She completely destroyed her reputation and all credibility when she wrote that book so soon after the murders. She disgraced herself and her entire family. I would move out of the state.
Same. She showed poor judgment, and she seems to be more concerned with clout-seeking than pursuing her career in public justice. This was very opportunistic of her.
@@joshcantrell8397 The judge referred to her as a court reporter/court clerk, but what does that matter. Clerks and court reporters should have no interaction with the jury!
Unbelievable! Being a busy body is what did this! All that hard work and now they must do it again! She should have never been able to write a book, she thought she was going to make her millions. Shameful!
Either she is corrupt or incredibly unintelligent, both dangerous …. She doesn’t know not to plagiarize as a middle school teacher? not to make up stories without evidence? This is the best example of why being a writer is not as easy as 1-2-3 …. What shame and embarrassment …
She knew it was wrong. She did it on purpose thinking she wouldn’t get caught. The only reason she did is because her emails were released. I would be hanging my head in shame.
Why doesn't this surprise me? Socalled developed country is not what I observe about the US in my 5 decades in Scandinavia. The US developed backwards all my life.
It’s hard to believe that everything that the juror said never happened!! According to her all is a lie! I don’t believe Ms Hill!! I think it’s time for retirement for her.
The main question I was waiting for was, How did a picture of Alex Murdaugh laying on his bed, and awaiting the verdict in his holding cell, become the property of Becky Hill? The picture in reference, according to Fitnews, had to have been taken as a still picture from the monitor directly in Becky Hill's office. According to investigation, this picture (or rather any other behavior Alex Murdaugh might have been engaged in while in his cell awaiting verdict) constitutes an invasion and violation for the rights of the client whether we like him or not. It doesn't matter of he was daydreaming, crying, caught up in memories of the deaths, or just plain fear. In my mind, it's no different that when circus or carnival owners, would open a curtain and alloy you to see the Dog Faced boy, I can't believe Becky Hill publicly admits, in court and on the stand, that either she or various court personnel, stayed late every night (out of the presence of the Judge mind you), to make sure the press had access to all of the evidence of the day; such that there is no one above her keeping an eye on the security of the sealed exhibits, or any other exhibits. So why did she do it? I suspect in her mind she was building her contacts, like a "quid pro quo", ie. I'll make it a point to get you in, but when the time comes, I'll be calling in that marker. I believe she really thought that, by making all of these contacts, it would be that much easier to market her book; at the very least, she could get all of these well know journalists to give her a great review, like " Becky's writing is so down to earth, so factual and gritty, that I came away not only informed, but I had a much greater understanding of the level of collusion, nepotism, and just straight up dishonesty: " The thing she apparently has not realized, is that what she has done and what Alex has done are only a difference in degree; not a difference in kind. (except for murdering anyone). Due to her hubris and nepotism, ahe asked her son to tao phone lines, so see what the state or SLED knew about the scenario. How many average citizens can do that? How many others, when questioned, indicate a non fiction book is NOT FICTION. If she wants to write a dramatization of the events, and sell it as fiction; different story. But, these are REAL individuals in her book. If she has written anything false about anyone who worked on this case (whether they were seen in the spotlight) it is libel. I don't think she gets that. The fact that when questioned, she admits to adding information to make it more interesting, she has opened herself up to a libel case. I have to admit that her testimony on the witness stand, was a nonevent. She was even smiling many times. The well-known charm that many Southern women display, was in full force; I'm surprised she didn't have a hot plate so she could make then all some sweet tea, lol. The judge was right in her summation; she pointed out that Becky wasn't entirely credible. In a small town like this, people will either pretend to be her friend, yet truthfully talk behind her back, OR just simply ignore her. In the city, where there are hundreds of thousands of people, there aren't many people that would stop her on the street, because they recognized her. In Colleton County, things will be very different, and after what the judge said to her (or rather, about her) she will find that her credibility and integrity have taken a huge hit. Edited to fix typos. Sorry, this is what happens when you type without reading glasses, lol.
The independent publisher, that she wrote the book with it’s appalled by her actions in fact, he donated his half of the proceeds they had already collected from the book. She caused him a great embarrassment, and tarnished his reputation.
@@brendakauffman2222 she seems like a really sweet person. It’s really a shame that she put herself in that position. Now she’s lost respect after she admitted to plagiarizing the book she stood to make a lot of money from the book sales, but it was pulled because of her plagiarism.
I agree with what this judge said about this woman. In short, she sought fame from being privy to inside dealings about a famous murder case. She doesn't seem to be brilliant either. If she were, she would not have to admit she plagiarized portions of her book. She was seemingly very highly thought of in her community. It must be embarrassing for her, now.
