South Carolina authorities have filed felony charges against Becky Hill, the former Colleton County court clerk who oversaw the infamous Alex Murdaugh murder trial. Hill, 57, has been charged with two counts of misconduct in office, one count of obstruction of justice, and one count of perjury.
The charges were announced on May 15, 2025, and stem from alleged misconduct during and after the 2023 trial that ended in the conviction of Murdaugh for the murders of his wife and son.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) led the investigation. Hill’s charges span multiple counties. The misconduct and obstruction charges were filed in Colleton County, while the perjury charge was filed in Richland County.
Her actions have raised serious questions about the integrity of one of South Carolina’s most closely followed criminal cases.
Sworn Testimony and Disputed Conduct
According to court documents, the perjury charge stems from a January 2024 hearing before South Carolina Supreme Court Justice Jean Toal. During the hearing, Toal questioned Hill about whether she had allowed any media members to view sealed court exhibits.
Hill replied, “No, ma’am.” However, subsequent evidence gathered by investigators reportedly contradicts her statement, indicating that members of the press were granted access inappropriately.
Investigators allege that Hill deliberately lied under oath, and that this false testimony was meant to conceal her improper conduct during the trial. If proven, the perjury charge alone could significantly impact Hill’s legal standing and potentially reopen scrutiny into the Murdaugh trial verdict.
Jury Tampering Allegations
Hill’s behavior became a focal point of Murdaugh’s post-trial defense strategy. Murdaugh’s legal team filed for a new trial, citing jury tampering as a primary concern. They alleged that Hill made comments to jurors that could have biased them against Murdaugh.
During the January 2024 hearing, jurors were interviewed to determine whether Hill’s actions had influenced the outcome of the trial.
Of the 12 jurors who served, 11 testified that Hill did not affect their verdict. One juror stated that he heard Hill comment on Murdaugh’s body language but claimed her comment did not impact his decision. Justice Toal ultimately ruled that the defense had not presented enough evidence to warrant a new trial.
However, the newly filed charges against Hill could lead to renewed efforts by Murdaugh’s attorneys to revisit that decision.
Murdaugh’s lead defense attorney, Dick Harpootlian, told Fox News Digital, “We have long raised our concerns about her conduct during and after the trial, and this arrest further underscores the need to protect the integrity of the judicial process.
Every defendant is entitled to a fair and impartial trial. We look forward to Alex Murdaugh finally getting that fair treatment.”
Financial Impropriety and Personal Gain
In addition to her conduct during the trial, Hill is also facing allegations of financial misconduct. Documents obtained by the South Carolina State Ethics Commission and SLED reveal that Hill allegedly paid herself nearly $10,000 in federal bonuses by disguising them as child support payments.
She is also accused of misusing public funds to purchase personal items for herself and her office staff.
Some of these purchases included holiday-themed gifts such as Easter and Valentine’s Day presents, meals, flowers, dog food, a dog bed, and paint supplies. Investigators allege that these expenditures were made using federal funds, in violation of state ethics laws.
Hill also came under scrutiny in 2023 for publishing a book about the Murdaugh case. The State Ethics Commission found that Hill had used her official role to promote the book and admitted to plagiarizing sections of the text. She later apologized for the plagiarism.
Nonetheless, the promotion of the book while serving in her official capacity added to the controversy surrounding her role in the trial.
Potential Fallout and Legal Implications
The fallout from these charges could have far-reaching implications. Hill’s conduct during the Murdaugh trial is now under a microscope, and her arrest could bolster claims that Murdaugh did not receive a fair trial.
Although Murdaugh was convicted and sentenced to life without parole, legal experts suggest the charges against Hill could serve as grounds for an appeal or retrial.
The case has also reignited debates over the role of court clerks and the need for greater oversight in high-profile trials. Public trust in the judiciary may be further tested as Hill’s case proceeds.
As of now, Hill has not issued a public statement. She is expected to appear in court in the coming weeks to face the charges. Legal observers say the outcome of this case could influence future conduct standards for court officials across the state.
For official updates and judicial resources, visit the South Carolina Judicial Department.
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