WALTERBORO, S.C. (NEWSnet/AP) — A South Carolina court official under investigation amid allegations of tampering with the jury in the Alex Murdaugh trial has announced her resignation.

Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill said her resignation takes effect immediately.

Hill said she wanted to leave time for candidates interested in running for the position to act. Hill’s attorney Justin Bamberg said her decision wasn’t about an investigation, but the people of the county, noting there’s another week left for filing for the Clerk of Court office.

Murdaugh was sentenced to life without parole for the murder of his wife and son.

His lawyers sought another trial in the killings, citing allegations the court clerk improperly influenced the jury. Hill denied the allegations. In January, a judge denied the appeal.

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division investigations into allegations of jury tampering and misuse of office against Hill are active and ongoing, spokesperson Renée Wunderlich said Monday.

“Today is not in response to any new development of some investigation or anything like that,” Bamberg said. He said Hill’s resignation letter would be sent to governor’s office later Monday.

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