Court Clerk Denies Jury Tampering Allegations in Murdaugh Murder Case
Rebecca Hill, the former Colleton County Clerk of Court, has issued a sworn affidavit denying allegations of jury tampering during the 2023 murder trial of Alex Murdaugh. Murdaugh was convicted of murdering his wife, Maggie, and their son, Paul, in June 2021. Hill’s affidavit, filed in November 2023, addresses claims made by Murdaugh’s legal team that she improperly influenced jurors during the trial.
In her three-page affidavit, Hill categorically denied 26 specific allegations, including claims that she instructed jurors to “watch him closely” (referring to Murdaugh), suggested that deliberations “shouldn’t take long,” or had private conversations with jurors about the case. She also refuted accusations that she pressured jurors to reach a quick verdict or misrepresented information to the trial judge to have a juror removed. Hill emphasized that her interactions with jurors were limited to administrative matters and did not involve discussions about the trial’s substance .
The allegations surfaced after Hill co-authored a book titled Behind the Doors of Justice: The Murdaugh Murders, which was released in August 2023. The book’s publication and Hill’s subsequent media appearances raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the possibility of influencing the jury’s verdict. Hill admitted to using “literary license” in her book but denied that her actions during the trial were inappropriate .
In response to the allegations, prosecutors filed a motion to dismiss Murdaugh’s request for a new trial. They argued that the jurors who were interviewed did not report feeling pressured or influenced by Hill’s actions. Additionally, four court staff members provided statements denying that Hill had inappropriate conversations with jurors. The prosecution contended that the allegations were unfounded and lacked credibility .
Despite Hill’s denials and the prosecution’s arguments, the South Carolina Supreme Court agreed to hear Murdaugh’s appeal for a new trial, citing significant public interest in the case. The court has not yet scheduled a date for the hearing, and it remains to be seen whether the appeal will result in a new trial for Murdaugh .
The Murdaugh case has garnered widespread attention due to the family’s prominence in South Carolina’s legal community and the dramatic nature of the murders. As the legal proceedings continue, the allegations against Hill and the ongoing appeal process will likely remain focal points in the pursuit of justice for the victims.
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