision due to the strong factual and legal basis for a new trial.
- Explains “the Egg Lady” juror controversy—she was possibly removed unfairly due to clerk intervention, another point of concern picked up by the justices.
9. If There’s a New Trial: Harpootlian’s Role and Strategy
[29:40 – 31:13]
- Harpootlian confirms he will try the case again if a new trial is granted, despite financial constraints.
- He remains tight-lipped on any new strategies for handling crucial evidence, such as the video on Paul’s phone.
10. Background on Court Clerk Becky Hill
[31:24 – 32:52]
- Harpootlian knew of Hill’s background but had no reason to suspect her impartiality—or her overt actions during the trial.
- Raises disturbing facts about her lobbying to have her own daughter seated on the jury.
“She was so nice and so accommodating... In the moment, it seems silly. But now that you know everything, you know, it seems sinister, a little more ominous than it did at the time.” — Donna Rotunno & Dick Harpootlian [32:49]
11. Alex Murdaugh’s Life in Prison and Hopes
[33:17 – 36:10]
- Murdaugh is adapting to life in prison, assisting fellow inmates due to his legal background, and is deeply involved in his own appellate process.
- Despite his murder conviction, Harpootlian is blunt that Murdaugh’s financial crimes mean he’ll likely spend most or all of his life in prison, regardless of the murder case’s outcome.
12. Challenges of Picking a Jury and Systemic Reflections
[36:27 – 39:29]
- Jury selection will be challenging in any retrial due to notoriety and public opinion.
- Harpootlian promotes his new book "Dig Me a Grave" and discusses prior experiences with infamous defendants and the complicated realities of assembling an impartial jury.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “I can't imagine any circumstance in which Alex Murdaugh would press a shotgun to the skull of Paul, pull the trigger, and literally blow his head off. This brain flew up, hit the ceiling, and came back down on the floor.” — Dick Harpootlian [04:02]
- “People forget… the second president of the United States, John Adams, represented the British soldiers at the Boston Massacre.” — Dick Harpootlian [10:03]
- “She was writing a book… a guilty verdict would sell more books… which would allow her to buy a lake house.” — Dick Harpootlian [13:36]
- “None of it means anything if you don't enforce that right to a fair trial, the Sixth Amendment.” — Dick Harpootlian [11:20]
- “I think you're right, 100% right… The job as a prosecutor is to seek justice. It is not to win at all costs.” — Donna Rotunno [17:38]
- “I've never again been doing this 50 years. I've never seen anything that would hint that a clerk of court was helping one side or the other.” — Dick Harpootlian [33:04]
Key Timestamps
- 00:30 – 01:06: Setup and how Harpootlian became involved in the case
- 03:24 – 05:25: The Murdaugh family dynamic and Harpootlian’s observations
- 07:27 – 09:05: Public backlash, community split, and juror selection
- 11:39 – 16:32: Major appellate issues — financial crimes & clerk misconduct
- 20:12 – 24:53: Appellate hearing and justices’ response to clerk issue
- 27:08 – 29:40: Timeline prediction for appellate decision
- 33:17 – 36:10: Murdaugh’s life in prison and future prospects
- 36:46 – 39:29: Jury selection for retrial; Harpootlian’s serial killer case
Episode Tone
- Engaged, candid, and direct.
- Harpootlian is matter-of-fact, passionate about constitutional rights, and shows flashes of dark humor (especially regarding internet hate mail).
- Rotunno remains incisive, supportive, and openly empathizes with legal and ethical burdens of high-profile criminal defense work.
Final Thoughts
This episode pulls back the curtain on both the Murdaugh case's legal complexities and the personal, ethical stakes for defense attorneys. Harpootlian’s detailed explanations, coupled with Rotunno’s pointed questions, provide listeners a rare view into how appeals and allegations of courtroom misconduct might overturn one of America’s most notorious recent convictions. The legal stakes, personal narratives, and broader implications for the justice system make this a must-listen for anyone interested in true crime, constitutional law, or the practice of defense.