Myra Crosby: Motion to Unseal Her Records Decisively Denied by South Carolina Supreme Court
Columbia, S.C., — The South Carolina Supreme Court has opted to keep sealed the records surrounding the dismissal of Juror 785, Myra Crosby, in the high-profile Alex Murdaugh murder trial. Known publicly as the “Egg Juror” for her memorable request to retrieve eggs upon her dismissal, Crosby’s case has sparked interest and raised questions about the integrity and transparency of jury management in such widely followed trials. The order was signed by all 5 Justices.
Why Crosby’s Records Are Sealed
In a high-profile case like Murdaugh’s, sealing certain records is a routine measure intended to maintain the fairness and impartiality of the judicial process. In this case, the reason Judge Newman sealed Crosby’s records was to keep her anonymity as a juror. The decision by the South Carolina Supreme Court to keep Crosby’s dismissal records sealed remains a mystery.
Alex Murdaugh, once a prominent South Carolina attorney and member of a powerful legal family, became the center of one of the state’s most shocking criminal cases. Known for his influence in the Lowcountry, Murdaugh’s downfall began in June 2021 after the murders of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, at their family estate. The case quickly unraveled into a web of scandal, exposing a history of alleged financial crimes, insurance fraud schemes, and long-standing abuses of power. Murdaugh’s arrest and subsequent trial attracted national attention, revealing the dark side of a family that had wielded influence over South Carolina’s legal system for generations.
The dismissal of Juror 785 from the Murdaugh trial became a notable moment in the case. Less than a day before deliberations began, Crosby was removed from her duty, with allegations that she had discussed the case outside of the courtroom. Allegations that Crosby has adamantly denied ever happened, stating that her removal was unfair and rooted in alleged jury tampering by the State’s own Clerk of Court in the trial, rather than actual misconduct.
Her her new book, titled “Because Enough is Enough: The Tell-All Book: How Juror 785 was Wrongly Kicked Off the Alex Murdaugh Jury,” Crosby states, “For me, I have spoken the God’s honest truth. I believe I was intentionally removed as Juror 785 in the State of South Carolina v Richard Alexander Murdaugh, to assure many people a 100% guilty verdict.”
Fraudulent Intent by the State?
Crosby has alleged that the State knows the truth in what is sealed, and has misrepresented what is actually in the sealed records. If the State is publicly presenting one version of the records which make it appear that Crosby was in the wrong and did talk, all the while concealing crucial details that exonerate her, it could amount to fraudulent misrepresentation by the State.
Crosby’s attorney, Joe McCulloch told Jesse Weber on the Law & Crime Network, “Once I looked at those records, I believe that the public should be entitled to see what happened McCulloch responded, “The defense is in favor, and has consented to my motion to unseal. The prosecution has opposed it.”
CC News Network reached out to Joe McCulloch for comment, and Crosby’s attorney didn’t hold back in saying, “Secrecy is sometimes necessary, but ultimately serves history poorly.” McCulloch then added, “My client is disappointed in what the public would learn.”
Will Folks, the publisher of FITSNews, expressed skepticism of the State, saying things a little more direct,
“That is an incredibly dishonest framing of this debate, (by the State)… and further underscores my skepticism of the state’s handling of these matters.” This statement highlights the broader concerns surrounding the State’s approach to maintaining secrecy in the Murdaugh case.
The State’s Opposition
The State, represented by Attorney General Alan Wilson and Deputy Attorney General Donald Zelenka, claims Crosby entered a legally binding consent order, which should not be overturned simply because she has changed her mind. However, this argument is seen as suspect given that Crosby herself believes consent orders are not generally intended to be indefinite unless explicitly stated. A consent order is a legally binding agreement that typically resolves a dispute between parties, often without an admission of guilt or liability. The duration and terms of a consent order depend on the specific agreement reached by the parties and the court’s approval.
Implications for Future Cases and Public Interest
Since Crosby’s dismissal, she has shared her perspective publicly, asserting that her removal was unfounded. In a book titled “Because Enough is Enough: The Tell-All Book: How Juror 785 was Wrongly Kicked Off the Alex Murdaugh Jury,” Crosby details her experience, describing her belief that she was unfairly targeted and alleging interference from Colleton County Court Clerk Becky Hill. Her claims have sparked discussions about jury tampering, and the role of Becky Hill in her removal.
The court’s decision to deny the unsealing of these Crosby’s records adds another layer of complexity to a case already surrounded by intense scrutiny and speculation.
Possible Reasons for the Court to Deny Crosby
The South Carolina Supreme Court may deny a motion for several reasons, depending on the motion’s nature and the case’s specifics. Common grounds for denial include:
- Procedural Deficiencies – This doesn’t appear to be the case
- Lack of Merit: The court may find the motion lacks sufficient legal basis. This also doesn’t appear to be the case.
- Precedent and Legal Standards: If existing case law or statutory provisions do not support the motion, the court is likely to deny it. Also not the case here.
- Insufficient Evidence: Motions requiring factual support may be denied if the evidence presented is inadequate or unconvincing. Again, not here.
- Public Policy Considerations: The court may consider broader implications, such as maintaining judicial efficiency or upholding the integrity of the legal system, when deciding on motions. This may be the reason it was denied as Crosby has not gone on the record and stated such, but the implications that the defense wants it released and the state doesn’t, may tell the currently uninformed public, that the state may be lying or hiding information.
The Role of Transparency and Confidentiality in High-Profile Cases
Though the decision to seal these records may frustrate some who desire full transparency, some legal experts point out that confidentiality is essential in maintaining the integrity of the trial and appellate process. By limiting access to Crosby’s records has just continued down the path of covering up the real truth as to what really happened in the trial of the century in South Carolina.
Connect with CC News Network:
Stay updated with CC News Network’s latest investigations, book releases, and appearances by following him on social media. Join the growing community of readers and true crime enthusiasts who trust Crime and Cask for his insightful analysis and gripping storytelling.
Over 1,200,000 Million likes of Tiktok alone!
Social Media:
- 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
I wish your state was blue. If the governor and representatives were Dems perhaps things would have turned out differently. Myra is being railroaded in my opinion.