State Inquiry into Jury Tampering Forces Resignation of South Carolina Court Official in Murdaugh Case

State Inquiry into Jury Tampering Forces Resignation of South Carolina Court Official in Murdaugh Case

On Monday, a South Carolina court employee who was under investigation for allegedly influencing the jury in the Alex Murdaugh case tendered her resignation.

Becky Hill, the clerk of Colleton County Court, announced her retirement at a press conference in front of the courthouse, effective immediately. She cited the work of the office and its handling of the high-profile Murdaugh trial last year in stating that she considered it an honor to have served as clerk since 2020.

“Managing a trial with such importance to the people of South Carolina, as well as of the national and international media interest and public scrutiny, it has caused me to reflect upon decisions involving my stay in the office of the clerk of court,” Hill stated. “And so after much reflection, I have decided that it is best not to run again for reelection.”

Hill stated that she wished to give Republican contenders for the post the time to prepare. Hill mentioned her grandchildren as the decisive element in her choice when questioned on Monday.

The narrative of Murdaugh’s downfall from his position as a powerful lawyer in his small county to his life sentence without the possibility of parole for killing his wife and son on their expansive estate has been extensively documented by bloggers, podcasts, and true crime programs.

His attorneys requested a new trial in the homicides, claiming claims of unlawful jury influencing by the court clerk. Hill refuted the accusations.

Judge Murdaugh rejected Murdaugh’s appeal in January, stating she wasn’t sure Hill was telling the truth when she said she never spoke to the jurors. However, jurors later testified that no remarks they heard affected their decision to find Murdaugh guilty.

Renée Wunderlich, a spokesperson for the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, stated on Monday that the division is actively investigating claims of jury tampering and misuse of office made against Hill.

During the press conference, Hill’s lawyer Justin Bamberg stated that the county’s residents, not an investigation, were the reason behind her decision. He also pointed out that there is still one week remaining to file with the Clerk of Court office.

“Today is not in response to any new development of some investigation or anything like that,” Bamberg stated.

He stated that the governor’s office would receive Hill’s letter of resignation later on Monday.

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With more than two years of expertise in news and analysis, Eileen Stewart is a seasoned reporter. Eileen is a respected voice in this field, well-known for her sharp reporting and insightful analysis. Her writing covers a wide range of subjects, from politics to culture and more.