True Sunlight - podcast cover

True Sunlight

LUNASHARKlunasharkmedia.com
Previously known as the Murdaugh Murders Podcast, True Sunlight is the intersection of True Crime, journalism and systematic corruption. Celebrated journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell are taking their style of reporting beyond Alex Murdaugh and his co-conspirators. We expose the truth wherever it leads giving voice to victims like Mica Francis, Sara Lynn Colucci, and Christa Gilley, while still pursuing justice for all the victims you've met so far like Stephen Smith, Dallas Stoller, and others. True Sunlight is the antithesis of True crime. True Sunlight values accuracy over "access journalism". True Sunlight is shed with empathy — not exploitation. True Sunlight was created as a matter of public service — not just entertainment. While the name of the podcast has changed, our mission, values and team have not. We are simply expanding our horizons while continuing to shine a much needed bright light on crime and corruption wherever it appears. Ranked #1 and #2 globally in 2021 and 2023 respectively as the Murdaugh Murders Podcast, True Sunlight provides unmatched insight into the crimes and criminals exposed on MMP and dives deep into new instances of where crime meets corruption across the US. We empower listeners to understand their legal and judicial systems through investigative journalism while providing tools to hold agencies and public figures accountable in order to change those systems for the better.  Listen on any streaming service or visit TrueSunlight.com to learn more.  Premium Members also get access to searchable case files, written articles with documents, case photos, episode videos and exclusive live experiences with our hosts on lunasharkmedia.com all in one place. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE. And for those just wanting ad-free listening without all the other great content, we now offer ad-free listening on Apple Podcast through a subscription to Luna Shark Plus on the Apple Podcasts App. And we also offer access to exclusive video content through our new YouTube Premiere subscription. Check out our new Luna Shark Merch With a Mission shop at lunasharkmerch.com/ SUNscribe to our free email list to get alerts on bonus episodes, calls to action, new shows and updates. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3KBM For current & accurate updates: TrueSunlight.com facebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/ instagram.com/truesunlightpod/ Twitter.com/mandymatney Twitter.com/elizfarrell youtube.com/@LunaSharkMedia tiktok.com/@lunasharkmedia
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Episodes

TSP #50 - Exposing The Evil That Ended Mica Miller’s Life + Michael Colucci’s Retrial POSTPONED

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell untangle the very strange — and very heartbreaking — death of Mica Miller, a 30-year-old pastor’s wife from South Carolina whose body was found in a North Carolina state park a few weeks ago. Over the weekend, journalists, true crime aficionados and people hoping for justice learned about Mica’s death, accusations of marital abuse and her in-progress divorce, along with one very strange sermon in which her estranged husband — John Paul Mille...

May 09, 20241 hr 12 minSeason 3Ep. 50

TSP #49 - Speeding To The Colucci Retrial - Newly Discovered Reports Shed Light On Michael Colucci's Time Out On Bond

The Michael Colucci retrial is less than two weeks away in the Charleston area of South Carolina. Did Michael kill his wife, did she kill herself or did Sara Lynn Colucci die after tripping and falling into the loose loop of a garden hose? Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell — who helped bring justice in the Alex Murdaugh cases — continue their pre-trial digging in the hopes of bringing more sunlight to the Colucci case this time around. This week they share what they found in...

May 02, 20241 hr 14 minSeason 3Ep. 49

TSP #48 - Michael Colucci’s Volatile Marriage in the Days Before His Wife’s Death + A Member of Colucci Family Speaks Out

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell — known for their work in covering Alex Murdaugh's murders and atrocious schemes — continue their look into the Michael Colucci case. In three weeks, Michael will be retried for the 2015 death of his wife Sara Lynn Colucci, who he says killed herself … or maybe tripped and fell into her noose? In the days and weeks before Sara Lynn’s death by asphyxiation, she and Michael got into several fights over text about the state of their marriage. I...

