True Sunlight

The Alex Murdaugh Rollercoaster (finally) comes to a stop. True Sunlight Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell break down everything that happened at the very weird and very wild evidentiary hearing where Justice Jean Toal brought much-needed sanity to the state of South Carolina. After nearly seven hours of hearing from the jurors who found Alex guilty of murder and other testimony, Justice Toal concluded that Colleton County Clerk Becky Hill made “fleeting and foolish” comments to people around her, including one or more jurors, in her quest for publicity but that she did not tamper with the jury. In other news, Mandy is excited to go back to Columbia South Carolina as we celebrate justice at the Capital City Club Columbia, SC to bring a special evening event you won’t want to miss!! Luna Shark CEO and celebrated journalist Mandy Matney will be joined by Attorney and Legal Director of the South Carolina Victim Assistance Network, Sarah A. Ford, for an evening reception and examination of state government, true crime and media and of course the conclusion of this very long saga.This Exclusive In-Person Event is restricted to Invited Clubs Members and Luna Shark Premium Members Only – RSVP Today By Clicking the following link or visit lunasharkmedia.com/events to learn more. https://lunasharkmedia.com/event/capital-city-club-confidential/In February 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 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/3KBMJcPVisit 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.comfacebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/Instagram.com/TrueSunlightPodTwitter.com/mandymatneyTwitter.com/elizfarrellyoutube.com/@LunaSharkMedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So while we have a bit of an Alex Murdaugh break this week, True Sunlight Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell wanted to talk about something really important that’s expected to happen the week after his evidentiary hearing. With South Carolina’s judicial elections on the horizon, today's episode revisits the Bowen Turner case and how his prosecutor’s 12-year journey to the judgeship continues to expose the darkest corners of legal power. After reviewing hundreds of documents SC judicial selection, it seems like the Judicial Merit Selection Commission (JMSC) has unspoken rules. They can’t - and don’t - talk about the thing that is central to their existence – those few people in our state with the power to elect our judges wield unspoken power from the statehouse to the courtroom. That power has tipped the scales of justice for far too long in South Carolina.This system makes legislator-lawyers’ private practices potentially more profitable. And it gives a certain class of attorneys in the state much more power in the courtroom — especially when their clients can afford to surreptitiously fund a judge’s upheaval. Its truly unreal to watch some of the most powerful people in our state operate as if they don’t have a clue – nor do they care – about the concerns of South Carolina citizens or public safety....Catch up on previous episodes dealing with the JMSC and Bowen Turner debacle at lunasharkmedia.com/truesunlight. We'll also Premiere the November 8, 2023 JMSC hearing for Soak Up The Sun members near noon and for the public on Luna Shark's YouTube channel near 2pm ET on Thursday January 25th.In January 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 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/3KBMJcPVisit 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.comfacebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/Instagram.com/TrueSunlightPodTwitter.com/mandymatneyTwitter.com/elizfarrellyoutube.com/@LunaSharkMedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today’s show, True Sunlight Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell finally see some hope after five months of Murdaugh chaos. This week, Justice Jean Toal sent a strong message to Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin that her courtroom will not be a place for them to put Colleton County Clerk Becky Hill on trial in their quest to get Alex Murdaugh a new trial. Left with their playbook ripped in shreds, what will Team Murdaugh’s next move be? Mandy and Liz discuss the highlights from this week’s status conference and what they think will happen in the lead up to Alex’s Jan. 29th hearing.The biggest question heading into Tuesday's hearing was how Justice Toal would interpret the law – if she will decide on Alex’s new trial based on evidence of Becky’s actions with the jurors affecting the verdict OR based on evidence showing that Becky’s communication with the jury COULD HAVE affected the verdict. And it didn’t take long for Judge Toal to make a clear decision on that and set the tone for the hearing... Let's get into it...In January we’re offering your first month of Soak Up The Sun membership for 50% off and our SUNscribers will get an email this Friday for 50% off their first three months of Soak Up The Sun Membership. So join our email list to get that special offer for first time members.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 member on YouTube for exclusive videos and ad-free episodes.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/3KBMJcPVisit 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!