Former Colleton County Court Clerk Charged with Felonies During Murdaugh Trial

Becky Hill, former Colleton County court clerk who oversaw the Alex Murdaugh murder trial, has been charged with multiple felonies, including obstruction of justice, misconduct in office, and perjury. The perjury charge stems from Hill allegedly lying during a January 2024 hearing by denying that members of the press were allowed to view sealed exhibits from the trial, a claim contradicted by evidence. Hill is also accused of using her position for financial gain, including promoting a book about the trial and showing sealed photographs to a reporter. Murdaugh's defense claims these charges could support his appeal, but some legal experts, including South Carolina Attorney General Charlie Condon, disagree, saying the charges do not help Murdaugh's case. Hill denied jury tampering allegations made by Murdaugh's defense team and resigned as clerk in March 2024 amidst an ethics inquiry. Murdaugh was convicted in 2023 for the murders of his wife and son and is serving two consecutive life sentences.