The judge said that a court clerk had made âfoolish and fleetingâ comments during Mr. Murdaughâs trial, but that they did not affect the juryâs verdict that he murdered his wife and son.The judge said that a court clerk had made âfoolish and fleetingâ comments during Mr. Murdaughâs trial, but that they did not affect the juryâs verdict that he murdered his wife and son.