Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and attorney Eric Bland —talk about the retrial of murder suspect Michael Colucci, who is accused of strangling his wife Sara-Lynn Moore Colucci 10 years ago in Summerville, South Carolina, and how the age and health of his high-profile (and high-cost) attorney contributed to the constant trial delays. 

Is this yet another trick of the defense attorney trade in South Carolina? Leveraging an attorney’s health in court to benefit defendants … and further hurt victims? 

Also on the show it’s been four years since Alex Murdaugh murdered his wife and son … and why phrasing it that way matters. 

Plus churchy business bro “Pastor” JP Miller marries his alleged longtime mistress Suzie Skinner in a highly public (but still dumpy) beach ceremony. There’s a lot to say there.

☕ Cups Up!  ⚖️

Episode References

“Colleton County man goes to trial, accused of setting wife on fire, killing her” - Live5, Nov 4, 2024 📰

“Judge threatens Sean Combs with removal over interactions with the jury” - The Washington Post, June 5, 2025 📰

Read how Mandy first learned about the double homicide in chapter 10 of “Blood on Their Hands” 📖

Colucci Soundbites Premium Episode 🎧

Premium Resources

Michael Colucci’s Motion In Limine: Prejudicial Terms - April 29, 2024⁠ 📄

⁠EB’s Law Library - Burden of Proof⁠ 🎧

Relive LUNASHARK Media’s live stream of ⁠Alex Murdaugh’s double homicide trial⁠ on YouTube🎞️

⁠MMP Episode 1⁠ - Published just two weeks after the murders of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh on June 7th, 2021 🎧

Upcoming Events

Michael Colucci re-trial set to begin on June 16th, 2025 ⚖️

Walking With Stephen event on July 12th 💚

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Premium Members⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ also get access to episode videos, case files, live trial coverage and exclusive live experiences with our hosts. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more and join with Promo Code "COJ25" for your first month free! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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This week we're diving into some of the most frustrating systems many Americans face, starting with healthcare. Liz joins us from Rhode Island and shares a harrowing family emergency and the implications of her uncle’s hospital stay...

The conversation pivots to the striking similarities between the healthcare system and the South Carolina bond system, highlighting the lack of uniformity and how the discretion involved feels like gambling. And consequently, the disturbing Nathan Cureton case, where a man with a violent history was released on bond to attend a graduation just days before an alleged kidnapping and murder-suicide… it all raises serious questions about public safety and the system's decision-making.

We broaden our critique of the criminal justice system, discussing the frustration with police thoroughness and the feeling among the public that they have to be "part-time detectives". This includes a deep dive into the confusing circumstances of the Chris Skinner case, involving his drowning death, the police and coroner ruling it an accident despite video suggesting suicide, and baffling police interviews that seemed to lack interest or key questions.

Finally, Mandy shares a personal update – she's been notified that Bill Padget wants to depose her in a long dead lawsuit that feels more like harassment. We discuss the process, the challenges for journalists facing legal action years after reporting a story, and Mandy's strong feelings about the lawyer and lawsuit… 

It's a raw look at confusing, costly, and sometimes dangerous systems that feel rigged against the average person… but that’s why we’re talking about it to educate and hopefully entertain!

☕ Cups Up!  ⚖️

Episode References

Katie Couric Gets A Colonoscopy on TODAY 🎞️

Mandy’s Facebook Post about Nathan Cureton 🌐

“SC Judge Alison Lee, ex-Obama nominee, retires from the bench” - The State, May 18, 2023 📰

Little River Victim’s Facebook Video 🌐

Upcoming Events

Michael Colucci re-trial set to begin on June 16th, 2025 ⚖️

Walking With Stephen event on July 12th 💚

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Premium Members⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ also get access to episode videos, case files, live trial coverage and exclusive live experiences with our hosts. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more and join with Promo Code "COJ25" for your first month free! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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Join us for a very special episode of "Cup of Justice" as investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell chat with the incredibly talented actor, Valyn Hall, best known for her unforgettable role as Aunt Tiffany in HBO's The Righteous Gemstones. 

In this insightful and hilarious conversation, we dive deep into Valyn's experiences both on and off the screen.  Learn how the show accurately, albeit exaggerated, portrays Southern culture and family loyalty, making the South itself a character. Valyn shares her pride in her Atlanta hometown and its unique "weirdness".  

