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The Re-Trial Of Alex Murdaugh

The South Carolina Supreme Court threw out Alex Murdaugh’s murder convictions. Unanimously. Now the most-watched criminal case in state history starts over — new judge, new jury, new rules — and this is where you follow every step of it.

From Hidden Killers host Tony Brueski, The Re-Trial of Alex Murdaugh delivers real-time legal analysis, courtroom coverage, and expert interviews as the State decides whether and how to retry the disbarred attorney for the June 2021 killings of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul. The Supreme Court didn’t just reverse the verdict — it rewrote the playbook. The financial crimes evidence that dominated the first trial has been sharply restricted. The jury tampering by former Colleton County Clerk Becky Hill, who pled guilty to perjury, has been laid bare in a devastating 27-page opinion. Everything about this case is different now.

This podcast covers what matters: pretrial motions, venue fights, evidentiary rulings, witness strategy, jury selection, and the legal collisions that will determine whether Murdaugh is convicted again or walks on the murder charges. No filler. No recycled takes. No speculation dressed up as analysis. Just the case, the law, and what it means — explained by someone who has covered every turn of this story from the beginning.

New episodes drop as developments warrant. Subscribe so you don’t miss the moment this case breaks open again.

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This publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.

Copyright: © True Crime Today

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Should Alex Murdaugh Juror Tamping Claim Been Taken More Seriously? Feb 05, 2024

Show notes

As the legal saga surrounding Alex Murdaugh continues to unravel, the latest chapter has left many more perplexed than ever. In a recent episode of "Hidden Killers," host Tony Brueski and his guest, retired FBI Special Agent Robin Dreeke, dissect the developments from the latest hearing regarding Murdaugh's request for a new trial. Despite a juror's testimony indicating that their verdict was influenced by the actions of Becky Hill, a former clerk of court, the judge, remarkably, found this to be insufficient for granting a retrial. This decision has cast a spotlight not only on the intricacies of legal standards but also on the broader implications for the justice system's integrity.
The anticipation for a potential new trial for Murdaugh was met with a sudden halt when the judge overseeing the case declared the presented evidence and testimony inadequate for such a measure. According to Dreeke, this outcome was somewhat unexpected, given the gravity of Hill's alleged misconduct. "I was a little surprised, actually, because I think Becky Hill really overstepped what she should and shouldn't do in her position of trust," Dreeke reflected on the judge's ruling.
At the heart of the matter lies the challenging burden of proving not just jury tampering but also its intended prejudice against Murdaugh. This distinction, as Brueski and Dreeke noted, requires a deep dive into the motivations and impacts of Hill's interactions with jurors, a task that evidently proved too complex for the defense to surmount in the eyes of the presiding judge.
Dreeke's initial reaction to the decision was one of relief, underscoring a belief in the conviction's righteousness and a desire to uphold it despite Hill's alleged errors. "You would hate for a righteous conviction to get overturned or to be retried because of one fool that did things that she shouldn't have done," Dreeke stated, emphasizing his confidence in the judicial process as it unfolded in South Carolina, in stark contrast to other high-profile cases.
The conversation between Brueski and Dreeke also ventured into the judge's possible reasoning behind her decision. They speculated on the difficulty of distinguishing between the pressures exerted by Hill and those naturally arising from the deliberation among jurors. This nuanced interpretation of jury dynamics and influence raises critical questions about the thresholds for overturning convictions based on alleged external pressures.
With the door to a new trial for Murdaugh seemingly closed for now, attention turns to the appellate process. Dreeke and Brueski pondered the potential for further legal battles and the prospect of revisiting the decision at a higher judicial level. The appellate courts' willingness to engage with the complexities of this case could ultimately determine Murdaugh's fate and either reinforce or challenge the public's faith in the legal system's ability to self-correct.
As the podcast episode concluded, Brueski and Dreeke left listeners with a compelling question: In a legal system fraught with human errors and subjective interpretations, what does it truly take to ensure justice prevails? The ongoing saga of Alex Murdaugh, marked by twists and turns at every stage, continues to captivate and confound, serving as a vivid reminder of the justice system's inherent complexities and the enduring quest for truth.
The Murdaugh case, with its blend of high-stakes legal battles, personal tragedy, and systemic scrutiny, remains a focal point for those concerned with the integrity of justice in America. As developments unfold, the conversation between Brueski and Dreeke offers a critical lens through which to view the challenges and responsibilities of those tasked with administering justice, reminding us that the path to truth is often as convoluted as it is consequential.
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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

