Murdaugh lead attorney says jury fix and hidden texts could blow up conviction, force new trial
Share this @internewscast.com

The defense attorney for convicted killer Alex Murdaugh believes that newly found evidence suggesting jury tampering could potentially overturn the South Carolina lawyer’s murder conviction.

Dick Harpootlian, a Columbia attorney and former state senator who spearheaded Murdaugh’s defense, explained to Fox News Digital that Becky Hill, the Colleton County Clerk of Court, compromised the jury during the 2023 double murder trial, warranting a new trial.

“Had she not interfered with the jury, the least we would have faced was a mistrial,” said Harpootlian. “There were two jurors—two—who would not have reached a guilty verdict if not for Becky Hill’s influence.”

Murdaugh was found guilty of the murders of his wife, Maggie Murdaugh, and son, Paul Murdaugh, who were shot to death on June 7, 2021 at the family’s hunting estate in Colleton County, South Carolina. He was convicted on two counts of murder and two counts of possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime in March 2023.

Murdaugh replied that he would be back that afternoon and that he “had to deal with some bulls— this morning.”

“Ok Brother just give me a holler,” Smith texted, later adding, “Leaving the house now.”

The day before the murders, Murdaugh texted Smith, “Call me back.”

Within a span of two minutes the morning after the murder, Smith texted Murdaugh, “Tell me what I heard is not true,” and, “Call me please.”

Those texts went unreturned, and around 6:30 p.m., and Smith cryptically texted Murdaugh, “At fishing hole.”

After that message was also met with silence, he texted, “803 *** **13 it will not go through on my phone.”

The Murdaugh family poses in front of a tractor.

From left to right, Buster, Maggie, Paul and Alex Murdaugh in an undated photo. (Facebook)

Harpootlian also questioned why Smith had not been prosecuted, calling it “perplexing” and “unjust.”

“Eddie Smith, according to the attorney general, is probably the largest distributor of OxyContin in the state’s history—and he has not been prosecuted,” he said. “Everybody else who was indicted pleaded guilty—except Eddie Smith.”

The defense attorney also criticized South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, who he claims referred to Hill as “Becky Boo” during the trial. 

Harpootlian said Wilson’s relationship with Hill is a conflict of interest and urged him to recuse himself from any future investigation into her conduct. Fox News Digital has reached out to Wilson’s office for comment.

“There should be a grand jury investigation into Becky Hill’s conduct,” he said. “But the AG hasn’t opened one. Maybe he’s waiting to see what the Supreme Court does.”

If the court grants a new trial, Harpootlian said it will be “a very different case.” 

Since Murdaugh has already pleaded guilty to financial crimes, the prosecution will no longer be able to present weeks of financial evidence.

“All that will be left is the forensic evidence and the facts,” he said. “And the forensic evidence, I believe, overwhelmingly proves that Alec Murdaugh did not kill Paul and Maggie.”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Broadway musicians reach tentative labor deal, averting a strike

Broadway Musicians Secure Tentative Labor Agreement, Preventing Potential Strike

NEW YORK (AP) — In a significant move to keep the show…
Former ESPN Host Blasts Boy Competing Against Daughter

Ex-ESPN Host Criticizes Boy Competing Against His Daughter in Sports Event

Outrage Erupts as Christian Ponder’s Wife Criticizes Transgender Participation in Girls’ Sports…
St. Johns police reponds after student attacked on school bus

St. Johns Police Take Swift Action Following Alarming School Bus Incident

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement indicating that a…
Former mayor stabbed outside blue state business, suspect with multiple arrests charged

Ex-Mayor Stabbed Outside Business in Blue State: Repeat Offender Charged in High-Profile Incident

A former Massachusetts mayor sustained injuries from a stabbing incident outside his…
Man linked to Hamas attack on Israel indicted in Louisiana for conspiring to support terrorist group

Louisiana Man Charged with Conspiracy in Connection to Hamas Attack on Israel

A Louisiana resident has been formally charged in connection with the October…
ABC's 'World News Tonight' anchor David Muir honored by Temple University

ABC’s David Muir Receives Prestigious Honor from Temple University for Excellence in Journalism

PHILADELPHIA — Temple University recently hosted a celebration honoring outstanding achievements in…
Strike averted: Musicians' union reaches tentative deal with Broadway league

Musicians’ Union and Broadway League Reach Tentative Agreement, Preventing Strike

NEW YORK — Broadway musicians have successfully brokered a preliminary deal with…
Melodee Buzzard: Timeline of investigation into missing 9-year-old girl from Santa Barbara, California

Investigative Timeline: The Disappearance of 9-Year-Old Melodee Buzzard from Santa Barbara, California

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has stepped in to assist in the…
NFL's Roger Goodell's Weakness on Full Display With Response About Choosing Bad Bunny for Super Bowl

Roger Goodell Faces Criticism Over Bad Bunny Super Bowl Choice

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s tenure appears overdue for an end, especially after…
NYC mayoral candidates clash bitterly during final debate

Final NYC Mayoral Debate Sparks Heated Exchanges Among Candidates

NEW YORK (AP) — During the heated final debate in New York…
Florida Uber Eats driver noticed autistic son missing from car, continues delivery: police

Florida Uber Eats Driver Reports Autistic Son Missing During Delivery, Police Investigate

A Florida Uber Eats driver has been charged with child neglect after…
California police officer struck and killed by car while stopping to help driver

Tragic Loss: California Officer Fatally Struck While Heroically Assisting Stranded Driver

The La Mesa Police Department is grieving the loss of one of…