Judge rejects Alex Murdaugh bid for new trial

A judge on Monday rejected a bid from former South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh to secure a new trial on grounds of alleged jury tampering.

Murdaugh received two consecutive life sentences in March of last year for murdering his wife and son. His attorneys in September sought a new trial, contending that "the Clerk of Court tampered with the jury by advising them not to believe Murdaugh’s testimony and other evidence presented by the defense, pressuring them to reach a quick guilty verdict, and even misrepresenting critical and material information to the trial judge in her campaign to remove a juror she believed favorable to the defense."

Judge Jean Toal expressed concerns about the veracity of Colleton County Clerk Becky Hill's assertion that she did not discuss the case with jurors, but noted that the jurors said she did not directly influence their verdict, according to The Hill. The basis of Murdaugh's argument came from one juror's sworn statement suggesting that Hill's comments influenced her vote, though she also said that pressure from her fellow jurors was a key factor.

Hill published her memoir, "Behind the Doors of Justice: The Murdaugh Murders," in August of last year. The memoir played a central role in Murdaugh's request, with his attorneys insisting she acted inappropriately to "secure for herself a book deal and media appearances that would not happen in the event of a mistrial."

Toal conceded that Hill was "attracted by the siren call of celebrity," but contended she could not order a new trial without strong indication that Hill's actions directly influenced the jurors' final decision.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.