Apr 25, 20241 hr 12 minSeason 3Ep. 48

TSP #47 - A Good Day for Stopping a Judicial Election - Bowen Turner’s Latest Ride to Jail + Texts Expose Volatility of Michael and Sara Lynn Colucci’s Marriage

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell continue to shine the light on a corrupt judicial system in South Carolina. This week they helped bring attention to and did their part to stop the legislature from electing prosecutor David Miller to a judgeship — after exposing Miller’s role in getting thrice-accused rapist Bowen Turner a secret soft plea deal in 2022. Also on this 47th episode of the True Sunlight Podcast, Mandy and Liz break down what happened during Bowen Turner’s lates...

Apr 18, 20241 hr 12 minSeason 3Ep. 47

TSP #46 - The Chaotic Life of Michael Colucci + Bowen Turner’s Entitlement on Full Display in Police Video

Sandy Smith, David and Mandy headed to Wichita to speak at the Kansas Governor's Office Crime Victims Rights Conference this week. Sandy and Mandy presented a case study in media and how powerful forces can shape a victim's pursuit of justice. You'll hear a short excerpt from today's presentation and Premium Members will get the full video soon. On today's episode, True Sunlight Podcast, Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell continue their deep dive into the circumstances surrounding the death o...

Apr 11, 20241 hr 1 minSeason 3Ep. 46

TSP #45 - Alex Murdaugh Sentenced AGAIN, PMPED and PSB’s “Dirty Hands” Plus Where in the World is Michael Colucci?

On today's True Sunlight Podcast, Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell update you on what went down at Alex Murdaugh’s federal sentencing hearing this week, where he was sentenced to 40 years. What does this new sentence mean? And why does Alex have to pay back millions to his former law firm and Palmetto State Bank when both allowed these crimes to happen for years? Also on the show, the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office believes suspected murderer Michael Colucci has been on house arre...

Apr 04, 20241 hr 8 minSeason 3Ep. 45

TSP #44 - Feds Fight For PMPED & Palmetto State Bank. Did Cory Provide Evidence? + Becky Hill’s Absurd Presser

On today's True Sunlight Podcast, Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell break down what happened at Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill’s pathetic last attempt at staying in the post-Alex Murdaugh spotlight and why there might be more to the story about Becky’s pick for a replacement. Also on the show, the federal government files a 126-page response to Russell Laffitte’s appeal, proving once again that they fight the hardest for victims … and, to them, the victims are Alex’s old law firm ...

Mar 28, 202456 minSeason 3Ep. 44

TSP #43 - What Happened to Sara Lynn Colucci? Part One: The Story the Jury SHOULD Have Been Told + Victims Matter Rally

On today's True Sunlight Podcast, Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell begin their dive down the complex rabbit hole that is the Sara Lynn Moore-Colucci case. Sara Lynn was killed on the evening of May 20, 2015, outside of Charleston, South Carolina, at a jewelry warehouse she owned with her husband, Michael Colucci. She died by asphyxiation mere feet from Michael, who said he was waiting in the car for her to use the restroom. Michael Colucci contends that Sara Lynn took her own life or … barr...

Mar 21, 20241 hr 11 minSeason 3Ep. 43

TSP #42 - Bowen Turner Is Arrested Again + the 911 Call from the Night of Sara Lynn Colucci’s Death

On today's True Sunlight Podcast, Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell talk to South Carolina Victims Assistance Network attorney Sarah Ford and Karl Stoller, a father who continues to seek justice for his daughter’s sexual assault, about the latest arrest of Bowen Turner. Bowen — who was accused by three girls in three separate counties of rape — avoided prison time for those sexual assaults after he received a sweetheart plea deal in 2022, which his lawyer-legislator was able to secure becaus...

Mar 14, 202459 minSeason 3Ep. 42

TSP #41 - Who Killed Stephen Smith? Part Eleven… The Voice We Have Not Heard Yet + The Colucci Case

On today's True Sunlight Podcast, Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell continue their investigation into the photos and screenshots found on Stephen Smith’s phone, learning more about what the Hampton, S.C., teen’s life was like leading up to his mysterious death in July 2015. Mandy and Liz revisit two interviews with South Carolina Highway Patrol that — with new context — shed more light on his very last night and on what evidence SLED might have to help them retrace Stephen’s steps. Plus, lis...

