Court Clerk Becky Hill Arrested Amid Allegations in Murdaugh Case

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Becky Hill, the former Colleton County Clerk of Court, was arrested Wednesday morning on multiple felony charges related to her conduct in the high-profile Alex Murdaugh murder trial. Hill, 57, faces two counts of misconduct in office and one count of obstruction of justice in Colleton County, as well as a perjury charge in Richland County.

The charges arise from allegations that Hill improperly allowed third parties access to sealed evidence and used her office to promote her book about the Murdaugh case, titled “Behind the Doors of Justice: The Murdaugh Murders.” Additionally, the State Ethics Commission accused her of using federal funds for personal gains, such as lavish gifts for court staff.

Hill was taken into custody after investigations revealed she misled the South Carolina Supreme Court during a January 2024 hearing, where she was asked if she permitted anyone from the press to view sealed exhibits. The evidence suggests her response was inconsistent with findings from the investigation.

Attorney Dick Harpootlian, representing Murdaugh, stated, “We have long raised our concerns about her conduct during and after the trial, and this arrest underscores the need to protect the integrity of the judicial process.” He emphasized the importance of every defendant receiving a fair trial.

Murdaugh was convicted in June 2021 for the murders of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, at their family estate. Following his conviction, allegations of jury tampering were raised, leading to Hill’s investigation and subsequent arrest.

Hill resigned from her position in March 2024, though she maintained it was not related to her conduct during the Murdaugh trial. Hill’s actions during the trial have drawn significant public scrutiny, prompting calls for reform in jury management.

As this case develops, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is expected to release further details about the charges against Hill, including her connections to the ongoing allegations of misconduct.