South Carolina Court Clerk Becky Hill Released on Bond After Arrest on Perjury and Misconduct Charges

South Carolina authorities have released former court clerk Becky Hill, who oversaw the Alex Murdaugh murder trial, after she posted bond following her arrest for alleged misconduct during the trial. The 57-year-old Hill, based in Colleton County, was charged with obstructing justice and misconduct, along with perjury in Richland County. The charges emerged following a January 2024 hearing where Justice Jean Toal ruled against a new trial for Murdaugh, a decision that became contentious due to allegations of jury tampering. Hill, who previously resigned in March amid accusations of jury tampering in the 2021 murders of Murdaugh’s wife and son, faced scrutiny over her testimony during the February 2024 hearing, where she denied allowing press to view sealed exhibits. Prosecutors allege her responses were inconsistent with evidence obtained. Additionally, Hill faced prior accusations of misusing federal funds for personal and office expenses, including gifts, meals, and paint supplies. Her defense attorneys argue that while the charges are serious, they are not unexpected, and that the situation could lead to a new trial for Murdaugh.