19: THE MURDAUGH CASE: Analyzing Becky Hill’s Body Language & Statement Analysis
Learn How to Spot the Liars in Your Life with These Same Tips
Video above: Here is my interview with Court TV that this newsletter addresses. Court TV (January 29, 2024)
As I prepare to make my appearance on Court TV (in just under an hour), I wanted to send out a brief newsletter sharing my analysis of a significant development in the high-profile murder case involving Alex Murdaugh. Today, our focus is on the testimony of court clerk Becky Hill and the potential implications it holds.
We’ll explore Hill’s verbal and nonverbal deceptive hot spots, decode Murdaugh’s body language, and highlight what the judge had to say at the end of this preceding today. To get you primed to spot deception, I'm excited to share with you what you may consider valuable insights from my TEDx talk, titled "HOW TO GET EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT BY DECODING THE BODY LANGUAGE OF MURDERERS.”
Let’s DRIVE in…
Your continued support and interest are greatly appreciated as we unravel the complexities of this intriguing case and delve into the fascinating world of non-verbal communication.
Denied!
This afternoon, Murdaugh, a convicted murderer, has been denied a new trial. The denial comes after allegations that the jury who found him guilty was improperly influenced by Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill. South Carolina Judge Jean Toal made this ruling after a day-long hearing where each juror was questioned, and Hill testified.
During the hearing, eleven out of twelve jurors testified that their guilty verdict had not been influenced by Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill.
“I find that the clerk of court was not completely credible as a witness. Miss Hill was attracted by the siren call of celebrity.” -Judge Toal
The judge acknowledged that Ms. Hill had a conflict of interest but deemed her "fleeting and imprudent comments as a clerk of court seeking publicity" insufficient grounds for granting a new trial.
Becky Hill's Inconsistent Responses
Video above: Becky Hill answers questions from the prosecuting attorney, notice how sometimes she says no and other time she says no I did not. Footage from Court TV (January 29, 2024)
Our analysis begins with Becky Hill, whose varied responses during the trial were noteworthy. While sometimes she simply stated "no," on other occasions, her denials were more elaborate. This inconsistency can be significant in statement analysis.
Adding extra words or elaborations can indicate an attempt to persuade or convince, rather than just convey information. Therefore, a plain "no" is seen as a more confident and unambiguous denial, reflecting a higher likelihood of truthfulness.
In statement analysis, the use of a simple "no" is often considered the strongest form of denial because of its directness and lack of qualification. When a person is telling the truth, they tend to use straightforward and concise language. Adding extra words or elaborations can indicate an attempt to persuade or convince, rather than just convey information. Therefore, a plain "no" is seen as a more confident and unambiguous denial, reflecting a higher likelihood of truthfulness.
Was Becky Hill Holding Back?
Video above: Becky Hill answers questions from the prosecuting attorney. Footage from Court TV (January 29, 2024)
During the court proceedings today, as the questioning began regarding what Ms. Hill may or may not have said to the jurors in the Alex Murdaugh murder trial, her body language spoke volumes. Witnesses in the courtroom, along with you (if you watch Court TV live), observed a subtle yet significant interplay of non-verbal cues. Becky displayed a momentary "tongue protrusion," and a noticeable "lip roll," where her lips momentarily tightened.
Let’s explore what these movement mean….
The Tongue Protrusion
In the realm of non-verbal communication, a tongue protrusion occurs when someone briefly sticks out their tongue. This gesture can convey a range of emotions and intentions. Studies have shown that tongue protrusion can be associated with nervousness, discomfort, or even a momentary lapse in self-control.
Lip Roll = Emotional Control
The disappearance of lips when someone answers a question is a fascinating phenomenon. Research suggests that this behavior can be indicative of concealed emotions or reluctance to reveal the complete truth. It often signifies an attempt to withhold information or a desire to keep their thoughts guarded.
Before we get to what the judge had to say, let‘s analyze the body language of convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh…
Alex Murdaugh's Conflicting Gestures
Video above: Convicted murderer, Alex Murdaugh, listens to the prosecuting attorney asking questions to Becky Hill. Footage from Court TV (January 29, 2024)
Murdaugh's body language is a study in contrasts. His confident steepling gesture, a sign often associated with self-assurance, was at odds with his action of rubbing the bridge of his nose, commonly seen as a stress indicator. Self-touches, including those on the face, are believed to be linked to coping with negative affect or disruptions in attention. Self-touch gestures can be indicative of an individual's emotional and cognitive state, especially in social contexts.
This mix of confidence and anxiety raises questions about Murdaugh’s internal state in court today.
Judge Jean Toal's Observations
Judge Jean Toal expressed skepticism regarding Ms. Hill's testimony. Hill had claimed that she never spoke to jurors about the case involving Alex Murdaugh. Judge Toal raised doubts about the veracity of these statements, suggesting that Hill may have been influenced by the allure of fame and media attention surrounding the high-profile case. This remark adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing legal proceedings, emphasizing the significance of transparency and impartiality in such cases.
Conclusion
This case provides a fascinating look at how verbal and nonverbal cues can offer insights beyond spoken words in a courtroom setting. It's a reminder of the complexity of human communication and the importance of careful observation in uncovering the truth.
Stay tuned for more updates and analyses on high-profile cases and the intriguing world of body language and statement analysis!
P.S. Murdaugh has not yet initiated the standard appeals process for his sentence. During this phase, his legal team intends to raise multiple issues surrounding the fairness of his murder trial. Among their concerns is the extensive admission of testimony related to his financial crimes by the judge. They argue that this decision allowed prosecutors to tarnish Murdaugh's reputation with evidence that lacked direct relevance to the homicide cases.
Hey there, I’m Janine Driver – your go-to guide on this journey through the twists and turns of communication! 🚗
I’m a New York Times best selling author of "You Say More Than You Think" and a Washington Postbest-selling author of "You Can’t Lie to Me." My four TEDx talks, on decoding and influencing human behavior, have had over 9-million views. And my recent interview with Mel Robbins has hit over 500,00 views in just a couple months!
When I'm not decoding the secrets of human behavior here, I'm in the corporate arena, speaking to the titans of industry about emotional intelligence, body language, influencing, leadership, and more. My client lineup: Lockheed Martin, Comcast, Salesforce, Microsoft – you name it.
But it's not just about big names; I’m also a contributing expert to Court TV, the Today Show, and Fox and CNN. I’m here to unravel the mysteries of the unspoken language that shapes our daily interactions.
Ready to kick things up a notch at your event? Whether it's a corporate gathering or a high-energy conference, I’m here to steer your audience in the right direction – informed, entertained, and ready for action. Hop “In The DRIVER’S Seat” and let’s connect at JanineDriver.com.
You are so great at identifying these subtle gestures. I love listening to your analysis.
Thank you Susan!!!! ;)