Thank goodness that none of it mattered to the jury. Alec is exactly where he needs to be for life. This man murdered his wife and son and he is going to spend the rest of his natural life in prison.
She seems to be enjoying her time in the box! She has no right to say anything to the jurors about anything! She knows what her oath was when she took it! The case was decided correctly, only one juror said she she was influenced by this woman. Sadly, that juror wasn’t confident enough in herself to make a logical, informed, decision! The other 11 jurors were and did make an intelligent, logical decision! He was found guilty because he was!
This lady is going to be getting her pink slip in a matter of hours. Why would you as a clerk of court write a book about a case you are on. If she wanted to write, she could have written about being a clerk of courts after she retired. What is wrong with that greedy woman, and who did she plagiarize from?
She stole 12 pages of the preface from a BBC journalist who had summed up the case in an article. Becky Hill pinched it wholesale, didn't paraphrase and didn't credit the journalist. Oddly it was Hill's Co author who discovered the theft and suspended the books release
We know he did because he said he was not with them and the recording of his voice shows he was and they were shot just after that , convicted by his own son the irony is not lost on me.
@@anthonybethel4569 Absolutely! Listen folks, you want to blame anyone about this, blame this woman. Out constitution requires a fair trial. Murdaugh… guilty. That was determined by a jury managed by this low life woman. That is scary as hell to me. I hope SHE will be found guilty, and Murdaugh gets a new trial. I feel he did all the dastardly deeds. But, because of her, a new trial is his right.
You can bet this lady is a walking mouth in that County. You have to follow the law no matter if he is guilty. He is guilty I believe but he also has rights to a fair trial!!!! Period!!!
Clearly this woman is a complete liability to the court in it's discharge of justice. She leaves the stand here sufficiently impeached and potentially discredited enough to raise questions of perjury. Smug and evasive, she seems to foremost use her office as a means to satisfy a desire for power and prestige. "Literary ease."
When you start your answer with the question that was just asked says it all to me. Bull face liar!! This will not be acceptable in the long run and I think the judge has decision made the night before
Hill is lying everybody open your eyes the give away are hesitations and pauses and smiling when answering the lawyers questions. For her to write a book and plagiarize it to pass it off as her own work is a hot mess. Goes to show us how she sits in her mind and how she thinks. She’s no sweet old lady. She’s inserted herself into this man’s case and started throwing around guilty claims before having he’s day in court.
You are what’s wrong with society. Nothing she did or said was detrimental to his him or his trial. Screw the millions it would take to prosecute a clearly GUILTY person. Shut up already!!!!
Becky Hill should be FIRED for causing this fire storm. She is unprofessional and you can see it seeping out of her just looking at her. She's a troublemaker for sure! Kick her to the curb! But no employer should hire her where the position requires any decorum of trust.
I know this is an unpopular opinion but Dick Harpootlian is still as sharp as a tack. Looks like he's 150 years old but he doesn't miss a beat in these hearings.
In this appeal, I'll agree with you, but not at original trial. Maybe because AM left both his Lawyers with a mountain to climb with caught lying about being at Mossel.
I read Becky Hill’s book on my channel when it first came out because I couldn’t find a free audio of it, I decided if I had to buy it, I might as well read it aloud in case someone else was looking for a free audio of it like I was. It’s not a perfect job of reading, but it’s free. 😊
Hey, thanks! I’d like to listen. Just finding out all this lady has been up too and her son’s arrest. To think she was calling the Murdaugh’s criminals and her own son being arrested for taping phone lines for her. This is all crazy! She saw dollar signs. Such a shame!
Wow AM he's either going to be acquitted or get another trial at the least. Shame on u lady. Riding on a dead mother and her dead son for fast money. Glad you didn't get away with it.
Not only was she unbelievably inappropriate during the murder trial, but she clearly lied here during this hearing, and under oath! He is still a murderer of course, but she is a joke. I doubt she will be the clerk next cycle.
She is another person who took advantage of the position she held, I find her disgusting! She actually admitted under Oath that she thought about writing the book before the trial started. Mind you I have to say I agree with the Judges findings but that doesn't disminish what this greedy person did!
