The former Colleton County Clerk of Court, Becky Hill, has resigned amidst ongoing ethics investigations stemming from her conduct during the high-profile Alex Murdaugh murder trial. Hill’s resignation, announced at a press conference, follows allegations of jury tampering and the exploitation of her position for personal gain. While her attorney maintains the decision is unrelated to these investigations, the timing raises questions and adds another layer of complexity to the already sensational Murdaugh saga.
The Murdaugh trial, which captivated the nation, ended with Alex Murdaugh’s conviction for the murders of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul. However, the aftermath has been far from quiet. Murdaugh’s defense team filed a motion for a new trial, citing Hill’s alleged inappropriate interactions with the jury as grounds for overturning the verdict. These allegations, coupled with separate ethics probes, have placed Hill squarely in the spotlight.
Becky Hill testifying at an evidentiary hearing related to the Alex Murdaugh trial. (Court TV)
Hill’s attorney, Justin Bamberg, emphasized that her resignation was in the best interest of Colleton County and allowed her to prioritize family. He stated that it was unrelated to new developments in the ongoing investigations. Hill herself echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the intense public scrutiny she faced during and after the trial. She expressed a desire to step back from public life and focus on her personal life.
“After much reflection, I have decided that it is best not to run again for re-election,” Hill stated. “I will now be able to focus on being a wife, a mother and a grandmother…and will be spending time with the people who mean the most to me.” She also cited the upcoming election as a factor in her decision, wanting to give other potential candidates ample time to campaign.
The core of the jury tampering allegations centers on testimonies from several jurors who described Hill’s behavior as concerning. These accounts include allegations of Hill entering a bathroom with the jury forewoman and instructing the jury not to be swayed by Murdaugh’s defense. These claims formed the basis of the defense’s motion for a new trial, arguing that Hill’s actions improperly influenced the jury’s deliberations.
Adding to the controversy, Hill’s son, Jeffrey Hill, was arrested and charged with wiretapping during the trial. He allegedly illegally recorded conversations involving a deputy county administrator, further intertwining the Hill family with the Murdaugh case. This incident added another dimension to the unfolding drama and raised questions about potential conflicts of interest.
Separate from the jury tampering accusations, Hill also faced an ethics investigation related to her book, “Behind the Doors of Justice,” co-authored with Neil Gordon. The book, which detailed the Murdaugh murders and subsequent trial, became embroiled in controversy when a significant portion of the preface was discovered to be plagiarized. Hill issued an apology, expressing remorse for the plagiarism, and book sales were halted.
Alex Murdaugh during a hearing for a retrial motion. (Tracy Glantz/The State via AP, Pool)
Murdaugh’s defense attorneys, Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin, contended that Hill’s actions were motivated by a desire to secure a book deal and media appearances, opportunities that would have been jeopardized by a mistrial. They argued that her alleged interference with the jury was driven by personal ambition and financial gain.
An evidentiary hearing presided over by Justice Jean Toal was held to address these allegations. Both the defense and lead prosecutor Creighton Waters presented their arguments. Waters maintained that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s (SLED) investigation found no evidence of improper conduct influencing the verdict. Justice Toal questioned the jurors, who remained anonymous, and Hill herself, who denied discussing the case with the jurors.
Despite finding Hill’s testimony lacking credibility, Justice Toal ultimately ruled that there was insufficient evidence to demonstrate that her comments impacted the jury’s decision. While acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations, Justice Toal reaffirmed the strength of the evidence against Murdaugh and expressed strong agreement with the guilty verdict. She pointedly remarked on Hill’s apparent pursuit of fame, stating, “Miss Hill was attracted by the siren call of celebrity.”
Hill’s resignation marks a significant development in the ongoing legal and ethical fallout from the Murdaugh trial. While she will not seek re-election, the investigations into her conduct continue. The complexities of this case, from the initial murders to the subsequent trial and now the controversies surrounding Hill, continue to grip public attention and raise questions about the intersection of justice, media, and personal ambition. The story serves as a reminder of the enduring power of high-profile trials and their ability to expose both the strengths and weaknesses of the legal system.
The resignation of Becky Hill, while significant, does not alter the outcome of the Murdaugh trial. Alex Murdaugh remains convicted of the murders of his wife and son. However, the ongoing ethics investigations and the circumstances surrounding Hill’s resignation underscore the broader implications of this case and the importance of upholding the integrity of the judicial process. The fallout from the Murdaugh trial continues to unfold, with the potential for further legal and ethical ramifications yet to be seen.
