Michael M. DeWitt
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Articles by Michael M. DeWitt
Murdaugh murder trial judge: ‘I will not allow this to become a circus’ Original
A South Carolina judge warned attorneys in the Alex Murdaugh case that she would not allow the upcoming retrial to become a "circus." • The judge granted a defense motion for independent DNA testing but denied a request for broad ballistics evidence from other cases. • Judge Debra McCaslin set a firm retrial date for April 2027 and established deadlines for evidence sharing between the prosecution and defense.
South Carolina school districts fall victim to Frontline cybersecurity breach
Several South Carolina school districts, including one in the Lowcountry, have fallen victim to a recent cybersecurity breach impacting thousands of people and their personal information. On Wednesday, Oct. 14, the Hampton County School District informed parents and the community that its schools had been impacted by a recent cybersecurity incident involving Frontline Education, a cloud-based administrative and management software system that serves K-12 school districts.
South Carolina school districts fall victim to Frontline cybersecurity breach
Hampton, Beaufort and Jasper County public schools all use Frontline Education software Oct. 16, 2026, 12:25 p.m. ET Several South Carolina school districts, including one in the Lowcountry, have fallen victim to a recent cybersecurity breach impacting thousands of people and their personal information. On Wednesday, Oct.
South Carolina school districts fall victim to Frontline cybersecurity breach
A cybersecurity breach at software company Frontline Education has impacted several South Carolina school districts. Hampton County School District reported that the personal information of 4,880 students and employees was compromised. The exposed data includes Social Security numbers, Medicaid IDs, and student IDs. Frontline Education is offering two years of free credit monitoring and identity theft protection to affected individuals.
Alex Murdaugh retrial: Key evidence fight heads to court
A South Carolina judge will hold a critical hearing Friday, Oct. 16, in a battle over "discovery" evidence and technical forensics that will likely shape the next chapters of one of the English-speaking world's most intensely followed murder cases.
Alex Murdaugh retrial: Key evidence fight heads to court
A South Carolina judge will hold a critical hearing Friday, Oct. 16, in a battle over "discovery" evidence and technical forensics that will likely shape the next chapters of one of the English-speaking world's most intensely followed murder cases.
Elderly Jasper County man charged with criminal sexual conduct
Elderly Jasper County man charged with criminal sexual conduct Michael M. DeWitt, Jr., Bluffton Today Updated Wed, October 14, 2026 at 1:24 PM EDT The Jasper County Sheriff's Office is currently investigating a triple shooting which left an elderly man dead, and two others injured. The shooting happened on Dasher Road in Tillman Aug. 17 around 3:15 a.m., according to the sheriff's office.
Beaufort County Sheriff's Office investigating shooting in Burton area
Beaufort County Sheriff's Office investigating shooting in Burton area Michael M. DeWitt, Jr., Bluffton Today Updated Tue, October 13, 2026 at 3:13 PM EDT An Illinois man was arrested and charged with attempted murder Sept. 27 after one man was injured in a shooting at the Bluffton hotel, police said. The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office announced over the weekend that it is investigating a shooting that occurred late Friday night, Oct. 9, in the Milledge Village area of Burton.
Two fatal weekend accidents under investigation
Two people died over the weekend in unrelated crashes in Beaufort and Jasper counties, including one collision involving a wrong-way driver on U.S. Highway 17. The Jasper County crash occurred around 1:16 a.m. Oct. 12 on U.S. Highway 17 near Okatie Highway and involved two vehicles, stated Master Trooper Brandon Bolt in a posted South Carolina Highway Patrol report.
Two fatal weekend accidents under investigation
Two fatal weekend accidents under investigation Michael M. DeWitt, Jr., Bluffton Today Updated Tue, October 13, 2026 at 8:22 AM EDT A Bluffton man died in a July 16 accident involving an e-bike and a Dodge Charger, according to officials. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is investigating the accident. Two people died over the weekend in unrelated crashes in Beaufort and Jasper counties, including one collision involving a wrong-way driver on U.S. Highway 17.
Victims remembered during Domestic Violence Awareness Month
A Beaufort County man and a Jasper County woman are among more than a score of South Carolina's victims of fatal domestic violence remembered during a Tuesday, Oct. 6 ceremony in our state capital.
