Walterboro, South Carolina – The court clerk currently under investigation for allegedly interfering with the jury in the high-profile murder trial of Alex Murdaugh has announced her resignation. Rebecca Hill, who served as the Colleton County Clerk of Court for four years, stated that it had been an honor to hold the position, particularly during the nationally publicized Murdaugh trial.
During a news conference outside the Colleton County courthouse, Hill explained that her decision to resign was prompted by her reflection on the trial’s significance for South Carolina and the intense scrutiny it attracted from national and international media. She stated, “After much consideration, I have decided that it is in the best interest not to seek reelection. My resignation as clerk of court will take effect immediately.” Hill also expressed her intention to prioritize her roles as a wife, mother, and grandmother.
The resignation follows claims made by Murdaugh’s defense attorneys last year, who filed a motion for a retrial. They alleged that Hill had instructed the jurors to disregard the defense testimony and pay close attention to Murdaugh’s body language, insinuating that such remarks and actions influenced the jury’s decision to convict Murdaugh in March 2023. The defense team also criticized Hill for publishing a book, titled “Behind the Doors of Justice: The Murdaugh Murders,” without the knowledge or consent of the jurors.
Despite these allegations, Judge Jean Toal denied Murdaugh’s request for a new trial, characterizing Hill’s comments as “fleeting and foolish” attempts by a clerk of court seeking publicity. Toal emphasized that the clerk did not ultimately sway the jurors’ decision. However, two ongoing investigations are being conducted into Hill’s conduct. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is examining her alleged interactions with the jury during the trial, while a separate investigation focuses on allegations that Hill misused her elected position for personal gain.
In her defense, Hill’s counsel, Justin Bamberg, asserted during the news conference that her decision to resign is unrelated to either investigation. Bamberg stated that Hill’s primary motive is to provide sufficient time for other Republican candidates interested in pursuing the position to step forward.
For those unfamiliar, Alex Murdaugh, a disbarred South Carolina lawyer, gained prominence as a member of a family of elected prosecutors in the region, often referred to as “Murdaugh Country.” In June 2022, Murdaugh was indicted for the murders of his wife, Maggie, and youngest son, Paul. In March 2023, he was found guilty and sentenced to two consecutive life terms in prison without the possibility of parole.
The Murdaugh trial captivated the public’s attention, attracting extensive media coverage and inspiring Netflix and HBO shows detailing the demise of a prominent legal dynasty in the Deep South. After weeks of exhaustive testimony, the jury took merely three hours to reach a guilty verdict.
In addition to the murder charges, Murdaugh pleaded guilty to financial fraud, with prosecutors contending that this criminal activity ultimately led him down a path of heinous violence against his own family members.