Plus we'll get into Valyn's journey in acting, her favorite scenes to film, including chaotic moments at Jason's Steakhouse and heartfelt scenes with other female cast members, plus insights into working with the "cool" and "intense" Walton Goggins (Uncle Baby Billy). We're also discussing the film industry in the Southeast, including why filming in South Carolina versus Georgia has certain disadvantages, and her perspective on the term "Y'allywood".

From character origins and filming challenges to Southern identity and fan interactions, this episode offers a candid look into the world of The Righteous Gemstones, from the perspective of the incomparable Valyn Hall. ☕ Cups Up!  ⚖️

Episode References

Watch “The Righteous Gemstones” on Max 📺Give the AMAZING Valyn Hall a follow on Instagram 📷

“Meet Valyn Hall, Aunt Tiffany on The Righteous Gemstones and longtime Atlanta resident” - Atlanta Magazine, Jan 12, 2024 📰

Want to watch more Valyn Hall? Check out her IMDB page for a full list of her credits! 🎥

Upcoming Events

Michael Colucci re-trial set to begin on June 16th, 2025 ⚖️

Walking With Stephen event on July 12th 💚

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

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Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and attorney Eric Bland unpack the continued fallout from the Alex Murdaugh trial, and the four new felony charges for former Clerk of Court, Becky Hill.

They dissect the charges against Hill, clarifying that she faces misconduct, obstruction and perjury allegations... but not for jury tampering, despite Team Murdaugh's narrative. The hosts reveal how Hill seemed to embrace the attention, and how 'Backstage' Becky's actions, like charging high fees and allegedly showing sealed photos of victims' bodies to media at a party, raised all sorts of alarms.

Did the Murdaugh defense team see Hill as an "easy target" to base an appeal on and what was the role of attorney Joe McCulloch, present throughout the trial for... a screenplay? And what was the complicity of media members who viewed sealed evidence... Will there be consequences? We hope so. 

Despite these issues, we strongly believe Alex Murdaugh received a fair trial, and question the credibility of anyone alleging that jury tampering occurred. 

Plus, we address the P. Diddy federal sex trafficking trial and why transparency matters. 

☕ Cups Up!  ⚖️

Episode References
“Murdaugh clerk of court Becky Hill facing perjury, misconduct charges” - CourtTV, May 14, 2025 📰

Julie Grant Interview with Murdaugh Juror Z & Joe McCulloch - Aug 29, 2024 📺

Liz’s Favorite Movie “Miss Sloane” (2016) 🍿

Diddy Sex Trafficking Trial Coverage on CourtTV 📰

SC v Michael Colucci’s Original 2018 Trial on CourtTV 📺

Upcoming Events

Michael Colucci re-trial set to begin on June 16th, 2025 ⚖️

Walking With Stephen event on July 12th 💚

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

⁠⁠⁠Premium Members⁠⁠⁠ also get access to episode videos, case files, live trial coverage and exclusive live experiences with our hosts. ⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE⁠⁠⁠ to learn more and join with Promo Code "COJ25" for your first month free! ⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE⁠⁠⁠.

Check out Luna Shark Merch With a Mission shop at ⁠⁠⁠lunasharkmerch.com/⁠⁠⁠

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*The views expressed on the Cup of Justice episodes do not constitute legal advice. Listeners desiring legal advice for any particular legal matter are urged to consult an attorney of their choosing who can provide legal advice based upon a full understanding of the facts and circumstances of their claim. The views expressed on the Cup of Justice episodes also do not express the views or opinions of Bland Richter, LLP, or its attorneys

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Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and attorney Eric Bland pull back the curtain on disturbing issues in Horry County, South Carolina.

Our team narrows focus to Weldon Boyd's troubling narrative, detailing how Boyd admittedly followed Scott Spivey before the fatal shooting. The hosts dissect the circumstances, questioning the application of "Stand Your Ground" given Weldon's decision to pursue Scott onto Camp Swamp Road.

We’ll also lob criticisms at the press, particularly local media in Horry County, for initial "basic" reporting and for not aggressively pursuing the story. And we’ll touch on the lack of accountability for Horry County police leadership, challenges with FOIA redactions, and the political reluctance of state officials like the Governor to intervene. 