Victims remembered during Domestic Violence Awareness Month
South Carolina's victims of fatal domestic violence were remembered during a Tuesday, Oct. 6 ceremony in the state capital. kAmpEE@C?6J v6?6C2= p=2? (:=D@? =65 A2CE:4:A2?ED E9C@F89 E96 ahE9 2??F2= $:=6?E (:E?6DD r6C6>@?J 96=5 2E E96 $]r] $E2E6 r2A:E@= r@>A=6I :? r@=F>3:2] sFC:?8 E96 D@=6>? 46C6>@?J[ (:=D@? 42==65 E96 ?2>6D @7 b_ H@>6? 2?5 `_ >6? 7C@> 24C@DD E96 DE2E6 H9@ =@DE E96:C =:G6D :?
Murdaugh prosecutors: 'We can't 'confirm or deny' Greg Alexander probe'
South Carolina Judge Debra McCaslin issued a noon Thursday deadline to the S.C. Attorney General's Office to respond to a motion from accused murder suspect Richard "Alex" Murdaugh alleging that the State is withholding evidence that may connect a Hampton County police officer to the June 2021 Murdaugh family killings, and the Attorney General's response was timely and brief: kAmQ(6 42?VE Q4@?7:C> @C 56?JQ 2 $E2E6 vC2?5 yFCJ :?G6DE:82E:@? :?G@=G:?8 *6>2DD66 !@=:46 r9:67 vC68 p=6I2?56C]Qk^Am kAm~?
Victims remembered during Domestic Violence Awareness Month
The South Carolina Attorney General's Office has announced that a Hampton County woman was charged with assaulting an assisted living patient in Bluffton. A Beaufort County man and a Jasper County woman are among more than a score of South Carolina's victims of fatal domestic violence remembered during a Tuesday, Oct. 6 ceremony in our state capital. Attorney General Alan Wilson led participants through the 29th annual Silent Witness Ceremony held at the S.C. State Capitol Complex in Columbia.
Settlement bans data centers in most of Colleton County’s ACE Basin area
Oct. 9, 2026, 9:28 a.m. ET A settlement has banned data center development in most of Colleton County's ACE Basin area. The agreement resolves a lawsuit filed by the Southern Environmental Law Center on behalf of local landowners. The "Data Center Exclusion Area" includes the site of a previously proposed 850-acre data center complex. Environmental groups remain concerned about other projects, including a proposed power plant and natural gas pipeline in the region.
Alex Murdaugh retrial: State opposes evidence requests Original
The South Carolina Attorney General's Office has responded to several motions from Alex Murdaugh's defense team ahead of his retrial. • Murdaugh's lawyers are requesting complete raw data from cell phones, DNA evidence, and crime scene scans for their own experts to analyze.
Murdaugh prosecutors: 'We can't 'confirm or deny' Greg Alexander probe' Original
Alex Murdaugh's lawyers allege the state is withholding evidence that may link a police chief to the 2021 Murdaugh killings. • The S.C. Attorney General's Office responded that it cannot confirm or deny a State Grand Jury investigation due to secrecy laws. • A judge has scheduled a hearing for Oct. 16 to address the defense's motion to compel the state to release this evidence.
State: Murdaugh defense making 'egregious,' 'brazen' false statements
The contentious "back-and-forth" continues in the highly anticipated double-murder retrial of State of South Carolina v. Richard Alexander Murdaugh, with the defense repeatedly claiming prosecutors are withholding or delaying discovery evidence, and the State accusing Murdaugh's attorneys of lying. kAm(:E9 |FC52F89 @?46 282:? 724:?8 2 EC:2= :? E96 a_a` >FC56CD @7 EH@ 72>:=J >6>36CD[ E96 =2E6DE AC6EC:2= D2=G@ 42>6 %F6D52J[ ~4E] e[ :? E96 7@C> @7 2 DEC@?8=J H@C565 Q#6DA@?D6 :? @AA@D:E:@?
