In this episode, we caught up with Stephen’s mother, the wonderful and resilient Sandy Smith, and Mike Hemlepp, Jr., the Columbia attorney who stepped up to help after Sandy’s previous attorney let her down.
We asked Sandy and Mike where things with the case stood and how they felt about everything. While the case gained some momentum last year after SLED took it over from the South Carolina Highway Patrol, it’s now 15 months later and we were hoping by now to know more. 
Mandy and Liz take a new look at Stephen’s case. And now, we’re angry and demanding answers. 

IF YOU KNOW who killed Stephen Smith, or who covered up this crime, please call:
Crime Stoppers of the Lowcountry: (843) 554-1111
Mike Hemlepp’s Office: (803) 373-1706
Or Email info@murdaughmurderspodcast.com

SUNscribe to our free email list to get alerts on bonus episodes, calls to action, new shows and updates. AND by sharing your email, we'll send details on exclusive content only available from our upcoming SUNScription platform - CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3KBMJcP

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Who Killed Stephen Smith? Part Six (S01E61)

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 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 Miller — announced her death to his flock by telling them to stand, listen and don’t talk about what they’re about to hear after they hear it.
Internet sleuths worked overtime, convinced the road to Mica’s death would lead them back to her husband. When Robeson County Sheriff’s Office deputies released details about why they had ruled Mica’s death a suicide, they provided an answer, but many more questions still linger. 

Through suicide, Mica Miller pointed the world toward her husband, who she feared would “put a bullet in her head.” 

This week's episode of True Sunlight looks at the investigation into Mica’s death and digs into police reports that outline what Mica’s life looked like in the months and weeks before she took her own life. 

Also on the show, why was Michael Colucci’s murder trial postponed AGAIN? And Premium Members get an extended version with more information about the decision to delay the Colucci case.

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

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.

In May 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!

*** ALERT: If you ever notice audio errors in the pod, email info@lunasharkmedia.com and we'll send fun merch to the first listener that finds something that needs to be adjusted! ***
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 #50 - Exposing The Evil That Ended Mica Miller’s Life + Michael Colucci’s Retrial POSTPONED

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 newly discovered reports that show all the times police were called to houses where Michael has stayed. A social media post by one of Michael’s friends appears to be mocking pre-trial coverage of Michael’s case. Police reports continue to add confusion to the question of Michael’s bond status. Plus, a look at how investigators handled — or didn’t handle — accusations that Michael vandalized his parents’ beach house after getting evicted and the coincidence of when this case was dropped. 

Also, Michael’s high-priced and big reputation attorney Andy Savage files a slew of pretrial motions, trying to prevent the jury from finding out that HE destroyed evidence in the first trial.

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

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 May 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!

*** ALERT: If you ever notice audio errors in the pod, email info@lunasharkmedia.com and we'll send fun merch to the first listener that finds something that needs to be adjusted! ***
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 #49 - Speeding To The Colucci Retrial - Newly Discovered Reports Shed Light On Michael Colucci's Time Out On Bond

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
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

Who Killed Stephen Smith? Part Six (S01E61)

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