LISTEN To Full Alex Murdaugh Juror Testimony Stating Becky Hill DID Influence Her Verdict- go-WEEK IN REVIEW Feb 04, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories that made the news.
This is not your average news recap. With the sharp investigative lens of Tony and his guests, the show uncovers layers beneath the headlines, offering a comprehensive perspective that traditional news can often miss. From high-profile criminal trials to in-depth examinations of ongoing investigations, this podcast takes listeners on a fascinating journey through the world of true crime and current events.
Each episode navigates through multiple stories, illuminating their details with factual reporting, expert commentary, and engaging conversation. Tony and his guests discuss each case's nuances, complexities, and human elements, delivering a multi-dimensional understanding to their audience.
Whether you are a dedicated follower of true crime or an everyday listener interested in the stories shaping our world, the "Week In Review" brings you the perfect balance of intrigue, information, and intelligent conversation. Expect thoughtful analysis, informed opinions, and thought-provoking discussions beyond the 24-hour news cycle.
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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Colleton County Clerk of Court, Becky Hill, Faces Uncertain Future Amid Controversy and Criminal Investigations Feb 02, 2024

Show notes

Becky Hill, who ran as the Republican candidate for Colleton County's clerk of court with promises of "leadership with integrity," is now confronting a turbulent crossroads in her political career as her first term nears its end. Hill's bid for reelection remains uncertain as she navigates two criminal investigations and severe criticism from former South Carolina Chief Justice Jean Toal.
Toal's criticism arose from allegations that Hill made inappropriate comments in front of jurors during the highly-publicized murder trial of former Hampton lawyer Alex Murdaugh in March. While Toal ultimately ruled that these comments did not warrant a retrial, she questioned the credibility of Hill's testimony, citing the clerk's susceptibility to the "siren call of celebrity."
The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) confirmed its ongoing investigations into Hill's interactions with the jury and potential misuse of her office, even after Toal's decision. SLED spokeswoman Renee Wunderlich emphasized that Toal's ruling did not affect the status of their active investigations.
Additionally, Hill's cellphone was seized in connection with a SLED investigation into her son, Jeffrey Hill, who served as Colleton County's IT director. Jeffrey Hill faced charges of wiretapping, and the investigation into his actions could have implications for Becky Hill's political future.
While the South Carolina Supreme Court holds the power to remove or reassign judges, it lacks explicit authority over elected clerks, and historically, it has not sought to remove any clerk from office this century, according to a Post and Courier review of court orders.
Becky Hill's ultimate fate in office hinges on Colleton County's voters, who may have the opportunity to weigh in during the state's June 11 primaries if she chooses to run for reelection. As of now, no candidates have publicly declared their intent to challenge Hill, and the Colleton County GOP has not clarified whether they would support her candidacy.
The Colleton County Democratic Party, on the other hand, is actively seeking potential challengers. Clarence Wiggins, the party's chair, stated that they are actively recruiting candidates and discussing the clerk election at every party meeting, indicating a potential shift in the political landscape.
Candidates must declare their intentions soon, with the filing period for office opening in mid-March and closing on April 1. Becky Hill has remained tight-lipped about her future plans and has not responded to inquiries from The Post and Courier. Her attorney, Justin Bamberg, has declined to comment on her situation.
Hill's credibility has faced scrutiny before Toal's critique. In December, she admitted to plagiarizing the introduction to her book, raising questions about her trustworthiness. On the witness stand, these concerns intensified as she denied making any comments about the case to jurors, directly contradicting the testimony of three deliberating jurors and one alternate who asserted that Hill discussed Alex Murdaugh's plans to testify in his own defense.
As Becky Hill contemplates her political future, the uncertainty surrounding her candidacy and the ongoing investigations cast a shadow over her promise of "leadership with integrity" in Colleton County's clerk of court office. The coming months will determine whether she can weather this storm and secure another term in office or if challengers will emerge to compete for the position in the primaries.
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Check Out Jennifer Coffindaffer's New Podcast "Break The Case" Feb 01, 2024

