Current:Home > ScamsSouth Carolina court official resigns as state probes allegations of tampering with Murdaugh jury-InfoLens
South Carolina court official resigns as state probes allegations of tampering with Murdaugh jury
View Date:2024-12-23 11:22:34
WALTERBORO, S.C. (AP) — A South Carolina court official under investigation amid allegations of tampering with the jury in the Alex Murdaugh trial announced her resignation on Monday.
Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill said that her resignation would take effect immediately during a news conference in front of the courthouse. Serving as clerk since 2020 was an honor, she said, citing the office’s work and its management of the high-profile Murdaugh trial last year.
“Managing a trial with such importance to the people of South Carolina, as well as of the national and international media interest and public scrutiny, it has caused me to reflect upon decisions involving my stay in the office of the clerk of court,” Hill said. “And so after much reflection, I have decided that it is best not to run again for reelection.”
Hill said she wanted to leave time for Republican candidates interested in running for the position to act. When asked about the deciding factor for her final decision on Monday, Hill cited her grandchildren.
Murdaugh’s fall from his role as an attorney lording over his small county to a sentence of life without parole for the murder of his wife and son at their sprawling estate has been exhaustively covered by true crime shows, podcasts and bloggers.
His lawyers sought another trial in the killings, citing allegations that the court clerk improperly influenced the jury. Hill denied the allegations. In January, a judge denied Murdaugh’s appeal, saying she wasn’t sure that Hill was telling the truth about never speaking to jurors, but jurors testified that their decision to find Murdaugh guilty wasn’t influenced by any comments.
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division investigations into allegations of jury tampering and misuse of office against Hill are active and ongoing, spokesperson Renée Wunderlich said Monday.
Hill’s attorney Justin Bamberg said at the news conference that her decision wasn’t about an investigation, but the people of the county, noting that there’s another week left for filing for the Clerk of Court office.
“Today is not in response to any new development of some investigation or anything like that,” Bamberg said. He said Hill’s resignation letter would be sent to governor’s office later Monday.
veryGood! (3975)
Related
- Cleveland Browns’ Hakeem Adeniji Shares Stillbirth of Baby Boy Days Before Due Date
- How a lost credit card and $7 cheeseburger reignited California’s debate over excessive bail
- Scottie Scheffler got out of jail in 72 minutes. Did he receive special treatment?
- Israel says it’s taken control of key area of Gaza’s border with Egypt awash in smuggling tunnels
- Get well, Pop. The Spurs are in great hands until your return
- Amy Homma succeeds Jacqueline Stewart to lead Academy Museum
- Wisconsin launches $100 million fund to help start-up companies, entrepreneurs
- This Under-the-Radar, Affordable Fashion Brand Will Make You Look like an Influencer
- Cameron Brink set to make Sports Illustrated Swimsuit debut
- General Hospital Actor Johnny Wactor’s Friend Shares His Brave Final Moments Before Death
Ranking
- Harriet Tubman posthumously honored as general in Veterans Day ceremony: 'Long overdue'
- Minnesota defeats Boston in Game 5 to capture inaugural Walter Cup, PWHL championship
- Wisconsin launches $100 million fund to help start-up companies, entrepreneurs
- NCAA to consider allowing sponsor logos on field in wake of proposed revenue sharing settlement
- Apologetic rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine gets 45 days in prison for probation violations
- Iran opens registration period for the presidential election after a helicopter crash killed Raisi
- Penn Badgley Reveals Ex Blake Lively Tricked Him Into Believing Steven Tyler Was His Dad
- Captain Lee Rosbach Shares Update on His Health, Life After Below Deck and His Return to TV
Recommendation
-
'Wheel of Fortune' contestant makes viral mistake: 'Treat yourself a round of sausage'
-
'Yellowstone' stars Hassie Harrison and Ryan Bingham tie the knot during cowboy-themed wedding
-
Elon Musk offers Tesla investors factory tours to bolster $56B pay package votes
-
Elon Musk offers Tesla investors factory tours to bolster $56B pay package votes
-
USMNT Concacaf Nations League quarterfinal Leg 1 vs. Jamaica: Live stream and TV, rosters
-
Cleveland Fed names former Goldman Sachs executive Beth Hammack to succeed Mester as president
-
Walgreens is cutting prices on 1,300 items, joining other retailers in stepping up discounts
-
This Under-the-Radar, Affordable Fashion Brand Will Make You Look like an Influencer