A defamation lawsuit against Netflix and Warner Brothers filed by Alex Murdaugh's surviving son is a significant step closer to a courtroom.
Buster Murdaugh, now 28 years old, accuses the media giants of implying that he murdered 19 year old Stephen Smith in the summer of 2015. Smith, who was Buster's classmate, was found dead on a rural road in Hampton County, where he was walking after running out of gas.
His family raised more than $60,000 to have his body exhumed for a private autopsy. It determined that he had been struck by a hit-and-run vehicle. A SLED investigation found no evidence linking Buster Murdaugh to the case.
The episode, including accusations voiced by Smith's family, was included in the Netflix Series "Murdaugh Murders, a Southern Scandal," and Warner Brothers' "Deadly Dynasty" and "Low Country, the Murdaugh Dynasty."
Federal District Judge Richard Gergel has denied the producers' motion for dismissal on grounds including the First Amendment.
That allows the case to proceed. Trial would be scheduled for federal court at later date in Charleston.
