In a surprising turn of events, Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill announced her resignation amid an investigation into allegations of tampering with the jury in the Alex Murdaugh trial. Hill, who had been serving as clerk since 2020, stated that managing a trial of such importance had led her to reflect on her decisions, ultimately leading to her resignation. She expressed that she did not wish to run for re-election, allowing Republican candidates interested in the position to have time to act. When asked about her final decision, Hill cited her grandchildren as the deciding factor.
The Alex Murdaugh case has garnered significant media attention, with his fall from a prominent attorney to a convict serving a life sentence for the murder of his wife and son at their estate being widely covered in true crime shows, podcasts, and blogs. Murdaugh’s lawyers sought another trial, alleging that the court clerk had improperly influenced the jury, a claim that Hill denied. Despite a judge denying Murdaugh’s appeal in January, stating uncertainty about Hill’s truthfulness regarding interactions with jurors, the jurors themselves testified that their decision was not influenced by any comments made.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is actively investigating allegations of jury tampering and misuse of office against Becky Hill. The spokesperson for the division, Renée Wunderlich, confirmed that the investigations are ongoing, although no charges have been filed against Hill at this time. Hill’s attorney, Justin Bamberg, clarified during the news conference that her resignation was not a response to any new developments in the investigation, but rather a decision made in the best interest of the people of the county. He mentioned that there is still time for candidates to file for the Clerk of Court office.
Following Hill’s announcement, Governor Henry McMaster accepted her resignation and instructed the county probate judge to take charge of the office until the position can be filled. The governor’s office stated that an appointment to fill the vacancy would be made in the coming days. The resignation of Becky Hill has left a void in the Clerk of Court position, raising questions about the future administration of the office and the ongoing investigations into the allegations of jury tampering. As the case of Alex Murdaugh continues to unfold, the spotlight remains on the legal proceedings and those involved in the high-profile trial.
