A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit brought by convicted killer Alex Murdaugh against Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill, ruling that she was not liable to cover his legal defence costs. The case stemmed from Murdaugh's claim that alleged misconduct by Hill during his 2023 double murder trial had entitled him to compensation for the expense of mounting his defence. The ruling removes one avenue Murdaugh had pursued to recoup costs while he continues to fight his conviction on other legal fronts.

Murdaugh had sought roughly $600,000 (£470,000) in legal expenses, arguing Hill's conduct as clerk warranted the payout, but the judge found no basis to hold her financially responsible for his defence. The dismissal comes as Murdaugh separately awaits developments in his push for a retrial following the overturning of his double murder conviction, with attorneys also weighing calls for renewed DNA evidence review in the case.