South Carolina officials have charged Becky Hill, the former Colleton County Court clerk who oversaw the Alex Murdaugh murder trial, with several felonies related to her conduct during that case.
On Wednesday, the state’s law enforcement agency revealed that Hill, 57, is facing two counts of fraud and obstruction of justice connected to her role in Colleton County.
Murdaugh’s attorney, Dick Harpootlian, stated on “The Story with Martha McCallum” that he believes these charges may result in a new trial for his client.
The situation traces back to a January 2024 hearing at the South Carolina Supreme Court, where Judge Jean Toal determined that Murdaugh, found guilty of murdering his wife Maggie and son Paul in June 2021, did not require a new trial.
Murdaugh had sought a new hearing based on claims that his defense team was inappropriately influencing the jury pool, which he believed warranted a retrial.
According to the charging documents, when Toal inquired whether Hill had permitted any media representatives access to a sealed exhibit, she denied it. However, evidence collected suggests otherwise.
Previously, the state’s ethics committee alleged that Hill exploited her position for personal financial gain.
The recent charges include allegations that Hill promoted her book on social platforms while still serving as clerk.
“We are aware of the accusations against Becky Hill. These are serious developments, but not entirely unexpected,” stated Murdaugh’s defense attorneys, Harpootlian and Jim Griffin.
Hill reportedly misallocated nearly $10,000 in federal bonuses meant for child support into gifts and meals for court personnel, covering various occasions such as Easter and Mother’s Day. Items like dog food and office supplies were also mentioned.
The documents indicate that the jury members from Murdaugh’s trial claimed Hill had no impact on their verdict.
Eric Brand, representing several victims impacted by Murdaugh’s financial crimes, expressed skepticism regarding the likelihood of the Supreme Court overturning Judge Toal’s previous decision.
He highlighted the uncertainty surrounding any potential relief for Murdaugh, suggesting that any appeals would likely reach the federal court.
Perjury charges against Hill stem from her testimony during a hearing in February 2024, possibly complicating matters further and raising the possibility of reversal and a new trial.
Myra Crosby, a jury member dismissed during Murdaugh’s trial, voiced her concerns about the process, calling for stronger measures to protect the integrity of future trials.
Despite Hill resigning in March amidst scandal, she maintained that her departure was unrelated to her actions during the high-profile trial.
She reflected on the significant impact that handling such a crucial case had on her office and the surrounding community.
Looking ahead, Hill noted her plans to focus on her family and to provide opportunities for new Republican candidates interested in the Clerk position in Colleton County.
Her former lawyer, Justin Bamberg, who now represents Murdaugh’s victims, has also stressed that Hill’s decision to step down is not linked to the investigations currently unfolding.