This is very troubling. It also confirms our worst fears about small town “justice.” The judge set a high burden for the defense to meet to obtain a new trial. While she found that the Clerk had acted improperly, she also found that there was no evidence that this influenced the jury verdict. There is apparently a dispute as to whether it is necessary to prove anything beyond the improper attempt to influence which will be resolved on appeal. Arguably, the integrity of both the system and this particular verdict is tainted and the only way to correct that is by ordering a new trial. You can’t expect individual jurors to come in and admit that they were influenced by someone outside of the jury and they might have even convinced themselves that they were not. To admit otherwise is to admit wrongdoing on their part as well. On the other hand, if the verdict stands, after the judge has found that the Clerk attempted to sway the jury, it sends a message that it is ok for court personnel to communicate with jurors. I know people are upset about the possibility of Murdaugh getting a new trial but we really ought to be more upset that an elected Clerk of Court was gathering material for her book while administering her duties, that this Clerk had communication with the fore person and even drove a juror home one night and that she actively sought to remove a juror from the panel because that juror appeared to be sympathetic to the defendant. If an appellate court determines that the judge imposed the wrong burden and that Murdaugh is entitled to a new trial, this has nothing to do with guilt or innocence but it does affect the administration of justice generally- and is even likely to influence decisions across the country. This is how law is made and we must respect that. The motion for a new trial is about protecting the integrity of the process for all defendants- not just Murdaugh. If- on appeal- no new trial is granted, we just have to hope that a strong enough message has been communicated about what should not happen in a jury trial.
I see why she would try to sway the jurors to convict him she had a connection with the Murdochs. So her motivation was personal vendetta. It all makes sense.
Her timing was *terrible.* And the rush to print (presumably) led to the plagiarism, which damaged her credibility leading up to this. As a self-published, poorly written book, it was never going to make “millions.” The only way it would’ve made sense for her to write this book would’ve been as a fun post-retirement project.
Anybody who is even a little bit informed knows that plagiarism is a huge blight at the turn of 2023-2024. And that is only one of many reasons for not rushing to print with a self-published book. There may be other unsolved cases related to the Alex Murdaugh disaster, and it makes me tremble to think of publishing anything that could draw me into these issues which are not yet solved. This is a time for somebody who has been involved in an "official" capacity to shut your mouth and keep your head down. Creighton Waters has done okay in his post-trial interviews, but Harpootlian has not--in my opinion. I think there are more skeletons that will fall out of closets before the smoke settles. Also, Mr. Alex needs to realize that even if he talks about who takes a poop in the cell next to him, it will be all over the internet the next day.
She was obviously paid in a back room. Disgraceful case, a miracle ruling! A criminal is a criminal. A murderer is a murderer. And, in this instance, an idiot is an idiot!
I DONT BELIEVE HER. This lady is sneaky. I still don't know if Alex did it or not. That's besides the point. This woman seems like she was actively trying to influence that jury, all so she could sell a book. Smh.
I can't believe that given what the juror said -:that they were pressured to make a guilty verdict-. How in the world could it judge not say that this is cause for mistrial. somewhere along the line this judge doesn't really believe this woman's account which is staggering, but I can't believe that given everything she said that they're not giving AM a new trial - Not that it would make a difference. The evidence is too strong against him. But if this isn't a ground for mistrial what would be?
Exactly. Even tho everyone knows he is guilty this needs to be handled carefully and correctly. This could be setting the wrong precedent for justice in this country. I know it would be a lot of money and a lot of bullshit to retry him after a mistrial but that’s what has to happen when you got people like this woman with too much trust!
@ke0 I agree.! In essence, the judge is saying well. It doesn't really matter if that happened. You know the trial was fair enough. . I'm shocked. I'm really shocked and I think Alex is guilty as sin but I'm really shocked at this
Does anyone notice how nervous and worried Alex looks now during this versus when he was on trial for the murder of his wife and son. My guess is during the murder trial he really did think that the jurors were going to believe him on some level. They shot the power he thought he had down real quick!
him pulling his hair and and kept put his head down as she talked. As if he was mad she lied. He has the nerve to do the same. That right there was crazy
She clearly went over many lines, but there's nothing she could have said that resulted in his guilty verdict - he's guilty AF, even an utter moron could see it.
The judge dressed down this narcissist severely. She needs to be fired. There simply is no excuse for what she did. It's one of the worst things a clerk of courts can even do. Thank goodness she didn't cost SC a true and good verdict against Murdoch, and waste another $20mil trial.
@@hennesseyme9112. She lied to the judge on the witness stand perjured herself. The judge called her out on it. She clearly broke the rules.. Alec should be in prison for stealing money for a long time, but they did not prove he killed his wife and son. By bringing in the financial crimes, he committed I’m sure made the jury hate his guts. It would be hard to separate the two.
@@makeupchick9544 not necessarily there’s no way you can pinpoint the exact time they were shot. His financial crime should have been kept separate that alone, but make anyone hate him. I don’t believe they prove their case on murder. He owed a lot of money to drug dealers.
I bought her book based on the fact that she was telling the truth NOT that she fabricated bs stories to make it more readable with her ‘literary ease’. She’s a liar and needs to lose her job.