While the growing public outcry from Horry County residents demanding change offers a glimmer of hope, these circumstances paint a vivid picture of systemic failures, a lack of accountability, and the ongoing struggle for transparency and justice in Horry County.

Knowing Horry County’s heavy reliance on tourism dollars means these issues of safety and public trust have significant economic stakes.

☕ Cups Up!  ⚖️

Episode References

A warning for potential South Carolina tourists: You may not be safe

“In Stores, Secret Surveillance Tracks Your Every Move” - The New York Times, from The Privacy Project Series

“Why U.S. air traffic control is stretched so thin — and the fight to fix it” - CNBC, Updated May 10, 2025

“Your Apps Know Where You Were Last Night, and They’re Not Keeping It Secret” - The New York Times, Dec. 10, 2018

Parts of a Springfield XDM Pistol

“Letting retirees double-dip is the wrong way to keep SC teachers in the classroom” - The State, March 27, 2018

FBI as Primary Investigators of Civil Right Violations

Horry County PD Facebook Post with Pamela Evette - May 9, 2025

“Are Agencies Required to Release Body-Worn Camera Footage” - Municipal Association of South Carolina

Upcoming Events

Michael Colucci re-trial set to begin on June 16th, 2025

Walking With Stephen event on July 12th

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

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In September 2023, highly connected North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, businessman Weldon Boyd and his friend Bradley Williams shot 33-year-old Scott Spivey to death on a rural road. From the very start, Horry County Police Department seemed to go to great lengths to paint Spivey as the aggressor and Boyd and Williams as merely victims who had no choice but to defend themselves. Months later — after an alleged investigation — Horry County Police, 15th Circuit Solicitor Jimmy Richardson, South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson’s office all declined to file charges against Boyd and Williams, citing insufficient evidence … the very same evidence that is now at the heart of what is turning out to be one of the most egregious cases of public corruption in a state that never fails in outdoing itself in that regard. 

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell sit down with Scott Spivey’s mother, Deborah, and his sister, Jennifer Spivey Foley who — along with attorney Mark Tinsley — continue to battle the broken system to get justice for Scott. On today’s episode Deborah and Jennifer share stories about the Real Scott Spivey, discuss the overlooked but glaring facts of the case and talk about what it’s been like to be betrayed over and again but a law enforcement agency that’s supposed to serve and protect.  ⚖️☕

Episode Resources

Fowler's Grill in Loris

HCPD Presser: EMPLOYEE TERMINATED IN CAMP SWAMP ROAD INVESTIGATION

“ACT LIKE A VICTIM - CAMERA” Note Video 🎞️

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As we are focused on hearings in Houston, TX and Franklin, TN plus tracking developments in Horry County, SC and supporting the scripted series in ATL this week... we're tabling COJ and bringing you a special LUNASHARK Premium Preview Bonus Episode!

From David’s Corruption Watchlist, Beth’s Soundbites, Girl Talk with Liz and Mandy, and all the great Premium Dives with Beth, Kate, Sam and others... we keep Premium members engaged, informed, and entertained as we tackle tough topics.

Today, we want to give y’all a taste of some of the awesome shows we publish on the Premium feed while politely nudging anyone who is a fan of fighting crime and corruption with accurate, victim focused journalism — to PLEASE consider joining premium by clicking this link or use the promo code COJ25 to get your first month as a Soak Up The Sun Member absolutely free.

This is a jam-packed episode and we'll be back with our regular Cup of Justice next week with all the craziness that is about to unfold this week and beyond.

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

⁠Premium Members⁠ also get access to episode videos, case files, live trial coverage and exclusive live experiences with our hosts. ⁠CLICK HERE⁠ to learn more: ⁠https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE⁠.

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Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and attorney Eric Bland cover a lot of ground in this latest episode, starting with the death of Pope Francis, a religious leader who routinely called for justice and spoke out against hypocrisy. What will the future of the church look like now? 

Also on the show, Alex Murdaugh’s co-conspirator Russell Laffitte appeared in court last week to finally admit his guilt. Is this the end of the road for the federal cases in the Murdaugh saga, or will there be more charges filed against yet-unknown players? 