*This episode contains strong languageFor current & accurate updates:TrueSunlight.comfacebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/Instagram.com/TrueSunlightPodTwitter.com/mandymatneyTwitter.com/elizfarrellyoutube.com/@LunaSharkMedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today’s show, True Sunlight Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell discuss Dick Harpootlian and Jim Griffin’s latest filing with the court ahead of the Jan. 16 status conference in Columbia. Did Team Murdaugh just admit the evidence against Alex in the murder case was strong? Are they admitting they don’t have evidence of jury tampering?Also on today’s show, Mandy and Liz talk about a 1988 Cold Case and the man who served time for killing a 60-year-old Hilton Head Island woman. The case is one that is particularly frustrating because of how — after being given a chance to show that violence against women matters to them — the 14th Circuit Solicitor’s Office declined to further prosecute a man with a history of violence, killing and sexual assault.Let's get into it...In January we’re offering your first month of Soak Up The Sun membership for 50% off and our SUNscribers will get an email this Friday for 50% off their first three months of Soak Up The Sun Membership. So join our email list to get that special offer for first time members.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 member on YouTube for exclusive videos and ad-free episodes.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/3KBMJcPVisit 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!*This episode contains strong languageFor current & accurate updates:TrueSunlight.comfacebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/Instagram.com/TrueSunlightPodTwitter.com/mandymatneyTwitter.com/elizfarrellyoutube.com/@LunaSharkMedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After examining exclusive documents and videos from the early days of SLED’s case, True Sunlight Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell are wondering if there’s more to what happened after Maggie and Paul were killed”?As we watched certain videos appear on a November 2023 episode of Dateline, our reporter Beth Braden got right on that and FOIA’d for them. These videos are important because as much as the bad guys want us to move on from this investigation… There are a lot of unanswered questions about what happened in the immediate hours following Maggie and Paul Murdaugh’s murders. We will be posting the full videos – and access to all reports we received in the FOIA request – to the Luna Shark Premium feed on January 4th for Soak Up the Sun members only and we’ll publish to all members later on. The videos provide unmatched insight into the Murdaugh’s mysterious world and who these people really are – in the same way the jailhouse phone calls gave us a deeper understanding of the players involved and the games Alex plays with them.And we're breaking it all down here on the first episode of 2024.We plan to continue to grow Luna Shark Media through Membership because we believe in the future of journalism and the more members who join the more journalists we can hire to dig into new cases around the country where crime meets corruption. This year we have exciting plans for premium featuring fresh and exclusive content and access to our growing live event schedule. In January we’re offering your first month of Soak Up The Sun membership for 50% off and our SUNscribers will get an email this Friday for 50% off their first three months of Soak Up The Sun Membership. So join our email list to get that special offer for first time members.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 member on YouTube for exclusive videos and ad-free episodes.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/3KBMJcPVisit 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!*This episode contains strong languageFor current & accurate updates:TrueSunlight.comfacebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/Instagram.com/TrueSunlightPodTwitter.com/mandymatneyTwitter.com/elizfarrellyoutube.com/@LunaSharkMedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

True Sunlight Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell take a look back at 2023 and how the effort to convict Alex Murdaugh became the “trial of the century.” As they consider the highs and lows of this roller coaster of a year, they’ve gotten new perspective on how Alex was treated by South Carolina’s Justice system. Plus, an update on Becky Hill’s story plagiarism, her emails and the lie she told to the media.Visit our new events page Lunasharkmedia.com/events where you can learn about the upcoming in-person and virtual appearances from hosts!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 member on YouTube for exclusive videos and ad-free episodes. 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/3KBMJcPAnd 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.comfacebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/Instagram.com/TrueSunlightPodTwitter.com/mandymatneyTwitter.com/elizfarrellyoutube.com/@LunaSharkMedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First and foremost, we are announcing a new way to send tips and communications as we pursue answers in the death of Stephen Smith. It’s time to turn up the pressure and remind everyone that this is the case to close in 2024. If you feel comfortable to send tips straight to SLED, please do so at tips@SLED.SC.gov. If you want to send confidential tips to our team in coordination with Stephen's mom Sandy, you can now do so at AnswersForStephen.com.2024 will mark 9 years since Stephen’s death and we’re going to do everything in our power so that Sandy doesn’t have to spend another year wondering what happened to her son.There is STILL HOPE THAT WE CAN SOLVE THIS CASE. And by the way, there is a $30,000 reward for anyone who gives information that leads to an arrest. We refuse to let this case go cold, no matter how many distractions the Murdaugh mess throws our way. If you know something, say something. Please. For Sandy, for Stephen’s family. We are begging you. AnswersForStephen.com or tips@SLED.SC.gov.Now, in this 30th episode of True Sunlight, South Carolina's Supreme Court has finally assigned someone to take over for Judge Clifton Newman and hear Alex Murdaugh’s motion for a new murder trial.Who is former Chief Justice Jean Toal? And what could the appointment of this legal trailblazer mean for the future of Alex’s case? True Sunlight Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell discuss the latest development in the Murdaugh Murders Saga. Plus they answer listener questions about Becky Hill’s case and whose side they’re on.Visit our new events page Lunasharkmedia.com/events where you can learn about the upcoming in-person and virtual appearances from hosts!