Show notes

Check Out Jennifer Coffindaffer's New Podcast "Break The Case"
Don't miss the latest podcast by Jennifer Coffindaffer, a former FBI Special Agent and contributor to Hidden Killers. The podcast, titled "Break The Case With Jen Coffindaffer," invites listeners to delve into the intricacies of high-profile true crime cases. Each week, Jen collaborates with retired agents, profilers, psychologists, as well as witnesses and victims involved in the cases under discussion. The episodes cover a wide range of topics including serial killings, mass murders, missing persons, child predators, human trafficking, and fraud. This podcast is perfect for those seeking a dynamic, fact-driven, and sincere exploration of true crime. Remembering the victims, we hope for justice to prevail.
Listen On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/break-the-case-with-jen-coffindaffer-fbi/id1727608519
Watch On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJbf3mLRWRmMY3MkLvURgjw

Court Audio-Part 1-Judge Denies Alex Murdaugh's Bid for New Trial Amid Jury Tampering Allegations Jan 30, 2024

Show notes

In a daylong evidentiary hearing, Judge Jean Toal has denied convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh's request for a new trial. The hearing centered on allegations that Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill had tampered with the jury and tainted the verdict.
Following extensive testimony from all 12 jurors who served in Murdaugh's trial and Rebecca Hill, Judge Toal made her ruling. Toal noted that while Hill's credibility as a witness was questionable, her actions did not ultimately influence the jury's decision.
"I simply do not believe that our South Carolina Supreme Court requires a new trial in a very lengthy trial on the strength of some fleeting and foolish comments by a publicity-seeking clerk of court," Judge Toal stated.
During her testimony, Hill vehemently denied tampering with the jury for financial gain or any other reason. She stated, "I did not have a conversation with any juror about any topic related to this case." When questioned about her book about the trial, Hill emphasized that the verdict's outcome did not matter to her, whether it was guilty, not guilty, or a mistrial.
Hill revealed that she had earned approximately $100,000 from the sales of her self-published book, "Behind the Doors of Justice: The Murdaugh Murders," which she co-authored. However, the book was withdrawn from sale last month after it was discovered that Hill had plagiarized a passage from a BBC News article.
Following Hill's testimony, Rhonda McElveen, the court clerk of Barnwell County who had assisted Hill during Murdaugh's trial, provided conflicting testimony. McElveen stated that Hill had made comments suggesting that a guilty verdict would be more advantageous for book sales.
Alex Murdaugh, dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit and accompanied by his legal team, was present in the packed courtroom during the hearing. Alex Murdaugh, a former prominent personal injury lawyer, had been found guilty in the 2021 fatal shootings of his wife and son at their Colleton County estate. The evidentiary hearing aimed to determine whether Murdaugh's appeal for a new trial should be granted based on allegations of jury tampering raised by his defense.
Throughout the hearing, Judge Toal focused on Hill's testimony and the statements of former jurors to assess the validity of the tampering allegations. While most jurors denied that Hill's communications had influenced their guilty verdict, one juror, referred to as Juror Z, initially claimed that Hill had instructed the jury not to be fooled by Murdaugh and to watch him closely.
However, Juror Z's testimony during the hearing contradicted her earlier affidavit, leading to further questioning by Judge Toal. The proceedings took an unexpected turn when it was revealed that some jurors had accessed Juror Z's testimony on their cellphones during a break, violating Toal's instructions.
Despite the outcome of the murder appeal, Alex Murdaugh will remain in prison. In November, he received a 27-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to 22 counts of financial crimes against his clients, which will run concurrently with his federal sentence for similar financial crimes pleaded guilty to in September.
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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Court Audio-Part 2-Judge Denies Alex Murdaugh's Bid for New Trial Amid Jury Tampering Allegations Jan 30, 2024

Show notes

In a daylong evidentiary hearing, Judge Jean Toal has denied convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh's request for a new trial. The hearing centered on allegations that Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill had tampered with the jury and tainted the verdict.
Following extensive testimony from all 12 jurors who served in Murdaugh's trial and Rebecca Hill, Judge Toal made her ruling. Toal noted that while Hill's credibility as a witness was questionable, her actions did not ultimately influence the jury's decision.
"I simply do not believe that our South Carolina Supreme Court requires a new trial in a very lengthy trial on the strength of some fleeting and foolish comments by a publicity-seeking clerk of court," Judge Toal stated.
During her testimony, Hill vehemently denied tampering with the jury for financial gain or any other reason. She stated, "I did not have a conversation with any juror about any topic related to this case." When questioned about her book about the trial, Hill emphasized that the verdict's outcome did not matter to her, whether it was guilty, not guilty, or a mistrial.
Hill revealed that she had earned approximately $100,000 from the sales of her self-published book, "Behind the Doors of Justice: The Murdaugh Murders," which she co-authored. However, the book was withdrawn from sale last month after it was discovered that Hill had plagiarized a passage from a BBC News article.
Following Hill's testimony, Rhonda McElveen, the court clerk of Barnwell County who had assisted Hill during Murdaugh's trial, provided conflicting testimony. McElveen stated that Hill had made comments suggesting that a guilty verdict would be more advantageous for book sales.
Alex Murdaugh, dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit and accompanied by his legal team, was present in the packed courtroom during the hearing. Alex Murdaugh, a former prominent personal injury lawyer, had been found guilty in the 2021 fatal shootings of his wife and son at their Colleton County estate. The evidentiary hearing aimed to determine whether Murdaugh's appeal for a new trial should be granted based on allegations of jury tampering raised by his defense.
Throughout the hearing, Judge Toal focused on Hill's testimony and the statements of former jurors to assess the validity of the tampering allegations. While most jurors denied that Hill's communications had influenced their guilty verdict, one juror, referred to as Juror Z, initially claimed that Hill had instructed the jury not to be fooled by Murdaugh and to watch him closely.
However, Juror Z's testimony during the hearing contradicted her earlier affidavit, leading to further questioning by Judge Toal. The proceedings took an unexpected turn when it was revealed that some jurors had accessed Juror Z's testimony on their cellphones during a break, violating Toal's instructions.
Despite the outcome of the murder appeal, Alex Murdaugh will remain in prison. In November, he received a 27-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to 22 counts of financial crimes against his clients, which will run concurrently with his federal sentence for similar financial crimes pleaded guilty to in September.
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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Court Audio-Part 3-Judge Denies Alex Murdaugh's Bid for New Trial Amid Jury Tampering Allegations Jan 30, 2024

Show notes

In a daylong evidentiary hearing, Judge Jean Toal has denied convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh's request for a new trial. The hearing centered on allegations that Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill had tampered with the jury and tainted the verdict.
Following extensive testimony from all 12 jurors who served in Murdaugh's trial and Rebecca Hill, Judge Toal made her ruling. Toal noted that while Hill's credibility as a witness was questionable, her actions did not ultimately influence the jury's decision.
"I simply do not believe that our South Carolina Supreme Court requires a new trial in a very lengthy trial on the strength of some fleeting and foolish comments by a publicity-seeking clerk of court," Judge Toal stated.
During her testimony, Hill vehemently denied tampering with the jury for financial gain or any other reason. She stated, "I did not have a conversation with any juror about any topic related to this case." When questioned about her book about the trial, Hill emphasized that the verdict's outcome did not matter to her, whether it was guilty, not guilty, or a mistrial.
Hill revealed that she had earned approximately $100,000 from the sales of her self-published book, "Behind the Doors of Justice: The Murdaugh Murders," which she co-authored. However, the book was withdrawn from sale last month after it was discovered that Hill had plagiarized a passage from a BBC News article.
Following Hill's testimony, Rhonda McElveen, the court clerk of Barnwell County who had assisted Hill during Murdaugh's trial, provided conflicting testimony. McElveen stated that Hill had made comments suggesting that a guilty verdict would be more advantageous for book sales.
Alex Murdaugh, dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit and accompanied by his legal team, was present in the packed courtroom during the hearing. After Judge Toal's ruling, Murdaugh's lawyers announced their intention to appeal the decision.
Alex Murdaugh, a former prominent personal injury lawyer, had been found guilty in the 2021 fatal shootings of his wife and son at their Colleton County estate. The evidentiary hearing aimed to determine whether Murdaugh's appeal for a new trial should be granted based on allegations of jury tampering raised by his defense.
Throughout the hearing, Judge Toal focused on Hill's testimony and the statements of former jurors to assess the validity of the tampering allegations. While most jurors denied that Hill's communications had influenced their guilty verdict, one juror, referred to as Juror Z, initially claimed that Hill had instructed the jury not to be fooled by Murdaugh and to watch him closely.
However, Juror Z's testimony during the hearing contradicted her earlier affidavit, leading to further questioning by Judge Toal. The proceedings took an unexpected turn when it was revealed that some jurors had accessed Juror Z's testimony on their cellphones during a break, violating Toal's instructions.
Despite the outcome of the murder appeal, Alex Murdaugh will remain in prison. In November, he received a 27-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to 22 counts of financial crimes against his clients, which will run concurrently with his federal sentence for similar financial crimes pleaded guilty to in September.
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Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Court Audio-Part 4-Judge Denies Alex Murdaugh's Bid for New Trial Amid Jury Tampering Allegations Jan 30, 2024