Bluffton Police Department arrests Bluffton man on 'Buggery' charge
Bluffton Police Department arrests Bluffton man on 'Buggery' charge Michael M. DeWitt, Jr., Bluffton Today Updated Thu, October 8, 2026 at 9:08 AM EDT A Bluffton man faces a child sexual exploitation charge after being arrested for the crime in June, according to the Bluffton Police Department. BLUFFTON, S.C. – The Bluffton Police Department, with the help of state investigators and a tip to a national hotline, made an unusual but serious criminal charge this week: buggery. On Wednesday, Oct.
Bluffton Police Department arrests Bluffton man on 'Buggery' charge
BLUFFTON, S.C. – The Bluffton Police Department, with the help of state investigators and a tip to a national hotline, made an unusual but serious criminal charge this week: buggery. On Wednesday, Oct. 7, the BPD announced the arrest of Patrick Joseph Fox, 39, of Bluffton, who is charged with Buggery after an alleged incident involving sexual conduct with a family dog, stated a Town of Bluffton news release.
Three arrested, deadly weapons seized after string of retaliatory Jasper Co. shootings
Three people were arrested and deadly weaponry confiscated following a string of shootings in Jasper County in early October. The Jasper County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) announced Wednesday, Oct. 7, that it had arrested three suspects following a series of retaliatory shootings that occurred at multiple locations throughout Jasper County. In a release, the JCSO stated the latest shootings, which were fortunately not fatal, are believed to be retaliatory for an Oct. 2 homicide in Hardeeville.
Three arrested, deadly weapons seized after string of retaliatory Jasper Co. shootings
A 12-year-old was detained by deputies after he attempted to pull a gun from his waistband during a traffic stop. The juvenile had also attempted to discard marijuana during the traffic stop, police said. Three people were arrested and deadly weaponry confiscated following a string of shootings in Jasper County in early October. The Jasper County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) announced Wednesday, Oct.
State: Murdaugh defense making 'egregious,' 'brazen' false statements Original
Alex Murdaugh's defense team and state prosecutors are engaged in a contentious dispute over evidence ahead of his murder retrial. • The defense claims prosecutors are withholding complete cell phone data, while the state insists all files have been provided multiple times. • Murdaugh's attorneys are also seeking additional DNA, ballistics, and crime scene scan data for their own experts to analyze.
Murdaugh defense team asks judge to force evidence release before retrial Original
Alex Murdaugh's defense team claims the S.C. Attorney General's Office is withholding evidence needed for his upcoming retrial. • Attorneys have filed multiple motions to compel the state to release discovery materials, including DNA, ballistic, and cell phone data. • The defense warns they may have to request a delay for the 2027 retrial if the evidence is not produced in a timely manner. • A motions hearing is scheduled for October 16 to address the dispute over the release of evidence.
Alex Murdaugh's defense team claims SC AG's office withheld evidence
A legal filing rattled the South Carolina court index this week, as attorneys for twice-accused, double-murder suspect Richard "Alex" Murdaugh claim that the S.C. Attorney General's Office is withholding evidence of an alleged crime scene cover-up and disposal of murder weapons in the high-profile 2021 killings of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh in Colleton County. kAm#2>A:?8 FA 7@C 2 $@FE9 r2C@=:?2 $FAC6>6 r@FCE\@C56C65 C6EC:2= :? a_af[ @?
Data centers near the South Carolina Lowcountry - What to know
Even as a proposed data center in the Colleton County area of the South Carolina Lowcountry continues to make headlines, and local governments are urgently approving moratoriums to slow or stop the potential development of more data centers, other artificial data project developers have eyes on this area of the Southeast.
Data centers near the South Carolina Lowcountry - What to know
Even as a proposed data center in the Colleton County area of the South Carolina Lowcountry continues to make headlines, and local governments are urgently approving moratoriums to slow or stop the potential development of more data centers, other artificial data project developers have eyes on this area of the Southeast.
Alex Murdaugh's defense team claims SC AG's office withheld evidence
A legal filing rattled the South Carolina court index this week, as attorneys for twice-accused, double-murder suspect Richard "Alex" Murdaugh claim that the S.C. Attorney General's Office is withholding evidence of an alleged crime scene cover-up and disposal of murder weapons in the high-profile 2021 killings of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh in Colleton County.
