Alex Murdaugh's lawyers ask for new trial due to jury tampering | USA TODAY

Lawyers for convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh asked for new trial after jurors claimed a clerk had inappropriate communication.

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Attorneys for convicted murderer Richard "Alex" Murdaugh asked for a new trial and accused a Colleton County court official of tampering with the jury and violating Murdaugh's civil rights, according to new legal filings.

Murdaugh, a former attorney and member of a prominent legal dynasty, was handed two life sentences in March after being convicted of murdering his wife and son. Murdaugh has denied killing his family and days after his conviction, his attorneys, Richard Harpootlian and Jim Griffin, announced they intended to appeal.