South Carolina Court Official Resigns Following Allegations of Jury Tampering
WALTERBORO, S.C. In a significant twist to the investigation into alleged jury tampering, Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca “Becky” Hill announced her immediate resignation on Monday. Hill was under investigation amid allegations of tampering with the jury in the high-profile trial of Alex Murdaugh.
Hill’s Resignation
In an impromptu press conference held in front of the courthouse, Hill expressed that her tenure since 2020 as the Clerk of Court was truly an honor. She also acknowledged the profound significance of managing the much-publicised Murdaugh trial, which gained nationwide interest and scrutiny. Hill strongly voiced her desire to provide ample time for Republican candidates to consider running for the office she was stepping down from.
Impact of the Murdaugh Trial
Alex Murdaugh, a former attorney, once held sway over his small county, his downfall and subsequent life sentence for murdering his wife and son on their extensive estate have garnered myriad attention from true crime enthusiasts, podcast creators, and bloggers alike. His attorneys requested another trial, citing allegations of jury interference by the court clerk – charges that Hill firmly denied.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
While an investigation by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division into Hill’s alleged jury tampering and misuse of office charges is still underway, no official charges have been filed against her. In January, a judge dismissed Murdaugh’s appeal for a retrial, stating that while she had doubts about Hill’s claim of never having spoken to the jurors, testimony from the jurors seemed to indicate that their decision to find Murdaugh guilty was uninfluenced by any comments.
Comments from Hill’s Attorney
Hill’s attorney, Justin Bamberg, emphasized during the press conference that Hill’s decision was about the people of the county rather than the ongoing investigation. Bamberg further clarified that Hill’s resignation was not in response to any new development in the investigation and that Hill would officially notify the governor’s office about her resignation on Monday.
Governor’s Response to Hill’s Resignation
Later, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster officially accepted Hill’s resignation and immediately informed the county probate judge to manage the office until a new appointment can be made. His office announced plans to make an appointment to fill the Clerk of Court vacancy in the upcoming days.
