Investigation Launched into Alleged Juror Tampering in Alex Murdaugh’s Murder Trial
South Carolina officials have initiated an investigation into allegations of juror tampering in the trial of Alex Murdaugh for the murder of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, in June 2021. Murdaugh’s defense lawyers have raised concerns about the trial clerk’s actions and have called for an FBI intervention.
State Attorney General Alan Wilson has requested the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) to probe these allegations, which were detailed in a recent motion for a new trial presented by the defense.
In a joint statement, Wilson and SLED expressed their commitment to seeking the truth in this matter.
The lead agency that previously investigated Murdaugh’s case, as well as Wilson’s office, which successfully prosecuted him, are now under scrutiny.
This development follows two days after Murdaugh’s defense lawyers, Jim Griffin and Dick Harpootlian, accused the trial clerk, Rebecca “Becky” Hill, of misconduct and requested an FBI investigation.
Griffin explained, “That’s their decision, not our decision. We made our request,” expressing concerns over potential public doubts due to SLED and the attorney general’s perceived conflict of interest in Alex’s case.
The defense’s motion alleges that Clerk Becky Hill attempted to influence the jury in favor of a conviction to secure a lucrative book deal and media appearances. She is said to have discussed Murdaugh’s guilt with jurors before deliberations, pressured them for a quick verdict, and misled the trial judge in an effort to remove a sympathetic juror.
“We are shocked by the revelations of Ms. Hill’s conduct that jurors provided to us in their sworn affidavits,” said Griffin. “Alex, like the rest of us, was dismayed and upset, and we look forward to our opportunity to address these issues before the court.”
Hill has retained attorneys Will Lewis and Justin Bamberg in response to these allegations but has not commented on the matter.
The situation gained media attention with the recent airing of Fox Nation’s series, “The Fall of the House of Murdaugh,” which includes an interview with Hill. Her memoir, “Behind the Doors of Justice: The Murdaugh Murders,” was also released on August 1st, co-authored by Neil Gordon, with both authors self-publishing the work, each contributing $15,000 of their own money.
This investigation underscores the ongoing complexities surrounding Alex Murdaugh’s case, which has gripped the nation’s attention.
Stay tuned for further developments as the investigation unfolds.