Attorney General Challenges Murdaugh’s New Trial Motion
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson has criticized a recent motion by Alex Murdaugh’s defense team, terming it “defective.” This legal move seeks a new double murder trial for Murdaugh, citing allegations of jury tampering. In response, Wilson contends that the defense’s motion lacks the necessary procedural foundation.
Accusations Against Clerk Becky Hill
Defense attorneys Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin have asserted in court documents that Colleton County Clerk Becky Hill influenced jurors, urging them not to believe Murdaugh’s testimony and pressuring them to swiftly deliver a guilty verdict. The alleged motive behind this misconduct was Hill’s desire to secure a book deal.
Procedural Deficiency in the Motion
Wilson, in his four-page reply to the defense’s motion, pointed out that the motion was “procedurally defective” because it failed to disclose when or how the defense team learned of these serious allegations against the clerk.
Correction Requested
In light of these issues, the filing requests that the court grants Murdaugh a 10-day window to rectify the deficiencies in the motion.
Background on Alex Murdaugh’s Case
Alex Murdaugh, aged 55, had been sentenced in March to two life terms in prison for the murders of his wife, 52-year-old Maggie, and his son, 22-year-old Paul, in June 2021. He had subsequently filed an appeal, which led to the discovery of three jurors making these startling claims.
Appeal and Potential Return to Trial Judge
The defense team is now seeking to pause the appeal process and return the case to the trial judge. The judge will then decide whether to overturn the verdict based on the alleged misconduct during the trial.
Investigation Unveils Discrepancies
Wilson’s filing acknowledges “significant factual disputes” regarding the defense’s accusations, without specifying the exact nature of these disputes. Notably, the prosecutor concedes that a hearing may be necessary to address the serious claims presented in the motion.
Defense and Prosecution Responses
Jim Griffin, one of Murdaugh’s defense attorneys, stated that they are currently reviewing the filing and have no further comment at this time. On the other hand, Rebecca Hill, the court clerk accused of misconduct, has not offered a comment on the matter through her attorney, Justin Bamberg.
The Ongoing Saga
The controversy surrounding Alex Murdaugh’s case continues to unfold, with developments including a docuseries titled “The Fall of the House of Murdaugh” that aired on Fox Nation, featuring interviews with Rebecca Hill and Alex Murdaugh’s surviving son, Buster.