Judge sets new Alex Murdaugh hearing ahead of retrial
In the wake of several strongly worded and accusatory defense motions, including one bombshell filing potentially linking South Carolina Lowcountry officers and court officials to the 2021 Murdaugh family murders, a new earlier-than-expected pretrial proceeding has been scheduled in the double-murder retrial process of Richard "Alex" Murdaugh. A "defense motions hearing" and status conference has been set for 10 a.m. on Oct.
Alex Murdaugh defense team seeks phone data as 2027 murder retrial nears
With an internationally publicized retrial looming in 2027 for accused double-murder suspect Richard "Alex" Murdaugh, attorneys on both sides of the case are combing through mountains of evidence searching for a new advantage, and the latest pretrial motions indicate technological evidence will be at the center of this legal battle. With a state Supreme Court-ordered second murder trial date tentatively set for the week of April 5, 2027, before Judge Debra McCaslin in Sumter, on Monday, Sept.
Alex Murdaugh defense team seeks phone data as 2027 murder retrial nears
With an internationally publicized retrial looming in 2027 for accused double-murder suspect Richard "Alex" Murdaugh, attorneys on both sides of the case are combing through mountains of evidence searching for a new advantage, and the latest pretrial motions indicate technological evidence will be at the center of this legal battle. With a state Supreme Court-ordered second murder trial date tentatively set for the week of April 5, 2027, before Judge Debra McCaslin in Sumter, on Monday, Sept.
32nd Annual Yemassee Shrimp Festival a Success
Town officials and festival organizers say that last week's 32nd Annual Yemassee Shrimp Festival was a great success that brought locals and visitors alike together to celebrate a South Carolina Lowcountry tradition. The Yemassee Shrimp Festival kicked off Thursday, Sept. 24, and continued through the weekend with events ranging from parades and carnivals to live musical entertainment. Thursday afternoon brought residents and visitors together as the carnival and vendors opened for the weekend.
32nd Annual Yemassee Shrimp Festival a Success
Town officials and festival organizers say that last week's 32nd Annual Yemassee Shrimp Festival was a great success that brought locals and visitors alike together to celebrate a South Carolina Lowcountry tradition. The Yemassee Shrimp Festival kicked off Thursday, Sept. 24, and continued through the weekend with events ranging from parades and carnivals to live musical entertainment. Thursday afternoon brought residents and visitors together as the carnival and vendors opened for the weekend.
State police say public help needed to crack 2022 Estill murder case
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) continues to investigate a fatal shooting on Saturday, November 5, 2022, that killed Devin White, 24, pictured here in a photo provided by the victim's family. Provided by the White family USA TODAY Network, Reuters State police continue to investigate a 2022 shooting death in southern Hampton County, but no arrests have been made and police say help is needed from the public and the Estill community.
State police say public help needed to crack 2022 Estill murder case
State police continue to investigate a 2022 shooting death in southern Hampton County, but no arrests have been made and police say help is needed from the public and the Estill community. In early 2026, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) issued a statewide release stating its agents continue to investigate a fatal shooting that occurred on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, that killed Devin White, 24, and the agency was offering a cash reward.
State police say public help needed to crack 2022 Estill murder case
State police say public help needed to crack 2022 Estill murder case Michael M. DeWitt, Jr., Bluffton Today Tue, September 29, 2026 at 5:02 AM EDT The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) continues to investigate a fatal shooting on Saturday, November 5, 2022, that killed Devin White, 24, pictured here in a photo provided by the victim's family.
Driver killed after pickup strikes dump truck on I-95
One man was killed and another injured when a pickup truck crashed into a dump truck along Hampton County's stretch of Interstate 95 last weekend. The South Carolina Highway Patrol reported that the incident occurred around 10:41 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20, at the 36-and-a-half-mile marker of the I-95 northbound lane. According to the SCHP posted collision report, a 2021 GMC pickup truck was traveling north on the interstate when it collided with the rear of a 1985 Western Star dump truck.
