On Monday, a judge rejected Alex Murdaugh‘s request for a new trial, stating that although a court clerk, Rebecca Hill, had made “fleeting and foolish” comments, they were insufficient to impact the jury’s verdict in the murder case of Mr. Murdaugh’s wife and son. The judge, Jean Toal, criticized Hill for being motivated by the desire for celebrity status and wanting Mr. Murdaugh to be found guilty to enhance the sale of her book about the trial.
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Alex Murdaugh
Despite the judge’s decision, Mr. Murdaugh’s lawyers intend to appeal, emphasizing the value of the hearing in obtaining testimony for future efforts to secure a new trial. The attorneys hope that the state’s appellate courts will interpret the law differently, not requiring proof that Hill’s comments were prejudicial.
Mr. Murdaugh’s legal team has alleged that Hill made comments during the trial that could have influenced jurors. An ongoing investigation by a state police agency is examining allegations, including Hill telling jurors not to be “fooled” by Mr. Murdaugh’s defense and having private conversations with a juror.
While one juror claimed that Hill’s comments influenced her decision, nine other jurors testified that they had no communication with Hill about the case, and two jurors stated that her comments did not affect them. Although Hill denied many allegations during her testimony, the judge found her “not completely credible.”
Hill, who wrote a book about the trial, has faced controversy, including recent acknowledgment of plagiarizing parts of the book’s preface. The judge criticized Hill’s credibility during her testimony and questioned her about contradictory evidence.
Despite this setback, the judge expressed displeasure after learning that some jurors had used their cellphones to watch another juror’s testimony about Hill’s influence. The allegations against Hill add another layer to the Murdaugh case, which has captivated the public since the murders of Mr. Murdaugh’s wife and son in June 2021.
Alex Murdaugh maintains his innocence but was convicted in March 2023. The case revealed a history of financial crimes, with Mr. Murdaugh admitting to stealing millions before the murders. He pleaded guilty to financial crimes in November, receiving an additional 27-year prison sentence.
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