South Carolina Court Official Steps Down Amid Jury Tampering Allegations
Walterboro, S.C. – A high-profile court official in South Carolina, currently under investigation for alleged jury tampering in a high-profile trial, announced her resignation from public service on Monday.
Announcement of Resignation
The now-former Colleton County Clerk of Court, Becky Hill, announced her immediate resignation during a press conference at the courthouse. Hill had served as the court clerk since 2020 and was instrumental in the management of the heavily scrutinized Alex Murdaugh trial that was concluded last year.
In her statement, she expressed a deep sense of honor at having served in her role and stressed the intense public scrutiny and media interest that the Murdaugh case had brought upon her office. She asserted that the immense gravity of managing a trial of such considerable public interest forced her intrinsic reflection on her continued role with the court.
“And so, after much reflection, I have decided that it is best not to run again for reelection,” Hill announced, adding that this move was primarily to give enough time for Republican candidates considering running for the position.
The Alex Murdaugh Case
The cases revolving around Murdaugh have been extensively followed by both local and national media. The former lawyer fell from grace, landing himself a life sentence without parole for the murder of his wife and son, a crime investigated in several true crime shows, podcasts, and blogs.
Murdaugh appealed his sentence, citing allegations of improper jury influence on Hill’s part, a claim that she has denied. Despite the judge expressing uncertainty about Hill’s declarations of not communicating with the jury, the jurors stated that their decision was in no way influenced by any external comments.
Ongoing Investigations
As per the recent updates, investigations are actively ongoing by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division into the allegations of jury tampering and the misuse of office against Hill. However, no charges have been filed against her as yet.
Responding to queries about any advance in the investigations leading to Hill’s resignation, her attorney Justin Bamberg clarified that the decision was not influenced by recent developments. Instead, it was a decision made with the welfare of the county in mind.
Aftermath of Resignation
Governor Henry McMaster duly accepted Hill’s resignation later on Monday, instructing the county probate judge to oversee the office’s operations until a suitable replacement is appointed. An official statement from the governor’s office informed that McMaster would be appointing a replacement for the vacated position in the coming days.