One killed when pickup truck crashes into dump truck on Interstate-95 Original
A fatal crash occurred on Interstate 95 in Hampton County, South Carolina. A pickup truck collided with the rear of a dump truck, resulting in one death and one injury. Five people were killed on South Carolina roads during the weekend of the incident. One man was killed and another injured when a pickup truck crashed into a dump truck along Hampton County's stretch of Interstate 95 last weekend. The South Carolina Highway Patrol reported that the incident occurred around 10:41 p.m. on Sunday, Sept.
One killed when pickup truck crashes into dump truck on Interstate-95
One man was killed and another injured when a pickup truck crashed into a dump truck along Hampton County's stretch of Interstate 95 last weekend. The South Carolina Highway Patrol reported that the incident occurred around 10:41 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20, at the 36-and-a-half-mile marker of the I-95 northbound lane. According to the SCHP posted collision report, a 2021 GMC pickup truck was traveling north on the interstate when it collided with the rear of a 1985 Western Star dump truck.
Alex Murdaugh attorneys seek DNA, ballistic evidence before retrial
With an internationally followed, high-profile retrial looming in 2027, attorneys for accused double-murder suspect Richard "Alex" Murdaugh filed a new motion late last week seeking to force the State of South Carolina to release three types of evidence they say prosecutors have previously refused to release. kAm(:E9 2 DE2E6 $FAC6>6 r@FCE\@C56C65 D64@?5 >FC56C EC:2= 52E6 E6?E2E:G6=J D6E 7@C E96 H66< @7 pAC:= d[ a_af[ 367@C6 yF586 s63C2 |4r2D=:? :? $F>E6C[ |FC52F89VD =682= E62> 7:=65 2 >@E:@? @?
Alex Murdaugh attorneys seek DNA, ballistic evidence before retrial
With an internationally followed, high-profile retrial looming in 2027, attorneys for accused double-murder suspect Richard "Alex" Murdaugh filed a new motion late last week seeking to force the State of South Carolina to release three types of evidence they say prosecutors have previously refused to release.
Alex Murdaugh attorneys seek DNA, ballistic evidence before retrial Original
Alex Murdaugh's attorneys have filed a motion to compel the state to release DNA, ballistics, and crime scene scan data. • The defense seeks to reexamine DNA from Maggie Murdaugh's hands and phone, which indicated an unknown male. • Lawyers are also requesting ballistics records for .300 Blackout rifles, arguing the weapon is common in other crimes.
DeWitt Humor: I trust rabid squirrels more than I trust artificial intelligence Original
Last week the human world was shocked by the announcement from a top tech company official that self-evolving artificial intelligence “bots” could likely go rogue and destroy all mankind within the next 10 years. Just great, that was the year I planned to finally get my life together.
DeWitt Humor: I trust rabid squirrels more than I trust artificial intelligence
Last week the human world was shocked by the announcement from a top tech company official that self-evolving artificial intelligence “bots” could likely go rogue and destroy all mankind within the next 10 years. Just great, that was the year I planned to finally get my life together.
Award-winning Beaufort-Jasper-Hampton area health care provider retires
An award-winning South Carolina Lowcountry health care provider is retiring after nearly five decades of serving patients in the Beaufort, Jasper and Hampton County areas.
Will Alex Murdaugh stand trial again for murders? Key ruling still pending Original
Alex Murdaugh's murder retrial is tentatively scheduled for April 2027 in Sumter, S.C. • A judge has yet to rule on a defense motion to dismiss the murder charges against Murdaugh. • A hearing on the motion to dismiss is expected to take place on November 13. While the venue and starting date for what could be called South Carolina's "Retrial of the Century" have been set, is it still possible that accused murderer Richard "Alex" Murdaugh may not return to stand trial at all?
Will Alex Murdaugh stand trial again for murders? Key ruling still pending
While the venue and starting date for what could be called South Carolina's "Retrial of the Century" have been set, is it still possible that accused murderer Richard "Alex" Murdaugh may not return to stand trial at all? With a state Supreme Court-ordered second murder trial date tentatively set for the week of April 5, 2027, in the city of Sumter, during an Aug. 14 pretrial hearing in Lexington County, Circuit Court Judge Debra R.
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