OAN’s Taylor Tinsley
1:02 PM – Monday, January 29, 2023
One of the jurors who convicted disgraced South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh of killing his wife and 22-year-old son said their decision was influenced by the Colleton County Clerk of Court. .
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On Monday, Alex Murdaugh returned to court in Columbia, South Carolina.
The defense is seeking a new trial based on allegations that court clerk Becky Hill tampered with the jury.
All 12 jurors took the stand one by one, but only one, known as Juror Z, said his verdict was influenced by Hill.
“Did you hear Ms Becky Hill comment on the case before your verdict? If yes, what did Ms Hill say?” asked Judge Jean Thor. “Yes, ma’am,” Juror Z said.
Juror Z said Hill instructed the jury to pay attention to and “closely monitor” Murdaugh’s actions.
“Was your verdict influenced in any way by communications by the clerk of court in this case?” Toll asked. “That’s right, ma’am…she made it seem like he was already guilty,” Juror Z said.
The other nine jurors said they heard no comments from Hill. They acknowledged hearing similar comments made by Juror Z, but said it did not affect their verdict.
Judge Toll was also forced to suspend Monday’s hearing after learning that jurors were watching the livestream on their cellphones in the jury room and heard everything Juror Z said.
Hill also took the stand Monday. She denied all allegations, calling them “broad conspiracy theories.”
But Hill said he told the jury to be careful in general.
A once prominent South Carolina lawyer was sentenced to a double life sentence in June 2021 for the murders of his wife Maggie and son Paul.
Even if the defense files a new trial, Murdaugh would still not be released.
A disbarred lawyer has been sentenced to 27 years in prison after admitting stealing millions of dollars from his firm and client settlements.
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