Clerk in Murdaugh Trial Is Charged With Misconduct and Perjury
Context:
Becky Hill, the former court clerk involved in Alex Murdaugh's trial, has been arrested and charged with misconduct for allegedly using her position for personal gain, misusing public funds, and committing perjury. During the trial, Murdaugh's lawyers accused Hill of influencing the jurors, citing inappropriate conversations and pressure to expedite the verdict. Despite these allegations, a judge initially denied a retrial, and Hill later faced an ethics investigation for promoting a book about the trial. Hill has since resigned and posted bail on various charges. Murdaugh, convicted of murdering his wife and son, continues to challenge his verdict while serving a life sentence for both murder and financial crimes after admitting to significant financial misconduct.
Dive Deeper:
Becky Hill, who handled the high-profile trial of Alex Murdaugh, has been charged with misconduct, obstruction of justice, and perjury, as prosecutors allege she used her position for personal benefit and improperly influenced jury members.
During the trial, Hill was accused of having inappropriate conversations with jurors, including warning them not to be swayed by Murdaugh's defense and suggesting the deliberations should be swift, which Murdaugh's lawyers argued affected the trial's outcome.
Despite these allegations, a judge ruled that Hill's conduct was not sufficient to impact the guilty verdict, denying Murdaugh a new trial, although his legal team has appealed this decision.
Following the trial, Hill published a book co-authored with Neil Gordon, detailing her experiences, which led to further accusations of jury tampering and an ethics investigation that found probable cause for her alleged misconduct.
After resigning in 2024, Hill was arrested and released on a $10,000 bond for misconduct and obstruction charges and a $50,000 bond for perjury, as the investigation into her actions continues.
Alex Murdaugh, a once-prominent lawyer, was found guilty of murdering his wife and son, a verdict that highlighted his hidden life of financial deceit as he had stolen millions from clients and colleagues.
Although Murdaugh maintains his innocence regarding the murders, he has confessed to financial crimes, resulting in an additional 27-year sentence, and continues to appeal his murder convictions.