True Sunlight

MMP Remastered #24 - Who Killed Stephen Smith? Part Five

Nov 1, 2025
Guest
Mike Hemlepp
Guest
Sandy Smith
Sandy Smith, the determined mother of Stephen Nicholas Smith, shares her emotional journey uncovering the truth behind her son's suspicious death. Joining her is Mike Hemlepp, an experienced attorney advocating for renewed investigations. They dive into the impact of Sandy's poignant 2016 FBI letter, media distractions, and the role of social media in reigniting interest in the case. Sandy's transformation into a victim's rights advocate and the connection to Hulu's series adds another layer of urgency to their call for justice.
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ANECDOTE

Mother's 2016 Plea To The FBI

  • Sandy Smith wrote a desperate 2016 letter to the FBI detailing mixed messages and alleged cover-up in Stephen's death investigation.
  • She pleaded for access to Stephen's phone and accountability after investigators changed theories repeatedly.
INSIGHT

No Federal Route For Justice

  • Liz Farrell explains the FBI couldn't intervene without federal jurisdiction, leaving Sandy with no trustworthy law enforcement recourse.
  • That gap highlighted how local investigative failures can trap grieving families without escalation options.
ANECDOTE

First Meeting With Sandy

  • Liz and Mandy first met Sandy in March 2019 and were struck by her composure and single-minded pursuit of answers.
  • They learned she faced rumors she'd been paid off, illustrating the toxic local climate around Murdoch-related cases.
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