True Sunlight co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell take a deeper look at Judge Gergel's sentence for convicted felon Russell Laffitte and zoom in on who the $3.55 million restitution will be paid to.
It was appalling to hear again how much pain Russell has caused the Plylers and Pinckneys and how their old wounds won’t close because of what Russell did. 
We reflect on the powerful testimonies and why its such a loss to public interest that these victims voices will not be heard by the public.
Throughout the day, all signs from Judge Gergel indicated that his sentencing would be severe and send a message that this type of complex crime that requires years of bad decisions will not be tolerated. However, 7 years in federal prison just doesn’t feel fair when it comes to the “cruel” and “complex” crimes described in court....
The question is… why… and will this ever change if not now...?

Want to look at the documents referenced in this episode and others? Consider joining our Luna Shark Premium Membership community to help us SHINE THE SUNLIGHT! CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE. Through lunasharkmedia.com, Premium Members get access to searchable case files, written articles with documents, case photos, episode videos and exclusive live experiences with our hosts - all in one place. 

We all want to drink from the same Cup Of Justice — and it starts with learning about our legal system. By popular demand, Cup of Justice has launched as its own weekly show. Go to cupofjusticepod.com to learn more or click the link in the episode description to get a hot cup of justice wherever you get your podcasts!
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cup-of-justice/id1668668400
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Itp67SQTZEHQGgrX0TYTl?si=39ff6a0cc34140f3

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And a special thank you to our sponsors: Microdose.com, PELOTON, Simplisafe, and others. Use promo code "MANDY" for a special offer!

For current & accurate updates:
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Twitter.com/mandymatney
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TSP #10 - Russell Laffitte's Sentencing: The Audacity Of Accountability

Previously known as the Murdaugh Murders Podcast, True Sunlight is the intersection of True Crime, journalism and systematic corruption. Welcome to the new face of MMP.
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.
Celebrated journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell are taking their style of reporting beyond Alex Murdaugh and his co-conspirators while pursuing justice for all the victims you've met so far.
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 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. 

For current & accurate updates:
For current & accurate updates:
TrueSunlight.com
facebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/
Instagram.com/murdaughmurderspod/ 
Twitter.com/mandymatney
Twitter.com/elizfarrell
youtube.com/@LunaSharkMedia

News

True crime

News Commentary

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. In this 48th episode of the True Sunlight Podcast, Mandy and Liz give a play by play of what those texts say and how they stand in stark contrast to the picture Michael’s defense attorney attempted to paint during his first trial. Also on the show, they talk with Kim Colucci Lizzi, Michael’s stepsister, who gives listeners a look into her family dynamic and what led her father, Ivo Colucci, to kill his wife — Michael’s mother — just two years after Michael’s own arrest for murder. 
Warning: This episode may contain language not suitable for all audiences

If you think you've seen Michael Colucci out and about in the last 5 years, contact the SC AG's office here:
AG's Office General Information 1-803-734-3970

Premium Members also get exclusive access to detailed timelines, police reports, and even photos from the shocking damage from the 2nd home Michael was kicked out of.  AND premium members will get access to our live coverage starting May 13.
Learn more about how you can help us fund FOIA’s, dive deeper into cases and experience the investigation first-hand on lunasharkmedia.com all in one place. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE. 

Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️


In April we’re offering your first month of Soak Up The Sun membership for 50% off. Join Luna Shark Premium today at Lunashark.Supercast.com. 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. Or become a Premiere Member on YouTube for exclusive videos and ad-free episodes.

SUNscribe to our free email list to get that special offer for first time members, receive alerts on bonus episodes, calls to action, new shows and updates. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3KBMJcP

Visit our new events page Lunasharkmedia.com/events where you can learn about the upcoming in-person and virtual appearances from hosts!

And a special thank you to our sponsors: Microdose.com, PELOTON, and VUORI. Use promo code "MANDY" for a special offer!

For current & accurate updates:
TrueSunlight.com
facebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/
Instagram.com/TrueSunlightPod
Twitter.com/mandymatney
Twitter.com/elizfarrell
youtube.com/@LunaSharkMedia
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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 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 latest ride to jail this past March (spoiler alert: he’s exactly the racist, homophobic, misogynistic person they thought he was).
Plus listeners get another look into their deep dive into the Sara Lynn Colucci case. We’re now one month away from Michael Colucci’s retrial for the 2015 death of his wife. Mandy and Liz share what they’ve learned about Sara Lynn’s volatile relationship with Michael in the weeks leading up to her death.

Premium Members also get exclusive access to Liz and Mandy breaking down Alex Murdaugh's appeal(s) for his state murder charges and now federal financial crime convictions...

If you think you've seen Michael Colucci out and about in the last 5 years, contact the SC AG's office here: 1-803-734-3970

You can watch the videos of Bowen here:
Inside the Highway Patrol car: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUoGg0HBOho

Officer's Dash on scene: https://youtu.be/SZ_0ILElGLE

Officer's Dash on scene: https://youtu.be/6Gk2KOOtLuc

And everything Mandy and Liz found in the footage proves what they’ve been saying this whole time: Bowen belongs behind bars...

Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️

In April we’re offering your first month of Soak Up The Sun membership for 50% off. Join Luna Shark Premium today at Lunashark.Supercast.com. 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. Or become a Premiere Member on YouTube for exclusive videos and ad-free episodes.

SUNscribe to our free email list to get that special offer for first time members, receive alerts on bonus episodes, calls to action, new shows and updates. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3KBMJcP

Visit our new events page Lunasharkmedia.com/events where you can learn about the upcoming in-person and virtual appearances from hosts!

And a special thank you to our sponsors: Microdose.com, PELOTON, and VUORI. Use promo code "MANDY" for a special offer!

For current & accurate updates:
TrueSunlight.com
facebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/
Instagram.com/TrueSunlightPod
Twitter.com/mandymatney
Twitter.com/elizfarrell
youtube.com/@LunaSharkMedia
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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

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 of Sara Lynn Colucci, ahead of her husband’s retrial for murder this May.
Through an extensive search into public records — including police reports and civil lawsuits that have never before been published — Mandy and Liz piece together the chaos of Michael Colucci’s life before and after he met and married Sara Lynn Moore.
Also on the show, an update on Bowen Turner and what happened during his latest arrest in March. LunaShark was ahead of the pack with its FOIA for all video related to Bowen’s DUI arrest.
You can watch the videos of Bowen here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUoGg0HBOho
https://youtu.be/SZ_0ILElGLE
https://youtu.be/6Gk2KOOtLuc
And everything Mandy and Liz found in the footage proves what they’ve been saying this whole time: Bowen belongs behind bars...

Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️

In April we’re offering your first month of Soak Up The Sun membership for 50% off. Join Luna Shark Premium today at Lunashark.Supercast.com. 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. Or become a Premiere Member on YouTube for exclusive videos and ad-free episodes.

SUNscribe to our free email list to get that special offer for first time members, receive alerts on bonus episodes, calls to action, new shows and updates. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3KBMJcP

Visit our new events page Lunasharkmedia.com/events where you can learn about the upcoming in-person and virtual appearances from hosts!

And a special thank you to our sponsors: Microdose.com, PELOTON, and VUORI. Use promo code "MANDY" for a special offer!

For current & accurate updates:
TrueSunlight.com
facebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/
Instagram.com/TrueSunlightPod
Twitter.com/mandymatney
Twitter.com/elizfarrell
youtube.com/@LunaSharkMedia
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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 arrest at his parents’ house but … his parents have been dead for years. Also, according to police reports, Michael was evicted from their home in April 2017 — BEFORE his first trial.

Why does South Carolina have such a terrible bond system when it comes to violent criminals? Also, what police reports tell us about Michael’s life after his arrest in Sara Lynn Colucci’s death.

We want to share a special thanks to True Sunlight fan Tom at the Late Night with Seth Meyers show for the unbelievable experience and CONGRATS to Sheryl Crow on her new album Evolution!!! 

Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️

In April we’re offering your first month of Soak Up The Sun membership for 50% off. Join Luna Shark Premium today at Lunashark.Supercast.com. 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. Or become a Premiere Member on YouTube for exclusive videos and ad-free episodes.

SUNscribe to our free email list to get that special offer for first time members, receive alerts on bonus episodes, calls to action, new shows and updates. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3KBMJcP

Visit our new events page Lunasharkmedia.com/events where you can learn about the upcoming in-person and virtual appearances from hosts!

And a special thank you to our sponsors: Microdose.com, PELOTON, and VUORI. Use promo code "MANDY" for a special offer!

For current & accurate updates:
TrueSunlight.com
facebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/
Instagram.com/TrueSunlightPod
Twitter.com/mandymatney
Twitter.com/elizfarrell
youtube.com/@LunaSharkMedia
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 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 and Russell’s family’s bank. 

Plus, Mandy and Liz put together a timeline surrounding Alex’s failed polygraph with the FBI. He was asked where $6 million in unaccounted stolen money went and didn’t answer them truthfully. But why did they ask that question when they did and do Cory Fleming’s and Peter Strauss’ cases have anything to do with it?

Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️

In March we’re offering your first month of Soak Up The Sun membership for 50% off. Join Luna Shark Premium today at Lunashark.Supercast.com. 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. Or become a Premiere Member on YouTube for exclusive videos and ad-free episodes.

SUNscribe to our free email list to get that special offer for first time members, receive alerts on bonus episodes, calls to action, new shows and updates. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3KBMJcP

Visit our new events page Lunasharkmedia.com/events where you can learn about the upcoming in-person and virtual appearances from hosts!

And a special thank you to our sponsors: Microdose.com, PELOTON, and VUORI. Use promo code "MANDY" for a special offer!

For current & accurate updates:
TrueSunlight.com
facebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/
Instagram.com/TrueSunlightPod
Twitter.com/mandymatney
Twitter.com/elizfarrell
youtube.com/@LunaSharkMedia
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

TSP #10 - Russell Laffitte's Sentencing: The Audacity Of Accountability

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