South Carolina Court Clerk Steps Down Amid Investigation into Jury Tampering Allegations
A high-ranking South Carolina court official submitted her resignation on Monday as authorities investigate allegations that she tampered with the jury in the notorious Alex Murdaugh trial.
Announcement of Resignation
Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill announced her immediate resignation in a press conference held in front of the courthouse. The announcement has come amidst an ongoing state-level probe into allegations of wrongdoing during the high-profile Murdaugh trial, which she managed last year. Hill had been serving as clerk since 2020 and expressed her honor in doing the work.
“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 told reporters. She further explained that she decided not to run for re-election, thereby giving more time for potential Republican candidates to manifest their interest in running for the position. Hill, as per her account, drew her motivation to resign from her responsibilities towards her grandchildren.
Alleged Juror Tampering
The prominent case of Alex Murdaugh has captured the attention of the public, as his journey from a successful attorney to a prisoner serving life without parole for the murder of his wife and son continued to shock. The case has been a subject of numerous true crime shows, podcasts, and bloggers. His lawyers had previously called for another trial, citing allegations that Hill had inappropriately influenced the jury. Nevertheless, Hill vehemently denied all such accusations.
In a previous ruling in January, a judge denied Murdaugh’s appeal, citing concerns over whether Hill was speaking the truth regarding her non-interaction with the jurors. However, the jury members testified that their decision was not influenced by any external comments.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division continues to probe into allegations of jury tampering and misuse of office against Hill. The spokesperson, Renée Wunderlich, confirmed that the investigation was still ongoing and active as of Monday. Hill has not yet been charged for any crime.
Hill’s Decision Not Related to Investigation
Justin Bamberg, Hill’s attorney, asserted during the press conference that her choice to resign was not influenced by the ongoing investigation but was based on her concern for the people of the county. Bamberg further clarified that her resignation letter would be forwarded to the governor’s office later that day.
By the end of the day, Governor Henry McMaster had accepted Hill’s resignation, instructing the county’s probate judge to take over the office’s charge until a successor could be appointed. The governor’s office disclosed that an appointment to fill the void will be made soon.
