The court ordered a new trial, saying that Mary Rebecca "Becky" Hill, who served as the court clerk in Colleton County, exercised "improper external influences" during Murdaugh's first trial.

The state Supreme Court voted unanimously on the decision.

"Although we are aware of the time, money, and effort expended for this lengthy trial, we have no choice but to reverse the denial of Murdaugh’s motion for a new trial due to Hill’s improper external influences on the jury and remand for a new trial," their ruling said.

According to testimony reviewed by the court, jurors said Hill told them to "watch him closely," "watch his actions," and not be "fooled" by the defense.

One juror recalled "that Hill told the jurors not to be fooled by the evidence Murdaugh's defense presented," according to the document, saying, "They're going to say things that will try to confuse you. Don't let them confuse you or convince you or throw you off." 

The documents say Hill tried to "insert herself into the jury's deliberations through these comments was in line with her stated desire for a guilty verdict to sell more copies of the book she planned to write."

The ruling references the post-trial court's finding that, "Hill was attracted by the siren call of celebrity" and "allowed her desire for the public attention of the moment to overcome her duty to her oath of office."

"Accordingly, we hold Murdaugh's right to a fair trial by an impartial jury was violated, and the post-trial court erred in denying his motion for a new trial," the ruling says. 

In December 2025, Hill pleaded guilty to four charges — obstruction of justice and perjury for showing a reporter photographs that were sealed court exhibits and then lying about it, plus two counts of misconduct in office for taking bonuses and promoting a book she wrote on the trial through her public office.

"There is no excuse for the mistakes I made. I’m ashamed of them and will carry that shame the rest of my life," Hill said in a statement read to the court.

She was sentenced to three years of probation.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Murdaugh's lead defense attorney, Dick Harpootlian, for comment.