The South Carolina Supreme Court has overturned Alex Murdaugh’s murder convictions, vacating his life sentences. The court determined that Becky Hill, a clerk, improperly influenced the jury to ensure a guilty verdict, allegedly to increase her book sales. Despite the overturned convictions, Murdaugh continues to serve a 40-year federal sentence for unrelated financial crimes.
Former Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill is now seeking to have Murdaugh’s lawsuit against her dismissed. Murdaugh’s lawsuit demands $600,000 in damages, claiming it was drawn from his retirement to pay for his defense during his 2023 double-murder trial. Hill argues the lawsuit should be dismissed based on claims of immunity and her role as a court clerk when the alleged conduct occurred.
“Even if Plaintiff states a compensable claim, Defendant is nonetheless entitled to Eleventh Amendment immunity, quasi-judicial immunity, and qualified immunity, all of which bars Plaintiff’s suit,” her lawyers stated.
Murdaugh’s lawsuit, according to Hill’s lawyers, is based on a novel legal theory not previously recognized by courts in the Fourth Circuit. They assert Murdaugh is not automatically entitled to compensation for legal costs simply because he received a new trial.
The motion also raises questions about whether Hill’s actions led to the damages Murdaugh claims. Prosecutors and a grand jury, not Hill, were responsible for the charges against Murdaugh, meaning the legal expenses would have existed regardless of her alleged influence on jurors.
Murdaugh, whose original request for a new trial was initially rejected by former South Carolina Chief Justice Jean Toal, had his murder convictions overturned in May. This action came after Hill’s guilty plea to obstruction, perjury, and misconduct charges related to her involvement in Murdaugh’s trial.
With a potential retrial looming, Murdaugh’s defense team is preparing to address the kennel video evidence used against him. Attorney Dick Harpootlian indicated a strategic approach to challenging this evidence but remained uncertain if Murdaugh would testify again.
The federal judge will decide if Murdaugh’s lawsuit against Hill can move forward. A representative for Hill reaffirmed confidence in the legal positions presented in the court filings.
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