In a significant ruling, the South Carolina Supreme Court will determine whether interference from a court clerk influenced the jury’s decision to convict Alex Murdaugh of killing his wife, Maggie, and youngest son, Paul.
Murdaugh’s lawyers allege that Becky Hill, the court clerk, attempted to sway the jury to secure a conviction in order to promote a book she is writing about the case, particularly focusing on the trial.
Concerns about potential jury tampering were raised during the trial. Trial Judge Clifton Newman addressed the issue in an in-chambers discussion with defense and prosecution attorneys, expressing concern that court clerk Becky Hill might have had inappropriate contact with at least one juror, who was later dismissed from the trial.
Following the trial, Murdaugh’s attorneys sought to have Newman barred from hearing any appeals in the case; however, Newman retired before a decision was made. His replacement, retired Chief Justice of the South Carolina Supreme Court, Judge Jean Toal ultimately rejected the claims of jury tampering.
The South Carolina Supreme Court has now overturned Judge Toal’s decision, meaning the state Supreme Court will consider whether Alex Murdaugh should be granted a retrial.
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[Feature Photo: Alex Murdaugh reacts as he addresses the court during his sentencing for stealing from 18 clients, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023, at the Beaufort County Courthouse in Beaufort, S.C. (Andrew J. Whitaker/The Post And Courier via AP, Pool)]
