Juror claims court clerk influenced her verdict in Murdaugh trial
OAN’s Taylor Tinsley
1:02 PM – Monday, January 29, 2023
One of the jurors that convicted disgraced South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh of murdering his wife and 22-year-old son, has said that their decision was influenced by the Colleton County Clerk of Court.
On Monday, Alex Murdaugh returned to court in Columbia, South Carolina.
Defense attorneys are pushing for a new trial based on allegations that the court clerk, Becky Hill, tampered with the jurors.
All 12 jurors took the stand one by one, but only one, dubbed Juror Z, said that their verdict was influenced by Hill.
“Did you hear Ms. Becky Hill make any comment about this case before your verdict? If yes, what did Ms. Hill say?” asked judge Jean Toal. “Yes ma’am,” Juror Z said.
Juror Z said Hill told the jury to watch Murdaugh’s actions and to “watch him closely.”
“Was your verdict influenced in any way by the communications by the clerk of court in this case?” Toal asked. “Yes ma’am… She made it seem like he was already guilty,” Juror Z said.
Nine other jurors said they didn’t hear comments from Hill at all. Two acknowledged they heard similar comments pointed out by Juror Z but said it didn’t influence their verdict.
Judge Toal was also forced to pause Monday’s hearing after learning that jurors had been watching a live stream on their cellphones in the jury room, and had listened to everything Juror Z said.
Hill also took the stand Monday. She has denied all allegations and called them “a sweeping conspiratorial theory.”
However, Hill did say that she told the jury to pay attention in general.
The once prominent South Carolina lawyer was given a double life sentence for the June 2021 murders of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul.
Even if the defense lands a new trial, Murdaugh will still not walk free.
The disbarred attorney was also sentenced to 27 years in prison after admitting he stole millions of dollars from his firm and client settlements.
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Why are defense attorneys seeking a new trial based on the alleged tampering with jurors by the court clerk?
> Discrepancies Arise in Alex Murdaugh Trial as Juror Alleges Influence by Court Clerk
One of the jurors who convicted disgraced South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh of murdering his wife and 22-year-old son has come forward, claiming that their decision was influenced by the Colleton County Clerk of Court. These allegations have prompted defense attorneys to seek a new trial based on the alleged tampering with jurors by the court clerk.
On Monday, Alex Murdaugh returned to court in Columbia, South Carolina, as his defense team fought for a retrial. The defense argues that Becky Hill, the court clerk, had tampered with the jurors, influencing their decision.
All 12 jurors took the stand one by one, with only one, known as Juror Z, stating that their verdict was indeed influenced by the court clerk. When asked by Judge Jean Toal if they heard any comments from Becky Hill about the case before reaching their verdict, Juror Z affirmed and replied, “Yes, ma’am.” Juror Z further stated that Hill told the jury to closely observe Murdaugh’s actions and to “watch him closely.”
When questioned whether their verdict was influenced in any way by the communications from the clerk of court, Juror Z responded, “Yes ma’am… She made it seem like he was already guilty.” However, nine other jurors stated that they did not hear any comments made by Hill. Two jurors admitted to hearing similar comments as Juror Z but maintained that it did not influence their decision.
In a surprising turn of events, Judge Toal had to pause the hearing after discovering that jurors had been watching a live stream of the proceedings on their cellphones in the jury room. This meant they were privy to everything Juror Z had said.
Becky Hill also took the stand on Monday and denied all allegations, deeming them ”a sweeping conspiratorial theory.” However, Hill did admit to advising the jury to pay attention in general.
Alex Murdaugh, once a prominent lawyer in South Carolina, was given a double life sentence for the murders of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, in June 2021. Even if the defense manages to secure a new trial, Murdaugh will still remain in prison. Apart from the murder charges, he has also been sentenced to 27 years for embezzling millions of dollars from his law firm and client settlements.
These recent developments in the Alex Murdaugh trial have added further complexity to an already intriguing case. As the court deliberates on the potential for a new trial, the allegations of juror influence by the court clerk cast doubt on the integrity of the original conviction. The truth will ultimately unfold as the legal proceedings continue.
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