Show notes

In a daylong evidentiary hearing, Judge Jean Toal has denied convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh's request for a new trial. The hearing centered on allegations that Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill had tampered with the jury and tainted the verdict.
Following extensive testimony from all 12 jurors who served in Murdaugh's trial and Rebecca Hill, Judge Toal made her ruling. Toal noted that while Hill's credibility as a witness was questionable, her actions did not ultimately influence the jury's decision.
"I simply do not believe that our South Carolina Supreme Court requires a new trial in a very lengthy trial on the strength of some fleeting and foolish comments by a publicity-seeking clerk of court," Judge Toal stated.
During her testimony, Hill vehemently denied tampering with the jury for financial gain or any other reason. She stated, "I did not have a conversation with any juror about any topic related to this case." When questioned about her book about the trial, Hill emphasized that the verdict's outcome did not matter to her, whether it was guilty, not guilty, or a mistrial.
Hill revealed that she had earned approximately $100,000 from the sales of her self-published book, "Behind the Doors of Justice: The Murdaugh Murders," which she co-authored. However, the book was withdrawn from sale last month after it was discovered that Hill had plagiarized a passage from a BBC News article.
Following Hill's testimony, Rhonda McElveen, the court clerk of Barnwell County who had assisted Hill during Murdaugh's trial, provided conflicting testimony. McElveen stated that Hill had made comments suggesting that a guilty verdict would be more advantageous for book sales.
Alex Murdaugh, dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit and accompanied by his legal team, was present in the packed courtroom during the hearing. After Judge Toal's ruling, Murdaugh's lawyers announced their intention to appeal the decision.
Lawyer Jim Griffin stated, "We feel vindicated on the facts." He added, "There's an innocent man here who was wrongly convicted."
Alex Murdaugh, a former prominent personal injury lawyer, had been found guilty in the 2021 fatal shootings of his wife and son at their Colleton County estate. The evidentiary hearing aimed to determine whether Murdaugh's appeal for a new trial should be granted based on allegations of jury tampering raised by his defense.
Throughout the hearing, Judge Toal focused on Hill's testimony and the statements of former jurors to assess the validity of the tampering allegations. While most jurors denied that Hill's communications had influenced their guilty verdict, one juror, referred to as Juror Z, initially claimed that Hill had instructed the jury not to be fooled by Murdaugh and to watch him closely.
However, Juror Z's testimony during the hearing contradicted her earlier affidavit, leading to further questioning by Judge Toal. The proceedings took an unexpected turn when it was revealed that some jurors had accessed Juror Z's testimony on their cellphones during a break, violating Toal's instructions.
Despite the outcome of the murder appeal, Alex Murdaugh will remain in prison. In November, he received a 27-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to 22 counts of financial crimes against his clients, which will run concurrently with his federal sentence for similar financial crimes pleaded guilty to in September.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

COURT AUDIO-Becky Hill Part 1 -Alex Murdaugh's Trial-Hearing on Jury Tampering Jan 30, 2024

