02/11/2026
An extraordinary day at the South Carolina Supreme Court in the Alex Murdaugh appeal.
During oral arguments, Justice John Kittredge pressed prosecutor Creighton Waters directly, stating: “Even you acknowledge what Becky Hill said was improper.”
Waters responded without hesitation: “Absolutely.”
That exchange alone was significant.
For months, debate has centered around whether former Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill’s comments and conduct crossed ethical lines during the Murdaugh trial. Today, in open court, the State acknowledged that what was said was improper.
The real question before the Court isn’t whether the comments were ideal — it’s whether they rise to the level of juror influence requiring a new trial. But when even the lead prosecutor concedes impropriety, it changes the tone of the conversation.
Reading the posture and line of questioning from several justices today, one thing became clear: this Court is taking the integrity of the jury process seriously.
If the tea leaves are worth reading at all, this could point toward one outcome — Alex Murdaugh may be granted a new trial.
Nothing is decided yet. But today’s arguments made it clear: this appeal is very much alive.