Mar 07, 20241 hr 7 minSeason 3Ep. 41

TSP #40 - Who Killed Stephen Smith? Part Ten… Newly Recovered Photos Tell Us About Who He Was And Could Have Been

True Sunlight Podcast co-hosts True Sunlight Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell continue to unpack the evidence in the Stephen Smith case file. On today’s episode they take a look at the thousands of photos downloaded from Stephen’s iPhone and iPad in 2015 and explore what they tell us about Stephen’s life … and his death. Hear an interview with someone from Stephen’s past who got to witness his life in action. Plus, they take a look at the Kinsey Report — an investigation into Stephen’s deat...

Feb 29, 202452 minSeason 3Ep. 40

FEED DROP: CBC's Crime Story: Mandy Matney On What It Took To Cover The Infamous Murdaugh Dynasty

Just like in our Cup of Justice Episode 69 that published Tuesday on the separate feed, we’re going to do something a little different with today’s show. Today we'll 'Feed Drop' the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's Podcast called Crime Story whose host, Kathleen Goldhar, interviewed Mandy back in November promoting the best selling book, Blood On Their Hands. Fraud. Abduction. Murder. Every week, Crime Story host and investigative journalist Kathleen Goldhar goes deep into a true crime case w...

Feb 22, 20241 hrSeason 3Ep. 39

TSP #38 - Who Killed Stephen Smith Part Nine + The Murdaugh Murders Bloody Towel No One Knew About

It’s FOIA around and find out time again on True Sunlight Podcast! True Sunlight Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell unpack the latest round of records reporter Beth Braden received from Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill’s emails. In the stack of documents, Beth found memos from SLED outlining interviews with Alex Murdaugh’s siblings after Alex was finally charged with Maggie’s and Paul’s murders in the summer of 2022. Turns out there was a bloody towel found in the house the morning a...

Feb 15, 20241 hr 2 minSeason 3Ep. 38

TSP #37 - Who Killed Stephen Smith? Part Eight... Red Flags and Red Herrings

True Sunlight Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell are finally free from the constant noise of convicted murderer Alex Murdaugh and ready to once again focus on the case that deserves all the sunshine: Who killed Stephen Smith? It’s been nearly nine years since Stephen — a teenager from Hampton County with high aspirations to become a doctor one day… ground zero of Murdaugh territory — was found dead in the road, less than a mile from his home. While the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh have...

Feb 08, 202455 minSeason 3Ep. 37

TSP #36 - End Of An Era (Seriously…) Alex Murdaugh’s Motion For New New Trial Denied by Justice Toal

The Alex Murdaugh Rollercoaster (finally) comes to a stop. True Sunlight Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell break down everything that happened at the very weird and very wild evidentiary hearing where Justice Jean Toal brought much-needed sanity to the state of South Carolina. After nearly seven hours of hearing from the jurors who found Alex guilty of murder and other testimony, Justice Toal concluded that Colleton County Clerk Becky Hill made “fleeting and foolish” comments to people aroun...

Feb 01, 20241 hr 33 minSeason 3Ep. 36

TSP #35 - Anatomy of A Broken System: How A Prosecutor Who Gave Thrice Accused Rapist A Sweetheart Deal Keeps Failing Up

So while we have a bit of an Alex Murdaugh break this week, True Sunlight Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell wanted to talk about something really important that’s expected to happen the week after his evidentiary hearing. With South Carolina’s judicial elections on the horizon, today's episode revisits the Bowen Turner case and how his prosecutor’s 12-year journey to the judgeship continues to expose the darkest corners of legal power. After reviewing hundreds of documents SC judicial select...

Jan 25, 20241 hr 8 minSeason 3Ep. 35

TSP #34 - Light at the End of the Tunnel: Justice Toal Brings Order to Murdaugh Chaos

On today’s show, True Sunlight Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell finally see some hope after five months of Murdaugh chaos. This week, Justice Jean Toal sent a strong message to Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin that her courtroom will not be a place for them to put Colleton County Clerk Becky Hill on trial in their quest to get Alex Murdaugh a new trial. Left with their playbook ripped in shreds, what will Team Murdaugh’s next move be? Mandy and Liz discuss the highlights from this week’s st...

