True Sunlight TSP #118 - ‘Squires-Gate’ Children at Gunpoint: Teen Victims & the Sheriff’s Posse Gone Wild
Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell shine a light on the viral incident now known as Squires-Gate where kids were held at gunpoint by a cop on Hilton Head Island
When off-duty Beaufort County Sheriff’s Deputy Billy Squires pulled a gun on a group of teens and dragged them across the street, uproar led to silence from officials. Sheriff P.J. Tanner has not addressed the misconduct, and the system seemed more interested in protecting its own than protecting children.
Mandy and Liz walk listeners through the chilling footage, the sheriff’s troubling response, and the tangled web of “good ole boy” networks that have kept the Lowcountry under the grip of unchecked power for decades. But beyond the headlines and hashtags, this episode centers the victims — the terrified teenagers whose trauma has been met with indifference by those sworn to serve and protect.
Plus a little update from Horry County on (38:58) Weldon Boyd....
So much to cover, so let’s dive in! 🥽🦈
Trailer for Hulu’s Murdaugh: Death in the Family is here!! 🎥
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Murdaugh: Death in the Family Billboard in Time Square!! 📽️
Episode References
Mandy’s Instagram Post of Beaufort County Sheriff’s Officer Video Part One 📣
Liz’s Facebook Post of Beaufort County Sheriff’s Officer Video Part Two 📣
Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office’s Press Releases - First Statement & Second Statement 🗣️
“Families of teens release new video of altercation with BCSO deputy” - WSAV, Sept 30, 2025 📰
Horry County FY 2025 Financial Plan 💲
“Russell Laffitte Sentenced to 5 Years for Conspiracy, Wire Fraud, Bank Fraud, and Misapplying Bank Funds” - US Attorney’s Office, District of South Carolina, Sept 29, 2025 🌐
Previous Episodes: COJ 148 🎧
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