In a recent development, Becky Hill, the former South Carolina court clerk who played a significant role in the high-profile trial of Alex Murdaugh, was released from jail on Wednesday after posting bond. Hill, aged 57, faces serious charges, including obstructing justice, misconduct, and perjury, linked to her conduct during Murdaugh's trial in 2023. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division brought these charges against her following allegations that she tampered with the jury during the trial. Hill was arrested and charged with obstructing justice and misconduct in Colleton County, where she received a $30,000 bond, and with perjury in Richland County, where her bond was set at $50,000.
The charges against Hill are rooted in a hearing that took place in January 2024 before the South Carolina Supreme Court. During this hearing, Justice Jean Toal ruled against granting Alex Murdaugh a new trial. Murdaugh, convicted of murdering his wife Maggie and son Paul in June 2021, had sought a new trial on the grounds that Hill's alleged jury tampering had compromised the fairness of the original proceedings.
The specific allegations against Hill include allowing members of the press to view sealed exhibits during Murdaugh's trial, a claim she denied during the Supreme Court hearing. However, evidence obtained by authorities seemingly contradicts her denial. Hill's attorney, Will Lewis, stated that Hill voluntarily turned herself in during a hearing in Colleton County, noting that they only learned of the charges the previous night.
Hill's conduct has been controversial not only due to the jury tampering allegations but also because of her efforts to profit from the trial's notoriety. The State Ethics Commission had previously accused her of using her position as the Colleton County clerk for financial gain by promoting a book about the Murdaugh case. Hill admitted to and apologized for instances of plagiarism in the book. The charging documents from SLED also highlight Hill's promotion of her book on social media platforms.
Murdaugh's defense attorneys, Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin, have consistently voiced concerns about Hill's actions during and after the trial. They expressed that while the charges against Hill are serious, they were not surprising. They emphasized the importance of ensuring a fair and impartial trial for Murdaugh, with Harpootlian suggesting that Hill's charges might pave the way for a new trial for Murdaugh.
Eric Bland, a South Carolina attorney who has represented victims of Murdaugh's financial crimes, offered his perspective on the situation. Initially, Bland believed there was little chance that the South Carolina Supreme Court would overturn Justice Toal's decision denying Murdaugh a new trial. However, he now thinks that the perjury charge against Hill complicates matters and could increase the likelihood of a reversal and a new trial. Bland pointed out that the outcome would depend on whether the federal standard for jury tampering was correctly applied.
In addition to the jury tampering allegations, Hill has faced accusations of financial misconduct. She was previously accused of misappropriating nearly $10,000 in federal bonuses by sending them to herself as child support payments. She reportedly used federal funds for personal expenses, including gifts, office supplies, and dog-related items. These allegations, detailed in the SLED charging documents, further underscore the depth of scrutiny and controversy surrounding Hill's tenure as court clerk.
The fallout from these allegations led to Hill's resignation from her position as Colleton County court clerk in March 2023. Despite the serious accusations, Hill maintained that her decision to step down was not directly related to the jury tampering claims. In a news conference announcing her resignation, Hill reflected on the challenges of managing a trial as significant as the Murdaugh case, citing the intense public and media scrutiny it attracted. She stated her desire to focus on personal matters, such as her family, and to allow other candidates the opportunity to run for her former position.
Hill's former attorney, Justin Bamberg, who also represented victims of Murdaugh's financial misconduct, supported Hill's assertion that her resignation was unrelated to the pending investigations. As the legal proceedings against Hill unfold, the case continues to draw significant attention, highlighting the complexities of the judicial process and the paramount importance of maintaining its integrity.
Becky Hill's arrest and the subsequent charges have added another layer of intrigue to an already sensational legal saga. The Murdaugh trial, one of the most closely watched