Jan 18, 20241 hr 3 minSeason 3Ep. 34

TSP #33 - A Rapist and Killer Let Off Easy + Can the Justice System Withstand the Weight of Alex Murdaugh?

On today’s show, True Sunlight Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell discuss Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin’s latest filing with the court ahead of the Jan. 16 status conference in Columbia. Did Team Murdaugh just admit the evidence against Alex in the murder case was strong? Are they admitting they don’t have evidence of jury tampering? Also on today’s show, Mandy and Liz talk about a 1988 Cold Case and the man who served time for killing a 60-year-old Hilton Head Island woman. The case is on...

Jan 11, 202458 minSeason 3Ep. 33

TSP #32 - FOIA Around And Find Out… New Videos Shed Light On Murdaugh Murders

After examining exclusive documents and videos from the early days of SLED’s case, True Sunlight Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell are wondering if there’s more to what happened after Maggie and Paul were killed”? As we watched certain videos appear on a November 2023 episode of Dateline, our reporter Beth Braden got right on that and FOIA’d for them. These videos are important because as much as the bad guys want us to move on from this investigation… There are a lot of unanswered questions...

Jan 04, 20241 hr 5 minSeason 3Ep. 32

TSP #31 - 2023 Rewind, The Audacity of Alex Murdaugh + Becky Hill's Biggest Errors... So Far

True Sunlight Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell take a look back at 2023 and how the effort to convict Alex Murdaugh became the “trial of the century.” As they consider the highs and lows of this roller coaster of a year, they’ve gotten new perspective on how Alex was treated by South Carolina’s Justice system. Plus, an update on Becky Hill’s story plagiarism, her emails and the lie she told to the media. Visit our new events page Lunasharkmedia.com/events where you can learn about the upcom...

Dec 28, 20231 hr 9 minSeason 2Ep. 31

TSP #30 - Judge Toal Becomes Alex Murdaugh’s New Judge + What We Need To Solve Stephen Smith’s Murder

First and foremost, we are announcing a new way to send tips and communications as we pursue answers in the death of Stephen Smith. It’s time to turn up the pressure and remind everyone that this is the case to close in 2024. If you feel comfortable to send tips straight to SLED, please do so at [email protected]. If you want to send confidential tips to our team in coordination with Stephen's mom Sandy, you can now do so at AnswersForStephen.com. 2024 will mark 9 years since Stephen’s death and ...

Dec 21, 20231 hrSeason 2Ep. 30

TSP #29 - What Happened to The Money? Part Seven + The Most Important Part of the Becky Hill Scandal

Are investigators getting closer to Alex Murdaugh’s missing millions? True Sunlight Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell discuss an under-the-radar disciplinary action issued this week by the South Carolina Supreme Court, suspending the license of a Hilton Head Island lawyer who might hold some answers as to where Alex stashed his stolen cash. Also on the show, why it’s now more important than ever for people to keep their eyes on the ball in the Becky Hill case. In the new year, we're planning...

Dec 14, 202348 minSeason 2Ep. 29

TSP #28 - Alex Murdaugh’s Sentencing Hearing Part Two + The Becky Hill Set-Up?

True Sunlight Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell break down Alex Murdaugh’s 50-minute speech to the court during his sentencing Nov. 27 for his financial crimes. Though nauseating — and, frankly, inappropriate given that he directly addressed the victims — this unprecedented speech from a defendant provided the public with a bird’s eye view to the full spectrum of his narcissism and his criminality. Also on the show, the quest to get Alex a new trial in his murder case has taken an alarming t...

Dec 07, 20231 hr 37 minSeason 2Ep. 28

TSP #27 - Alex Murdaugh’s Sentencing Hearing Part One: The Bright Side + Becky Hill Update

True Sunlight Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell unpack everything that went down at what has to be the most bizarre court proceeding in South Carolina’s history: the sentencing of Alex Murdaugh. We are BACK! First of all, we want to say thank you to Eric Alan for his amazing work on Mountain Mystery Part Two, which gave our entire team a much needed break over Thanksgiving. Be sure to check out his YouTube channel here for more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@Eric-Alan This week we'll sta...