Plus, three years after Eric Bland and First Circuit Solicitor David Pascoe filed complaints with the South Carolina Judicial Conduct Committee against Judge Carmen Mullen, they finally have an answer from the mysterious and secretive committee: There’s nothing to see here. In other words, Judge Mullen will not face any disciplinary action for her role in Alex Murdaugh’s theft from the Satterfields. And the CoJ team is fired up about it! 

Finally, Mandy, Liz and Eric talk about the disturbing details that are emerging from the Scott Spivey case in Horry County — specifically the calls that one of Scott’s shooters made in the aftermath of Scott’s killing. This case is about to blow the lid off corruption inside Horry County Police Department, SLED and the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office. ⚖️ Cups Up!! ☕

Episode Resources

“This is hypocrisy.” - Pope Francis 🗣️

“Russell Laffitte Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy, Wire Fraud, Bank Fraud, and Misapplying Bank Funds” - United States Attorney’s Office Press Release, April 18, 2025 📰

Judge Carmen Mullen Episode - MMP 65 🎧

“Message to would-be rapists in Beaufort County: You’ll probably get away with it” by Liz Farrrell, The Island Packet, May 10, 2017 📰

SC Commission on Judicial Conduct Public Member Application Form 📄

About the Office of Disciplinary Counsel (ODC) Website 🌐

“Rep. Nancy Mace posts video showing her cursing and ranting at constituent in makeup aisle” - The Independent, April 21, 2025 📰

TSP 95 & 96 - Weldon Boyd’s 911 Call 🎧

Premium Member Resources

Russell Laffitte’s Federal Plea Deal - April 14, 2025 📄

Judge Carmen Mullen’s ODC Complaint Dismissal Letter - April 14, 2025 📄

Scott Spivey’s Wrongful Death Complaint - June 3, 2024 📄

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

Premium Members also get access to episode videos, case files, live trial coverage and exclusive live experiences with our hosts. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE.

Check out Luna Shark Merch With a Mission shop at lunasharkmerch.com/

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*The views expressed on the Cup of Justice episodes do not constitute legal advice. Listeners desiring legal advice for any particular legal matter are urged to consult an attorney of their choosing who can provide legal advice based upon a full understanding of the facts and circumstances of their claim. The views expressed on the Cup of Justice episodes also do not express the views or opinions of Bland Richter, LLP, or its attorneys.

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Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and attorney Eric Bland get a dose of breaking news mid-episode when the warrant for Angie Solomon’s “murder for hire” arrest comes in, raising all-new questions. In 2020, Angie’s 18-year-old son Grant was killed in a strange set of circumstances while outside a gym while his father, Aaron Solomon, was present. Since then, Angie sought justice for her son — as well as for her young daughter, who has accused Aaron of sexual abuse. Was Angie really trying to hire someone to kill Aaron? Or was she set up? 

Also on the show, a discussion of the “Gone Girls” documentary about the Long Island serial killer. Would you open the door to a stranger in distress? And what are Rex Heuermann’s connections to South Carolina? 

Plus, a double dose of breaking news as Eric gets a call from Creighton Waters in the middle of the recording about Russell’s federal and state charges. He’s pleading GUILTY and saving us all the trouble of watching him squirm in court. 

And finally, it’s finally been announced! Actress Brittany Snow — known for her roles in “Pitch Perfect” and “John Tucker Must Die” — has joined the cast of Hulu’s “Murdaugh Murders” series in the role of … Mandy! But we’ll get into all the feels on this week’s Girl Talk episode for Soak Up The Sun Premium Members!

Episode Resources

“Brittany Snow Joins Hulu’s Murdaugh Murders Limited Series” - Deadline, April 10, 2025 📰

Brittany Snow’s Instagram Post - April 11, 2025 👏👏👏

“The cast for Hulu's 'Murdaugh Murders' true crime show is shaping up. Here's who will star.” - The Post and Courier, April 14, 2025 📰

“Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer” on Netflix 📺

“Suspected serial killer with ties to SC indicted for 2 more murders” - WBTV, June 6, 2024 📰

“Franklin woman charged with soliciting murder of ex-husband, held on $500,000 bond” - WZTV, Updated April 13, 2025 📰

“The Trials of Russell Laffitte” MMP & COJ Playlist 📋

“Banker Russell Laffitte agrees to plead guilty to helping Murdaugh steal millions” - The State, April 14, 2025

Premium Member Resources

Angie Solomon’s Arrest Warrant Paperwork - April 13, 2025 📄

Liz Farrell’s Beach Family Civil Case FB Post - April 11, 2025 🌐

Russell Laffitte’s Federal Plea Deal - April 14, 2025

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

Premium Members also get access to episode videos, case files, live trial coverage and exclusive live experiences with our hosts. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE.

