South Carolina authorities have released court clerk Becky Hill, who presided over the 2023 Alex Murdaugh murder trial, after she posted bond following her arrest for alleged misconduct during the proceedings. The former clerk, 57, was charged with perjury, obstructing justice, and misconduct in two counties, with bail set at $30,000 in Colleton and $50,000 in Richland. The charges stem from a January 2024 hearing, where Justice Jean Toal ruled against a new trial for Murdaugh, despite his defense team’s allegations of jury tampering and Hill’s alleged misconduct.
Charging documents indicate that Hill lied about allowing press access to sealed exhibits, a claim that contradicts evidence obtained by authorities. Hill, who resigned in March after allegations of jury tampering in the Murdaugh trial, faced additional accusations of misusing public funds for personal and professional purposes, including gifts, meals, and office furniture. Her attorneys and legal representatives have argued that her conduct undermined the integrity of the judicial process, and the case has raised questions about the fairness of Murdaugh’s original conviction, with some legal experts suggesting the charges could lead to a new trial.
Lawyers representing Murdaugh, Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin, emphasized that while the charges are serious, they were not unexpected, given the long-standing concerns about Hill’s conduct. They stated that the arrest underscores the need to protect the judicial process and that a new trial for Murdaugh remains a possibility. However, attorney Eric Bland, who represented victims of Murdaugh’s financial crimes, noted that the perjury charge adds another layer of complexity to the case, potentially increasing the likelihood that Murdaugh could receive a new trial.
Additionally, SLED charging documents mention that Hill was accused of using her position to promote her book, which she admitted to plagiarizing in part. These charges, combined with her previous ethical violations by the State Ethics Commission, have painted a picture of a clerk who exploited her role for personal gain. The case not only highlights the internal struggles within the South Carolina judiciary but also brings attention to the broader issue of judicial accountability and the potential for misconduct to impact major legal proceedings.
Hill’s resignation in March was reportedly in response to allegations of jury tampering in the Murdaugh trial, though she maintained that her decision was not a direct result of those allegations. Hill’s public comments at the time expressed pride in the management of what was described as one of the largest trials in South Carolina’s history, but her subsequent legal troubles have cast a shadow on her professional conduct. As the legal process unfolds, the case will likely continue to attract public and media scrutiny, underscoring the high stakes involved in the Murdaugh trial’s outcome and its implications for the justice system in South Carolina.