Dec 01, 20231 hr 28 minSeason 2Ep. 27

TSP #26 - Sunshine On “A Mountain Mystery” - What Happened to April Jones? Part Two

Luna Shark Productions continues its mission of getting the story straight and giving voice to victims by presenting part two of “A Mystery Mountain: What Happened to April Jones?” So much has happened in the Murdaugh case over the past week. It’s honestly mind-blowing the twists and turns this story continues to take. We’ll get into ALL of this very soon. However, in this special episode of True Sunlight Podcast, Eric Alan Daume reports from the Blue Ridge mountains of South Carolina and contin...

Nov 23, 202357 minSeason 2Ep. 26

TSP #25 - The Reckoning: Lead Prosecutor Calls Out Corruption With Receipts + The Absurdity Of Alex Murdaugh’s Latest Move

True Sunlight Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell sort through the receipts that South Carolina Solicitor David Pascoe brought with him to the Statehouse this week as he went through a Who’s Who of Lawyer-Legislators getting preferential treatment. Plus, Alex Murdaugh’s legal team files a motion to get Alex’s financial crimes trial delayed and moved to a new county, saying they can’t get an impartial jury because of all the publicity surrounding their client … then Dick Harpootlian goes on Jim...

Nov 16, 20231 hr 10 minSeason 2Ep. 25

TSP #24 - Alex Murdaugh’s Judicial Terrorism Fools The Media Again: The Latest In The New Trial Motion

Once again, the prosecution is proving that Alex Murdaugh is nothing more than a judicial terrorist; and his lawyers will stop at nothing to carry out his orders. True Sunlight Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell discuss the South Carolina Attorney General’s response to Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin’s motion for Alex to get a new murder trial. For the past two months, the headlines have all but celebrated Dick and Jim’s claims of jury-tampering. Now, a fiery response to that motion — filled...

Nov 09, 20231 hr 19 minSeason 2Ep. 24

TSP #23 - SHAMELESS: Alex Murdaugh’s Brother, Law Firm Try to Take Lion’s Share of Victims’ Money for Themselves + More Abuse from Dick and Jim

On this 23rd episode, True Sunlight Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell catch you up on the latest drama in the Alex Murdaugh cases — and whoa, what a week it has been. In an act of utter shamelessness, Alex’s brother Randy, his former law partner Johnny Parker and law firm PMPED have officially jumped in line to take what they claim is their share of Alex’s $1.8 million in known assets … and, based on their requests, they think it all belongs to them. Dick and Jim have officially asked the Co...

Nov 02, 20231 hr 19 minSeason 2Ep. 23

TSP #22 - Prosecutors Drop a Bomb on The System + Alex Murdaugh’s Lawyers Still Trying to Get Paid?

Are Dick and Jim STILL trying to get at Alex Murdaugh’s assets? True Sunlight co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell discuss Team Murdaugh’s latest filing with the state court of appeals over the $160,000 in fees they’re seeking from the receivership. Also, the Court of Appeals is deciding whether Cory Fleming even has the right to appeal his plea deal with the state. Plus lawyer-lawmakers in the South Carolina Legislature got a big wakeup call this week when more than half the state’s top prosec...

Oct 26, 20231 hrSeason 2Ep. 22

TSP #21 - GAME ON: Prosecutors Stand Strong as Alex Murdaugh Seeks New Trial + Was the Colleton County Clerk of Court Set Up?

Alex Murdaugh thought he could order the federal government to do his bidding. This week, a federal judge told him to think again. True Sunlight co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell celebrate the beat-down given to Team Murdaugh in their latest legal loss. Also on the show, did someone set up Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill? Plus why prosecutors need to stand their ground in Alex’s quest for a new trial. And the wannabe Circuit Court judge who is behind at least two shady, closed door...

Oct 19, 202359 minSeason 2Ep. 21
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