How Becky Hill Played The Key Role In Double-Murderer Alex Murdaugh’s Overturned Convictions

Alex Murdaugh, who was convicted of killing his wife and son, has received a new trial. The Supreme Court overturned his murder convictions on May 13, 2026. Becky Hill was the main reason behind the court granting Murdaugh a new trial.

According to the South Carolina Supreme Court, Colleton County clerk Becky Hill allegedly engaged in “shocking jury interference.” Murdaugh’s legal team also argued that Hill tampered with the jury. “He was denied his constitutional right to a fair trial by an impartial jury free from outside influences,” the attorneys argued.

Becky Hill played a major role in Alex Murdaugh’s double-murder trial in 2023. She was responsible for managing jurors, handling evidence and exhibits and helping coordinate courtroom proceedings throughout the trial.

The Washington Post described Hill as someone “known to everyone as a pillar of calm.” The newspaper also referred to her as the “command central for both jurors and the media.” However, after Murdaugh’s defense team accused Hill of jury tampering, an investigation was launched.

During the investigation, three jurors or alternates alleged that Hill made comments that may have influenced deliberations. One juror claimed that when Murdaugh testified, Hill told jurors it was an “epic” day because defendants rarely take the stand.

Another juror alleged that when deliberations began, Hill remarked, “This shouldn’t take us long.” The juror said the comment felt pressuring. Meanwhile, the defense argued that Hill also warned jurors “not to be fooled” by Murdaugh’s testimony.

Although she denied the allegations, Hill admitted that she called Murdaugh’s testimony a “big day” for the trial and asked jurors to pay close attention.

Hill was also accused of granting “favors to the media” by showing them sealed evidence photos. However, she firmly denied this accusation. She was also investigated for writing a book about the trial, titled “Behind the Doors of Justice: The Murdaugh Murders," in 2023.

After Murdaugh’s murder convictions were overturned, the justices of the South Carolina Supreme Court wrote, “Although we are aware of the time, money, and effort expended for this lengthy trial, we have no choice but to reverse the denial of Murdaugh's motion for a new trial due to Hill's improper external influences on the jury and remand for a new trial.”

In May 2024, Hill was accused of 76 total counts of ethics violations, according to CNN. Following the allegation, she resigned from her position. Hill ultimately pleaded guilty to the charges of obstruction of justice and perjury for showing sealed photographs and then denying involvement, and two counts of misconduct in office for mishandling around $12,000 from the HR office. She also pleaded guilty to promoting her book while in the workspace.

She was sentenced to three years of probation. Since the evidence couldn’t prove her tampering with the jury, her term didn’t involve the charge.