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.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/3KBMJcPAnd 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.comfacebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/Instagram.com/TrueSunlightPodTwitter.com/mandymatneyTwitter.com/elizfarrellyoutube.com/@LunaSharkMedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are investigators getting closer to Alex Murdaugh’s missing millions? True Sunlight Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell discuss an under-the-radar disciplinary action issued this week by the South Carolina Supreme Court, suspending the license of a Hilton Head Island lawyer who might hold some answers as to where Alex stashed his stolen cash. Also on the show, why it’s now more important than ever for people to keep their eyes on the ball in the Becky Hill case. In the new year, we're planning to create casual meet & greets, book signings, educational presentations, LIVE Q&A, university events, cocktail happy hours and more... And we want to source these ideas from the listeners and Premium Members. You spark the idea and we'll show up with the program, swag and the budget! Visit lunasharkmedia.com/newevents to submit your idea for consideration!Visit our new events page Lunasharkmedia.com/events where you can learn about the upcoming in-person and virtual appearances from hosts!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.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/3KBMJcPAnd 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.comfacebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/Instagram.com/TrueSunlightPodTwitter.com/mandymatneyTwitter.com/elizfarrellyoutube.com/@LunaSharkMedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

True Sunlight Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell break down Alex Murdaugh’s 50-minute speech to the court during his sentencing Nov. 27 for his financial crimes. Though nauseating — and, frankly, inappropriate given that he directly addressed the victims — this unprecedented speech from a defendant provided the public with a bird’s eye view to the full spectrum of his narcissism and his criminality. Also on the show, the quest to get Alex a new trial in his murder case has taken an alarming turn. The focus now seems to be on ensuring that Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill’s credibility is worse than that of the Egg Lady Juror as Team Murdaugh continues its full-court press in getting just about everyone removed from the case. In the new year, we're planning to create casual meet & greets, book signings, educational presentations, LIVE Q&A, university events, cocktail happy hours and more... And we want to source these ideas from the listeners and Premium Members with y’all connecting with venues where possible. Essentially, you gather the people and we'll show up and add to the experience with programming, swag and the budget! Visit lunasharkmedia.com/newevents to submit your idea for consideration!Visit our new events page Lunasharkmedia.com/events where you can learn about the upcoming in-person and virtual appearances from hosts!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.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/3KBMJcPAnd 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.comfacebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/Instagram.com/TrueSunlightPodTwitter.com/mandymatneyTwitter.com/elizfarrellyoutube.com/@LunaSharkMedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

True Sunlight Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell unpack everything that went down at what has to be the most bizarre court proceeding in South Carolina’s history: the sentencing of Alex Murdaugh.We are BACK! First of all, we want to say thank you to Eric Alan for his amazing work on Mountain Mystery Part Two, which gave our entire team a much needed break over Thanksgiving. Be sure to check out his YouTube channel here for more episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@Eric-Alan This week we'll start with some good news, an update on the Becky Hill drama, plus a puzzling situation in Duffie Stone's 14th Circuit. We'll also discuss the brighter moments of Murdaugh's sentencing, such as the bravery the victims showed as they confronted a monster and the grace they showed in forgiving him. We also delve into the plea agreement itself and what it might mean for Alex achieving his No. 1 goal: to be a free man again. This week focuses on the victims' grace, forgiveness, hope and bravery. Next week, we'll pick apart Alex's nonsense. We are back on the Blood On Their Hands Book Promo Tour and Mandy is coming to Nashville this weekend. We can’t wait to meet you at The Co-Op Hillsboro village on Belcourt Ave At 1 pm for a book signing Sunday Dec 3. We hope to see you there!Visit our new events page Lunasharkmedia.com/events where you can learn about the upcoming in-person and virtual appearances from hosts!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.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/3KBMJcPAnd 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.comfacebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/Instagram.com/TrueSunlightPodTwitter.com/mandymatneyTwitter.com/elizfarrellyoutube.com/@LunaSharkMedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices