A week after the shocking dismissal of Michael Colucci’s 10-year-old murder charge because of prosecutorial misconduct on the behalf of SLED and the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office, Bishop Venters — the daughter of Sara-Lynn Moore Colucci, whom Michael is accused of strangling to death in May 2015 — says she’s ready to fight for a new trial. 

Bishop, whose biological father died under tragic circumstances a few years earlier, was about 8 years old when Michael, her mother’s new husband, adopted her. She was just 11 when Michael told her that her mother had died in an accident. 

After her mother’s death, Bishop says Michael and his mother Doris kept her away from her maternal grandparents, telling her they were bad people. She would later learn that her grandparents were suing for custody of her. And after Michael’s arrest, Michael abandoned his adopted daughter and moved to the beach, leaving Bishop in the care of Doris and her husband Ivo, where Bishop wasn’t allowed to speak about or show emotion about her mother’s death. 

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell sat down with Bishop to talk about what life was like before and after her mother’s death, what she thinks happened the day Sara-Lynn died, her thoughts on the judge’s decision last week as well as her strong conviction to continue her grandparents’ fight for justice.   

☕ Cups Up! ⚖️

Episode References

“Urge SC Attorney General to PRIORITIZE the Re-Indictment of Michael Colucci” - Change.org Petition

About Childhood Trauma from The National Child Traumatic Stress Network 🌐

“Judge declares second mistrial in Michael Colucci murder case” - WCBD, June 17, 2025 📰

“SLED agent grilled at Murdaugh trial botches Michael Colucci murder case. Will it impact what's next?” - The Post & Courier, June 22, 2025 📰

“Ivo Colucci, Summerville jeweler accused of murdering wife, dies in hospice care” - ABC News 4, Nov 9. 2020 📰

Premium Resources

Colucci Case Overview ⚖️

Michael Colucci’s 2016 ⁠Arrest Warrant⁠ & ⁠Murder Indictment⁠ 📄

⁠Estate of Sara Lynn Colucci’s Amended Wrongful Death Lawsuit - April 18, 2018⁠ 📄

⁠Michael Colucci’s Answer to Amended Wrongful Death Lawsuit - May 3, 2018⁠ 📄

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

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Investigative journalists and co-hosts of True Sunlight Podcast Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and attorney Eric Bland discuss the heinous details contained in court documents about what suspended South Carolina Representative RJ May has been accused of doing and why it was important for the U.S. Attorney’s Office to get so graphic. 

Over the course of five days in 2024, RJ May is accused of sharing 220 different child-sex abuse videos — including videos of babies being raped, bestiality with children and sex acts between toddlers and grown women and men. He shared those videos 479 times with other “like-minded pedophiles,” according to court records. 

Even more stunning is that while the FBI conducted its investigation, RJ May remained a lawmaker and even got re-elected — despite the powers that be allegedly being aware of the nature of that investigation. RJ May’s case should serve as a wake-up call for everyone. 

Also on the show, Michael Colucci’s retrial is this week. Mandy, Liz and Eric talk about the incredible accusations made in the motion to dismiss that Colucci’s team filed Friday, accusing SLED and South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson’s Office of sitting on “conclusive evidence” that Michael’s wife, Sara-Lynn Colucci — whom Michael is accused of killing — had plans to hang herself. 

☕ Cups Up! ⚖️

Episode References

“Will RJ May be expelled from SC House? Here’s what would need to happen” - The State, June 13, 2025

Mandy’s FB post on RJ May’s federal indictment

“Retrial begins for Summerville jeweler charged with murder in wife's 2015 death” - ABC 4 News, Updated June 16, 2025

The Colucci Case Spotify Playlist

Premium Resources

Robert May - June 12, 2025 - Federal Brief Supporting Detention⁠

⁠Michael Colucci’s Motion to Dismiss for Government Misconduct - June 13, 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 and join with Promo Code "COJ25" for your first month free! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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Opening statements rock the courtroom as federal prosecutors accuse Sean “Diddy” Combs of running a decades-long criminal enterprise built on violence, sex trafficking, and power. The defense hits back hard, painting it all as a toxic relationship, not a RICO case. Then Cassie Ventura takes the stand, and everything changes. Her voice may be quiet. Her story is not.

https://wondery.com/shows/the-rise-and-fall-of-diddy/

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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...☀️

⁠⁠⁠⁠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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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/⁠⁠⁠

What We're Buying...

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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 🎞️

⁠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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Find us on social media:

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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.

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

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