Paul Murdaugh, who is facing felony charges in connection to the fatal boat crash that killed 19-year-old Mallory Beach in February, will be allowed to travel outside the area, a judge has ruled.
Judge Michael Nettles ruled on Monday, July 29 that Murdaugh could travel outside of Beaufort, Hampton, Allendale, Colleton and Jasper counties so that he could attend the University of South Carolina where he is enrolled, Robert Kittle, spokesman for the S.C. Attorney General’s Office confirmed.
Murdaugh and Beach were among six people thrown from the boat when it crashed into a piling on Archers Creek near Parris Island on Feb. 24. Beach’s body was found one week later on March 3.
Murdaugh, 20, was originally ordered not to leave the area while awaiting trial, but his attorneys filed a motion last week to allow him to travel anywhere in the state.
Murdaugh has been charged with one count of boating under the influence causing death and two counts of boating under the influence causing great bodily injury in connection to the boat crash. He pleaded not guilty to the charges in May.
The trial, which does not have a court date yet, is waiting for a circuit judge to be appointed, Kittle said.