01:01:30 Sealed evidence was under Hill’s control after it was used in court. Hill sent the following email to a member of the Japanese crew: “The Buford McDowell Bodycam should not have gone to you. Please get rid of it and do not use it. The Judge, Judge Newman, specifically ordered that that Bodycam not be used if it got out. Apparently it is still on the videos that are saved. after sending them body camera footage that showed Maggie and Paul Murdaugh’s bodies. Images of the deceased were sealed by the court.” Harpootlian brought the email up to Judge Toal after Hill’s testimony. Toal called it “an impeachment of her testimony to me.” Murdaugh lead prosecutor Creighton Waters said the footage was not marked as sealed due to an error by another court employee. When officials learned about it, they immediately “clawed it back.” -Grace, FOX Carolina
To prove she is a liar and colluding about this book before the trial started. Guilty verdict makes for an interesting even better book. I don’t know why she was even allowed to work on this trial. Her family and the Murrdaughs knew each other and had illegal dealings. She admitted that in the book. So she already had preconceived notions and feeling about him and his family before any of this ever happened!!
@@anthonybethel4569 Unfortunately we heard lots of accusations about BH in media interviews with the defense. These statements were made prior to it ever being looked at by the law, yet we have to make sure that AM was not falsely accused. What about BH?
I don’t think she’s telling the truth as far as the question’s she’s asked pertaining about the jury and her book and what she has said to people who she know’s who may lie for her ( ALLEGEDLY )
Sue the author in civil court for defamation in her book, but no one, and I mean no one, in the jury room changes their verdict based on anything a clerk says or writes.
You don’t know that. Why wouldn’t a juror possible think the clerk of court would have more info than them. Jurors know there is evidence that “can’t” be presented in court. Come on now don’t be dense! It wouldn’t be the first time this has happened!!
Shes disgusting. Make an example out of her!!!! This is an AWFUL precedent to set!!! And yes, most of us know that alex did it, but EVERYONE deserves a FAIR trial - where jurors havent been influenced by unprossional and unethical court personnel. Even Alex.
She's lying her butt off! But, i did watch the entire trial. At the end, i did think he was guilty and i thought they would be out at least a day. She just doesn't want to be in jail like her son!
Why are people so anxious to find fault with this woman doing her job to the best of her ability? The Murdaughs did not have a good reputation in the community. That is not cause for a new trial. I believe the defense focused in on this woman primarily because she dared to write a book and cash in on the Murdaugh name. Alex wasn't having that. The decision was made to bully this woman and make her the target of his appeal. If the defense was so concerned about getting a fair trial, they should have moved the trial further away. It was just one more ploy to help Alex get away with murder relying on the "good old boys" system of corruption. He did not prevail to waste more of South Carolina's tax money. In his mind, he can still beat this rap. You can see it all over him as he sits in court in his orange getup.
I think what it’s all about is, Becky clearly broke the law in every aspect, including telling several lies to the judge under oath. I watch the trial live with Alex Murdaugh. He was clearly guilty of the financial crimes, but I’m not so sure about the murder. They should have kept them separate because of what he did in stealing the money in such a cold blooded way would automatically make you hate his guts and think he was capable of murdering his wife and son.
Becky Hill is THE definition of busy body. She's also the worst type of coworker. Will be sugar sweet to your face, but gossip about you behind your back. And is usually the person that winds up getting you fired. Ick.
Even if they threw this out, he’s still locked up the rest of his lifetime for his financial crimes. So no worries, he will remain where right the psychopath belongs.
Man this prosecutor is actually pretty good. He speaks well. He knows the tricks of the game. Good Lawyer material. Would be nervous going up against this dude. He prob has been to trial hundreds if not thousands of times. And I'm not one for the goverment. But this dude is shining in the spotlight tho. He knows this is the only time he has a national case. 😂 💪
Becky’s biggest problem is het loose lips…..think her position at the court went to her head and I think she thought she was untouchable….THANK GOD FOR A BRILLIANT JUDGE WHO DID NOT ALOW HARPOO AND COMPANY TO DERAIL HER.
Free speech And Telling anyone to watch defendants behaviour in court, especially while testifying NOT ILLEGAL. Like asking them how their day was going.
What a world we live in. One thief judging another. If she is judging Alex to be a murder based on his financial theft, then we can assume she tainted the jury based on the fact that she plagiarized in her book. But like Alex, she feels that since she has apologized for it, there should be no further issue with it.
okay im sorry I had to watch this trial twice. If the old judge and the juror BOTH said Ms. Becky told them about the Facebook post and was questioning the juror how can the juror mistake a different person with Ms. Becky Hill... that's how I knew Hill was lying. When this new judge questioned her she can remember the incidents but yet Hill says that's a fuzzy time. Come on now. Even the driving in the car thing..