Becky Hill, the court clerk of Colleton County, announced her resignation and decision not to seek re-election amidst ongoing investigations and allegations of jury tampering in the Alex Murdaugh murder trial. Hill emphasized that her departure is not a result of the accusations made against her during the high-profile trial. She cited the management of the trial as a significant impact on her decision and expressed her desire to focus on her family.
Hill’s attorney, Justin Bramberg, clarified that her resignation is not related to the investigations into her conduct during the trial. The investigations, led by the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, include allegations of financial benefits from her book about the case, which she admitted contained plagiarized content, and jury tampering. Despite the scrutiny, Hill chose to make her announcement publicly rather than behind closed doors.
Following the conviction of Alex Murdaugh in 2022 for the murders of his wife and son, allegations of jury tampering emerged, leading to a hearing in front of Justice Jean Toal in January. The defense argued for a new trial based on the allegations against Hill, but Toal ultimately ruled against it after jurors affirmed that the clerk’s actions did not influence their verdict. Despite admitting to making inappropriate comments, Hill’s impact on the jury’s decision was deemed minimal by the majority of jurors.
Neil Gordon, Hill’s co-author, disclosed that he was questioned by a SLED agent regarding Hill’s use of her position for personal gain. The agent inquired about Hill’s numerous book signings, interviews, and speaking engagements during work hours, expressing concerns about potential ethics violations. Gordon expressed hope that Hill’s resignation would help restore public trust in the office of the clerk of court and prevent further action against her.
Hill’s decision not to seek re-election in 2024 will provide an opportunity for other Republican candidates interested in the position of Colleton County Court Clerk. She emphasized her desire to dedicate more time to her personal life as a wife, mother, and grandmother. Despite the challenges faced during the high-profile murder trial and subsequent investigations, Hill chose to step down with transparency and integrity.
In conclusion, Becky Hill’s resignation as the court clerk of Colleton County amid allegations of jury tampering in the Alex Murdaugh murder trial marks the end of her tenure. Her decision not to seek re-election in 2024 was motivated by a desire to focus on her family and allow other candidates to vie for her position. The investigations into her conduct during the trial continue, but Hill’s attorney maintains that her resignation is not a response to these inquiries. Despite the controversies surrounding her actions, Hill’s departure aims to bring closure and restore public trust in the clerk of court’s office.
