Judge denies motions to relocate, separate defendants in Mallory Beach wrongful death lawsuit

HAMPTON COUNTY, S.C. (WTOC) - The judge denied two motions on Friday filed by Parker’s Corporation in the wrongful death lawsuit of Mallory Beach.

The judge denied a motion to move the case to another county and a second motion to separate the defendants in the case.

Attorneys for Parker’s say since Hampton County is the hometown of the Murdaughs. It would be difficult to find jurors unfamiliar with them. They also say that according to state law, Parker’s could foot much of the bill if both Parker’s and Alex Murdaugh are found liable in the case.

Meanwhile, the Beach family attorney – argues that they, too, could be impacted by the Murdaugh family influence but that Hampton County is still the best place for the trial.

“The Murdaugh family, it’s polarizing. It’s national and international news. This was just simply against Parkers. It’s a different case. However, we’ve said this from the very beginning. We had a valid legal transaction,” said PK Shere, the attorney for Parker’s Corporation.

“There’s people who still believe that Alex was set up. I pointed out in the hearing, You can see them over my shoulder, his family’s portraits are still hanging up. So, that is the risk, it’s not that the risk evidence is going to fail, or the law isn’t in our favor, the risk is something on tort happens,” said Mark Tinsley, the attorney for the Beach family.

Tinsley says Alex Murdaugh has a deposition in this case scheduled for next week. The trail is set to begin here in Hampton County on August 14th.

Four years ago Beach was killed in a boat wreck. Alex Murdaugh’s since murdered son Paul was charged with driving that boat under the influence and underage.

Paul was seen in surveillance video illegally buying alcohol at two different places before driving that boat, including a Parker’s convenience store, who the family attorney said should now be held able for Mallory’s death.

The following statement is from PK Shere, an attorney for Parker’s:

“Alex Murdaugh’s murder trial was one the most ‘reactionary and publicized proceedings in the history of the South Carolina judiciary and legal system.’ Being tethered to a convicted murderer - the most notorious criminal defendant in the last fifty years - leaves Parker’s potentially bearing the brunt of a punitive verdict through t and several liability. We simply asked for fairness, for Parker’s to be tried separately from a convicted murderer. While we are disappointed in the judge’s ruling today, we look forward to presenting our case at trial next month.”

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