Ryan Kelly

Ryan Kelly first testified about collecting and sealing buccal swabs from eight people. He described using gloves, separate envelopes, and signed outer seals for each collection.

Kelly later described SLED's investigation of Alex Murdaugh's reported September 2021 roadside shooting. He recounted Murdaugh's account of an unknown motorist, the resulting composite sketch, an apparent blade puncture in a run-flat tire, the absence of reported roadway debris, and a recovered knife bearing DNA profiles attributed to Murdaugh and Curtis Smith. He also testified about telephone, surveillance, vehicle, and financial information that led investigators to Smith, while stating that they found no evidence connecting Smith to the Moselle killings.

On cross-examination, Kelly acknowledged medical records describing a skull fracture and subdural bleeding and agreed that Murdaugh had been shot in the head. He repeatedly emphasized that he was not a doctor and distinguished his observations from medical conclusions. Kelly also described a later telephone interview in which Murdaugh admitted stealing money, using drugs, and lying, followed by his surrender, arrest, bond, and return to rehabilitation.

Kelly testified on redirect that the hospital interviews were voluntary and that Murdaugh appeared to understand and answer questions appropriately. On recross, he acknowledged that investigators had not consulted medical personnel about competency before questioning Murdaugh. He explained that hospital staff would not discuss Murdaugh's condition, that investigators obtained the medical records later by court order, and that they questioned him as the reported victim and only known witness.