Lawyers for Alex Murdaugh, the infamous South Carolina fraudster and convicted murderer of his wife and son, have requested a new trial, alleging jury tampering by the Colleton County Clerk of Court. They claim that the Clerk of Court, Rebecca “Becky” Hill, deliberately manipulated the jury to discredit Murdaugh’s testimony and other evidence presented by the defense. Allegedly, Hill urged the jury to quickly reach a guilty verdict and misled the trial judge to disqualify a juror deemed favorable to the defense.
According to the motion, Hill’s actions were not innocent mistakes but a calculated breach of her official duties designed to secure a lucrative book deal and media exposure. Outcomes which, it argues, would not transpire in the event of a mistrial. Concerns were raised over Hill’s book, “Behind the Doors of Justice: The Murdaugh Murders” which was published recently, and at least three sworn affidavits, including from a juror and one dismissed juror.
This turn of events takes place half a year since Murdaugh was found guilty of murdering his spouse, Maggie, and their son, Paul. The case has garnered national spotlight due to Murdaugh’s professional background and esteemed family lineage that spans several generations of local prosecutors.
Amid claims of jury meddling, Murdaugh’s legal representatives have petitioned the South Carolina US Attorney to investigate potential criminal charges. Simultaneously, the South Carolina Attorney General has pledged to examine the appeal through legal channels and provide a response when deemed appropriate.
Murdaugh’s lawyers assert that Hill not only inappropriately discussed the case but also drove the jurors toward a swift conclusion in their deliberations, allegedly going as far as to restrict smoke breaks until an agreement was reached. Moreover, they contend Hill misled the judge with erroneous details about a juror, leading to their removal on the trial’s final day.
Hill co-authored her book alongside Neil R. Gordon. In it, she divulged personal thoughts on the trial, stating that she was greatly troubled by Murdaugh’s polar opposite roles, but this didn’t interfere with her responsibilities. She wrote, revealing her conviction of Murdaugh’s guilt and her surprise at the swift jury deliberation.
Prosecutors anchored their case on particularly compelling video footage showing Murdaugh at the crime scene that night, which contradicted his denial of involvement in the fatal shootings. The defense hinged on Murdaugh’s sworn testimony, where he admitted to egregious behaviors like lying to authorities about his location, stealing millions from past clients, and succumbing to a severe opioid addiction that instilled paranoia.
Beyond the murders, Murdaugh allegedly defrauded his law firm, clients, and the government of upwards of $9 million, resulting in nearly 100 formal charges against him, including embezzlement, computer crime, money laundering, and conspiracy. In addition, federal charges were brought against him over alleged financial schemes. These developments are the latest in the extraordinary saga of Murdaugh’s downfall, charged with tales of mishandled finances, an unusual alleged suicide-for-hire plot, drug rehab, and his disbarment.
In a prison call recorded in June, Murdaugh contended his innocence, directing the blame instead towards substance abuse, theft, and deceit that led to his current predicament. However, he maintained adamantly, “I would never, under any circumstances, hurt Maggie or Pa Pa (Paul).”