Show notes

In a hearing that could potentially impact the fate of Alex Murdaugh, a juror from his 2023 murder trial has alleged feeling pressured by Colleton County Clerk Becky Hill and other jurors to render a guilty verdict. The hearing, overseen by retired South Carolina Judge Jean Toal, aims to investigate claims of jury tampering by Hill and how it may have influenced Murdaugh's conviction.
During the hearing on Monday morning, a juror identified as Juror Z came forward with startling allegations against Hill. Juror Z stated that Hill instructed the jury to closely monitor Murdaugh's actions and made other comments that raised concerns. "To me, it felt like she made it seem like he was already guilty," Juror Z remarked. When asked by the judge if Hill's comments had an impact on their verdict, Juror Z confirmed that it did.
Juror Z further revealed that the jury's foreperson had mentioned that Murdaugh was "crying on cue," and jurors often discussed the trial outside of the courtroom before deliberations. Additionally, Juror Z claimed that Hill pressured them to speak to television reporters after the trial.
However, a majority of the other jurors who were questioned offered different accounts. Many stated that they had not heard Hill make any comments about Murdaugh, and some denied that such comments were ever made. Among those who admitted to hearing Hill's comments, they maintained that it did not influence their decision to deliver a guilty verdict.
Becky Hill took the stand on Monday afternoon to respond to these allegations.
Previously, Murdaugh's legal team had presented affidavits signed by a juror who voted to convict him, the one who was removed from the jury, and testimony from a paralegal involved in the jury interviews.
Additionally, Toal had heard testimony from a juror publicly identified as Juror X ahead of Monday's hearing. Juror X had been accused by Murdaugh's defense of pressuring the jury to reach a quick verdict to secure a book deal and media appearances related to the trial. However, this opportunity was jeopardized after the trial concluded with a guilty verdict. Moreover, Juror X faced criticism for parts of a book she authored about the trial being plagiarized, leading to the suspension of book sales, and her son being charged with wiretapping.
Judge Toal has expressed her intention to focus on whether Hill's alleged comments to the jury had an inappropriate influence on the final verdict.
Alex Murdaugh, a once-prominent attorney hailing from a politically influential South Carolina family, had received consecutive life sentences in March for the 2021 deaths of his wife and son. His actions also brought renewed attention to the 2018 "trip and fall" death of the family's housekeeper in their home.
In November, Murdaugh was sentenced to 27 years in state prison as part of a plea agreement for financial crimes, admitting to embezzling $12 million from clients over a decade. This plea deal mandated that he serve 85% of his sentence.
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The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

COURT AUDIO-Becky Hill Part 2 -Alex Murdaugh's Trial; Hearing on Jury Tampering Jan 30, 2024

Show notes

In a hearing that could potentially impact the fate of Alex Murdaugh, a juror from his 2023 murder trial has alleged feeling pressured by Colleton County Clerk Becky Hill and other jurors to render a guilty verdict. The hearing, overseen by retired South Carolina Judge Jean Toal, aims to investigate claims of jury tampering by Hill and how it may have influenced Murdaugh's conviction.
During the hearing on Monday morning, a juror identified as Juror Z came forward with startling allegations against Hill. Juror Z stated that Hill instructed the jury to closely monitor Murdaugh's actions and made other comments that raised concerns. "To me, it felt like she made it seem like he was already guilty," Juror Z remarked. When asked by the judge if Hill's comments had an impact on their verdict, Juror Z confirmed that it did.
Juror Z further revealed that the jury's foreperson had mentioned that Murdaugh was "crying on cue," and jurors often discussed the trial outside of the courtroom before deliberations. Additionally, Juror Z claimed that Hill pressured them to speak to television reporters after the trial.
However, a majority of the other jurors who were questioned offered different accounts. Many stated that they had not heard Hill make any comments about Murdaugh, and some denied that such comments were ever made. Among those who admitted to hearing Hill's comments, they maintained that it did not influence their decision to deliver a guilty verdict.
Becky Hill took the stand on Monday afternoon to respond to these allegations.
Previously, Murdaugh's legal team had presented affidavits signed by a juror who voted to convict him, the one who was removed from the jury, and testimony from a paralegal involved in the jury interviews.
Additionally, Toal had heard testimony from a juror publicly identified as Juror X ahead of Monday's hearing. Juror X had been accused by Murdaugh's defense of pressuring the jury to reach a quick verdict to secure a book deal and media appearances related to the trial. However, this opportunity was jeopardized after the trial concluded with a guilty verdict. Moreover, Juror X faced criticism for parts of a book she authored about the trial being plagiarized, leading to the suspension of book sales, and her son being charged with wiretapping.
Judge Toal has expressed her intention to focus on whether Hill's alleged comments to the jury had an inappropriate influence on the final verdict.
Alex Murdaugh, a once-prominent attorney hailing from a politically influential South Carolina family, had received consecutive life sentences in March for the 2021 deaths of his wife and son. His actions also brought renewed attention to the 2018 "trip and fall" death of the family's housekeeper in their home.
In November, Murdaugh was sentenced to 27 years in state prison as part of a plea agreement for financial crimes, admitting to embezzling $12 million from clients over a decade. This plea deal mandated that he serve 85% of his sentence.
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