On Monday, March 25, 2024, the Killeen Daily Herald reported that Becky Hill resigned from her position as Colleton County Clerk of Court in South Carolina amid investigations into allegations of jury tampering in the murder trial of prominent attorney Alex Murdaugh.
Hill had served as clerk since 2020 and oversaw the high-profile trial of Murdaugh last year for the murders of his wife and son. Her resignation will take effect immediately. At a news conference in front of the county courthouse, Hill cited the importance of managing such a widely publicized case and said she had reflected on whether to seek reelection after her term ended.
While Hill denied the allegations of improperly influencing jurors, her decision comes as the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division continues two active probes into claims of jury tampering and misconduct during Murdaugh’s trial. Hill’s attorney Justin Bamberg maintained her resignation was not related to the investigations, but rather allowing time for potential GOP candidates ahead of the filing deadline next week.
Later on Monday, Hill submitted her resignation letter to South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, who accepted her decision. In a statement, McMaster said the Colleton County probate judge would assume control of the clerk’s office until the vacancy could be permanently filled through an upcoming appointment.
Murdaugh pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to killing his wife and son, but a jury found him guilty, leading his attorneys to allege jury misconduct by Hill, who denied ever speaking with jurors. While a judge was uncertain of Hill’s truthfulness, jurors insisted no comments influenced their guilty verdict.
Source: Killeen Daily Herald