Check out Luna Shark Merch With a Mission shop at lunasharkmerch.com/

What We're Buying...

Quince - Give yourself the luxury you deserve with Quince! Go to Quince.com/COJ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns

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Find us on social media:

bsky.app/profile/mandy-matney.com   |   bsky.app/profile/elizfarrell.com   |   bsky.app/profile/theericbland.bsky.social

Twitter.com/mandymatney | Twitter.com/elizfarrell | Twitter.com/theericbland

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*The views expressed on the Cup of Justice episodes do not constitute legal advice. Listeners desiring legal advice for any particular legal matter are urged to consult an attorney of their choosing who can provide legal advice based upon a full understanding of the facts and circumstances of their claim. The views expressed on the Cup of Justice episodes also do not express the views or opinions of Bland Richter, LLP, or its attorneys.

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Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and attorney Eric Bland — (3:21) talk about the big reveal this past week of A-List Hollywood actor Jason Clarke in full costume as Alex Murdaugh. Clarke, who stars in the upcoming Hulu production based on the Murdaugh Murders Podcast — now True Sunlight Podcast — was seen filming in Atlanta and … let’s just say he has more than just the LUNSHARK team excited for the series. 

It turns out the fake Alex Murdaugh wasn’t the only one getting headlines this past week. The lawyers for the real (13:35) Alex did what the lawyers for the real Alex do best and that’s getting mainstream media to help them wrongly paint the state Attorney General’s Office as sneaky and underhanded. As usual, it’s much ado about nothing. 

Also on the show, (34:08) will Buster Murdaugh’s latest strategy in his federal defamation case against Warner Brothers actually work? Mandy and Liz pick Eric’s brain on whether Alex’s remaining son has a chance. 

Plus the latest in the (49:01) Sara Lynn Colucci case and why prosecutors need to rethink their interactions with victims and their families.

Episode Resources

Deuxmoi’s Instagram Post of Jason Clarke as Alex Murdaugh 🤯

“Will Harrison & Johnny Berchtold Join Hulu’s Limited Series Based On Murdaugh Murders” - Deadline, March 31, 2025

“Alex Murdaugh’s lawyers battle with prosecutors over SC Supreme Court deadlines” - The State, April 4, 2025

Sara Lynn Colucci Case Overview

4th Annual Victims Matter Rally on April 9, 2025 at SC State House

Premium Member Resources

Alex Murdaugh’s Initial Brief of Appellant - Dec 10, 2024

Buster Murdaugh’s Federal Amended Complaint - April 1, 2025

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

Premium Members also get access to episode videos, case files, live trial coverage and exclusive live experiences with our hosts. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE.

Check out Luna Shark Merch With a Mission shop at lunasharkmerch.com/

What We're Buying...

Quince - Give yourself the luxury you deserve with Quince! Go to Quince.com/COJ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns

Here's a link to some of our favorite things: https://amzn.to/4cJ0eVn

Find us on social media:

bsky.app/profile/mandy-matney.com   |   bsky.app/profile/elizfarrell.com   |   bsky.app/profile/theericbland.bsky.social

Twitter.com/mandymatney | Twitter.com/elizfarrell | Twitter.com/theericbland

https://www.facebook.com/cupofjustice/ |  https://www.instagram.com/cojpod/

YouTube  | TIKTOK

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

*** Alert: If you ever notice audio errors in the pod, email [email protected] and we'll send fun merch to the first listener that finds something that needs to be adjusted! ***

*The views expressed on the Cup of Justice episodes do not constitute legal advice. Listeners desiring legal advice for any particular legal matter are urged to consult an attorney of their choosing who can provide legal advice based upon a full understanding of the facts and circumstances of their claim. The views expressed on the Cup of Justice episodes also do not express the views or opinions of Bland Richter, LLP, or its attorneys.

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