The South Carolina Supreme Court has agreed to hear Alex Murdaugh’s appeal concerning allegations of jury tampering during his trial for the murders of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul. Murdaugh’s defense team, led by attorneys Jim Griffin and Dick Harpootlian, argue that the former Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill improperly influenced the jury, which many believe warrants a retrial. This appeal follows a ruling by former South Carolina Chief Justice Jean Toal, who acknowledged Hill’s interference but concluded it did not meet the threshold to overturn the guilty verdict.
Alex Murdaugh in front of the SC Supreme Court with Becky Hill
Murdaugh’s legal team initially filed the appeal in July 2024 after the court denied their motion for a retrial. They cite various pieces of evidence and testimony, including claims from jurors who alleged that Hill’s actions may have swayed the jury’s decision. Hill has consistently denied these allegations, but the controversy surrounding her conduct has only deepened.
One juror in particular, Juror 785, also referred to as the “Egg Lady,” has recently completed writing a book about the severe jury tampering she alleges occurred directly to her during her involvement in the trial. The upcoming book, titled Because Enough is Enough, reflects her frustration with what she describes as widespread lies and misinformation in the media and on social platforms about her. In an excerpt from her book, she writes about the South Carolina Supreme Court: “I implore the South Carolina Supreme Court to review this case and hear my story under oath. For the sake of the good people of South Carolina, please use your judicial powers to correct this gigantic trial error by the state, (Becky Hill).”
The new book cover by Juror 785. (Crime and Cask)
Complicating matters further, Becky Hill is now under investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for multiple counts of misconduct, including allegations that she sought financial gain through her position. Hill resigned from her role as Clerk of Court in March 2024, but the investigations continue to uncover troubling details about her actions during and after the Murdaugh trial. Becky Hill is also under surrogate investigation by the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office in Lexington, SC. They are seeking to prosecute Hill for alleged financial crimes while she held office.
One of the more serious allegations against Hill involves the misuse of Colleton County funds. SLED is investigating claims that Hill paid a Sheriff’s Deputy to clean her personal home using taxpayer dollars, a sum reportedly totaling around $950. Other financial alleged spending misdeeds by Hill total nearly $20,000 of misuse of goverment funds. Additionally, Hill is accused of perjury during her testimony at Murdaugh’s evidentiary hearing. Toal went so far as to say about Hill, “She was attracted by the siren call of celebrity.” Her county-issued cell phone, which went missing for months, was found just before Murdaugh’s retrial hearing, raising further suspicions about her conduct. This phone, along with others linked to Hill, had been reset to factory settings, a move that SLED is investigating as possible obstruction of justice.
Jeffrey Hill, Becky’s son and former IT director for Colleton County, has also been implicated in the scandal. He was arrested on charges of Wiretapping / Intentional interception, use, or disclosure of any wire, oral, or electronic communication, allegedly to keep his mother informed about the ongoing investigations. SLED is said to be exploring potential obstruction of justice charges against both Hill and her son, particularly in relation to their alleged attempts to evade subpoenas and manipulate evidence. Nothing has happened in this case since January 2024 when Jeffery Hill made his first appearance in the same Colleton County Courthouse he was once the IT director.
Murdaugh is currently serving two consecutive life sentences for the murders of his wife and son, crimes he has consistently denied committing. The upcoming hearings and investigations will likely play a crucial role in determining whether Murdaugh will be granted a new trial and whether further legal action will be taken against Becky Hill and those involved in the alleged misconduct.
Alex Murdaugh’s other court request, this one to appeal his federal sentence for financial crimes was denied recently. The former attorney had pleaded guilty to 22 charges, including fraud and money laundering, resulting in a 40-year sentence handed down on April 1st, 2024. Murdaugh was also ordered to pay over $8 million in restitution and more than $10 million in forfeiture.
Stay tuned to Crime and Cask News for continued updates on this developing story as it unfolds. The complexities of this case, intertwined with the broader issue of public trust, ensure that it will remain in the spotlight for the foreseeable future.
Buy an autographed copy of the new book by Juror 785 called, Because Enough is Enough. Click Here to Buy>>>