Convicted former South Carolina attorney Alex Murdaugh has filed a new federal lawsuit against former court clerk Rebecca “Becky” Hill after his double murder convictions were overturned earlier this month. The lawsuit claims Hill’s actions improperly influenced jurors and violated his constitutional right to a fair trial.
Alex Murdaugh Files Federal Lawsuit Against Becky Hill
Alex Murdaugh, 57, filed the civil rights lawsuit on May 17 in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina.
According to court filings, Murdaugh alleges that former Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill interfered with the jury during his 2023 murder trial. His legal team claims her conduct denied him a fair and impartial trial under the Sixth Amendment.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory and punitive damages connected to the case.
Murdaugh Seeking $600,000 in Damages
Court documents reportedly state that Murdaugh suffered financial damages of around $600,000 because of Hill’s alleged actions.
His lawyers said the lawsuit aims not only to recover damages but also to fully investigate Hill’s conduct during the trial.
Attorney Jim Griffin told reporters that civil litigation would allow the legal team to use subpoenas and depositions to uncover more details.
South Carolina Supreme Court Overturned Convictions
Earlier this month, the South Carolina Supreme Court overturned Murdaugh’s murder convictions in a unanimous 5-0 ruling.
The court ruled that Becky Hill created “improper external influences on the jury” during the high-profile trial.
Judges described the alleged conduct as “shocking jury interference” and stated Hill effectively became a witness supporting the prosecution.
The ruling ordered a completely new trial for Murdaugh.
Murdaugh Was Convicted in 2023 Murders
Murdaugh was originally convicted in March 2023 for the murders of his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and his son, Paul Murdaugh.
The killings happened in June 2021 at the family’s South Carolina property.
He received two consecutive life sentences without parole after the jury found him guilty. Throughout the case, Murdaugh maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty.
Becky Hill Previously Pleaded Guilty to Other Charges
Although Hill has not been charged with jury tampering, she previously pleaded guilty in December 2025 to:
- Perjury
- Obstruction of justice
- Misconduct in office
She received probation, 100 hours of community service, and was ordered to pay nearly $12,000 in restitution.
Hill has denied intentionally influencing jurors during the Murdaugh trial.
Murdaugh Still Remains in Prison
Even though his murder convictions were overturned, Murdaugh is not expected to leave prison anytime soon.
He is currently serving:
| Sentence Type | Years |
|---|---|
| State financial crimes sentence | 27 years |
| Federal financial crimes sentence | 40 years |
The former attorney was convicted of stealing millions of dollars from clients and his law firm in multiple fraud-related cases.
Retrial Could Begin Within a Year
Murdaugh’s attorneys said they expect the new murder trial to begin within the next year, though no official date has been announced yet.
Meanwhile, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson said prosecutors are considering all legal options in the retrial, including possibly seeking the death penalty.
Wilson’s comments sparked criticism from Murdaugh’s legal team, who accused him of making political statements while campaigning for governor.
