Alex Murdaugh: Jury Tampering Allegations
Walterboro, S.C., — In the high-profile case of convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh, jury tampering allegations have become a significant point of contention, particularly concerning the dramatic removal of Juror 785, famously dubbed the “Egg juror.” This juror’s dismissal played a pivotal role in securing the guilty verdicts against Murdaugh.
After a six-week trial that captivated international attention, a Colleton County jury convicted Alex Murdaugh of the brutal murders of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, on their family’s hunting estate in Islandton, South Carolina, on June 7, 2021. The trial, marked by its gripping courtroom drama and the exposure of shocking family secrets, ended with Murdaugh sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Key to the conviction was the controversial removal of Juror 785 just hours before the verdict was delivered. Juror 785, steadfast in her belief that Murdaugh was innocent, reportedly stood firm on a “not guilty” stance, which threatened to deadlock the jury and result in a hung decision. Her removal, according to sources close to the deliberations, altered the trajectory of the case.
The decision to dismiss Juror 785 came from South Carolina Circuit Court Judge Clifton Newman, who cited allegations that she engaged in improper discussions with three individuals about the trial and subsequently lied about these interactions. Judge Newman defended his decision, stating it was necessary “to protect the integrity of the process,” though he also praised the juror for her attentiveness and service during the proceedings.

Adding an unusual twist to the juror’s departure was her now-famous comment about leaving “a dozen eggs” in the jury room, earning her the nickname “the egg juror.” While the lighthearted moment drew laughter in the courtroom, the broader implications of her removal have cast a long shadow over the trial’s outcome.
Months after the conviction, Murdaugh’s legal team, led by veteran attorneys Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin, filed a motion accusing former Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill of orchestrating Juror 785’s removal as part of a broader tampering scheme. According to the defense, Hill ignored evidence of other jurors’ breaches of judicial instructions, particularly regarding discussions favoring a guilty verdict.
Hill’s alleged actions have drawn sharp criticism, with Murdaugh’s attorneys arguing that her interference compromised the trial’s fairness. Their claims gained traction after Juror 630, another panel member, submitted a supplemental affidavit suggesting that Hill’s conduct influenced her decision to deliver a guilty verdict. This affidavit has become a cornerstone in the defense’s push for a new trial, underscoring the ongoing debate about the integrity of Murdaugh’s conviction.
Despite these allegations, former South Carolina Chief Justice Jean Toal denied Murdaugh’s request for a retrial in January 2024. Toal’s decision has faced significant scrutiny, particularly as Murdaugh’s defense team contends it conflicts with U.S. Supreme Court precedent established in Remmer v. United States. The Remmer case asserts that any form of juror tampering during a trial is inherently prejudicial. According to Murdaugh’s attorneys, Toal’s ruling fails to uphold this standard.
The legal battle has only intensified. Last month, Columbia attorney Joe McCulloch, representing Juror 785, filed a motion to unseal records related to her dismissal. Initially sealed to protect juror confidentiality, these documents are now at the center of a contentious dispute over public access. While Murdaugh’s defense team supports the unsealing, prosecutors have resisted, citing unspecified “ongoing matters.” The lack of transparency has fueled public skepticism and raised critical questions about accountability within the judicial process.
The refusal to release these records has added yet another layer to the complex legal saga. As the appeals process unfolds, the fight over the sealed documents underscores broader issues of fairness and transparency in high-profile criminal trials. For Alex Murdaugh, the stakes could not be higher. For the public, the unfolding drama highlights systemic challenges within the legal system.
CC News News will continue to monitor and report on these developments, offering in-depth coverage of this case and its far-reaching implications. The Murdaugh trial, with its intricate web of legal battles, personal tragedy, and public intrigue, remains a story that continues to captivate and provoke critical reflection on the pursuit of justice.
Connect with CC News Network
Over 1,400,000 Million likes of Tiktok alone!
Join Our Close to 100,000 Social Media Fans:
- X: @CCNewsNetwork
- TikTok: @CCNewsNetwork
- Facebook: CC News Network
- Talk Radio: 97.7FM WVFF – airs in the Low Country
- Amazon Books: Click here to follow
- Cameo: @CC News Network
- Spotify: @CC Records
- Bluesky: @ccnewsnetwork.bsky.social
- Unnamed Network: New True Crime Drama Series