MMP Remastered #17 - Who Killed Stephen Smith? Part Four

Today, investigative reporters Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell take a look at everything JP Miller has said on the record thus far and offer an analysis of how his statements jibe and conflict with each other and with police and court records. Over the past month, Pastor JP Miller of Solid Rock Ministries in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, has taken to TikTok videos to combat what he says are lies being told about him after his wife Mica's death. Over the past two weeks, though, those videos have come down and JP appears to be on a media tour of sorts, starting with a two-hour interview he gave to TikTok user FloDaddy, a sit-down interview with a Myrtle Beach newspaper and a nationally televised hour-long segment on NewsNation. Also on the show, Mica Francis’ best friend Charlotte Korn returns to discuss her thoughts on the cease and desist letter JP’s lawyer sent her (along with a demand for evidence) and talk about what she thinks of JP’s interviews. After listening to today's episode, catch Mandy on two amazing podcasts that published this week: Wicked Words Podcast Crime Analyst With Laura Richards Podcast Visit our new events page Lunasharkmedia.com/events where you can learn about the upcoming in-person and virtual appearances from hosts or submit your own ideas at lunasharkmedia.com/newevents 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. Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ Episode Resources: Sonya Massey video Body Cam Footage Mica's List & Mica's Law, Documents NewsNation Interview with JP Miller NewNation Shares Response from Mica Family  Russell B Long Cease And Desist East Coast Honda Incident Flo Daddy Tik Tok Video JP / Mica Purse Incident Tik Tok Video If you are in crisis, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. 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. And we also offer access to exclusive video content through our new YouTube Premiere subscription. 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/3KBMJcP And a special thank you to our sponsors: Microdose.com, PELOTON, and VUORI. Use promo code "MANDY" for a special offer! *** ALERT: If you ever notice audio errors in the pod, email info@lunasharkmedia.com and we'll send fun merch to the first listener that finds something that needs to be adjusted! *** For current & accurate updates: TrueSunlight.com facebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/ Instagram.com/TrueSunlightPod Twitter.com/mandymatney Twitter.com/elizfarrell youtube.com/@LunaSharkMedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

25 Heinä 20241h 9min

Investigative reporters Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell share two newly released 911 calls in the Mica Francis case. In the first call, Mica’s estranged husband Pastor JP Miller can be heard in the background as his loyal friend and associate pastor Tricia Ross tries to get Mica arrested by accusing her of theft.  As Mandy and Liz continue to piece together the days and weeks leading up to Mica’s death in April, they’re finding more and more evidence of the abject cruelty Mica might have been experiencing in February and March as the system got weaponized against her. In the second call, Pastor JP gives away what kind of church leader he is after calling police on a “bum” seeking water and reportedly in the middle of a potential medical crisis. Also on the show, in a TikTok interview, JP Miller says that before she died Mica tried to get JP to give her a handwritten apology letter detailing all the things he was sorry for. JP says “apology letter” but it sounds almost like Mica was trying to get JP to handwrite a confession. Was she working with the FBI before she died? Or was she just trying to get leverage in her divorce?  Visit our new events page Lunasharkmedia.com/events where you can learn about the upcoming in-person and virtual appearances from hosts or submit your own ideas at lunasharkmedia.com/newevents 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. Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ Episode Resources: Mica's List & Mica's Law, Documents Nick Ginn Facebook Comments Nick Ginn Training History  Solid Rock Tricia Ross Employee Theft Report on Mica Francis  If you are in crisis, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. 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. And we also offer access to exclusive video content through our new YouTube Premiere subscription. 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/3KBMJcP And a special thank you to our sponsors: Microdose.com, PELOTON, and VUORI. Use promo code "MANDY" for a special offer! *** ALERT: If you ever notice audio errors in the pod, email info@lunasharkmedia.com and we'll send fun merch to the first listener that finds something that needs to be adjusted! *** For current & accurate updates: TrueSunlight.com facebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/ Instagram.com/TrueSunlightPod Twitter.com/mandymatney Twitter.com/elizfarrell youtube.com/@LunaSharkMedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

18 Heinä 20241h 13min

Tragically this week, two abused women were failed by the justice system and allegedly killed by their partners — Lauren Johansen of Mississippi Stephanie Francis of Rhode Island. On today’s episode we’ll get into that and a lot more on why our justice system needs to be paying attention. Investigative reporters Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell give an update in the Stephen Smith case during the ninth anniversary of his mysterious death. Why did Highway Patrol stop looking into Stephen’s death right after receiving its strongest lead to date?  Mandy and Liz look into the track record of the police officer behind a tip that introduced two new names into the investigation in 2015. Also on today’s episode, 911 calls and police records show the chaos of Pastor JP Miller’s life in the aftermath of two big scandals he brought onto his church — his 2015 affair with Mica Francis and Mica’s recent death. After combing through dozens of reports involving the church, True Sunlight has a better picture about how JP and those in his circle have regarded the backlash. In one harrowing call to police — in which JP claims to be followed by an armed individual — police get a taste of JP’s flair for drama and the many contradictions of his personality.  Lots to learn in this 58th episode of True Sunlight and more to come as Alex Murdaugh's appeal clock ticks down, Buster's defendants' responses are imminent and the FBI continues to look into Mica's case... Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ Episode Resources: Mica's List & Mica's Law, Documents Lauren Johansen - WLOX article Buster Murdaugh's Defamation Case  If you are in crisis, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. 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 Premiere 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/3KBMJcP Visit 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! *** ALERT: If you ever notice audio errors in the pod, email info@lunasharkmedia.com and we'll send fun merch to the first listener that finds something that needs to be adjusted! *** For current & accurate updates: TrueSunlight.com facebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/ Instagram.com/TrueSunlightPod Twitter.com/mandymatney Twitter.com/elizfarrell youtube.com/@LunaSharkMedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

11 Heinä 20241h 12min

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell continue their coverage of the Mica Francis case, starting with JP Miller’s shock and horror upon discovering a shirtless photo has been posted of him online. Social media came hard for JP this week with more accusations surrounding the tattoo of Mica’s signature he has on his torso. Solid Rock Ministries continues its battle with protesters, who were assaulted by a sprinkler this past weekend. Mandy and Liz also break down the contents of the Medical Examiner’s report into Mica’s death — needless to say, the report raises more questions than it answers but mostly Mandy and Liz were astounded at its lack of thoroughness and its reliance on non-medical evidence. Plus, a newly released 911 call sheds more light onto Mica’s state of mind on March 11, when she filed her restraining order against JP. It also sheds more light onto the broken system that failed Mica — and continues to fail women everywhere. Finally, two police reports filed by JP’s ex-wife outline very familiar accusations of harassment and stalking … as well as very familiar shrugs from law enforcement. Episode Resources: Mica's List & Mica's Law, Documents If you are in crisis, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ 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 Premiere 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/3KBMJcP Visit 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! *** ALERT: If you ever notice audio errors in the pod, email info@lunasharkmedia.com and we'll send fun merch to the first listener that finds something that needs to be adjusted! *** For current & accurate updates: TrueSunlight.com facebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/ Instagram.com/TrueSunlightPod Twitter.com/mandymatney Twitter.com/elizfarrell youtube.com/@LunaSharkMedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

4 Heinä 20241h 15min

We originally planned to take this week off entirely, but guess what happened...? We got a flood of FOIA responses in the Mica Francis case… This week, due to the dogged FOIAing from Beth Braden and brilliant mind of Liz Farrell, LunaShark was the first media outlet to receive the 911 call from the incident that led to Chris Skinner’s death on September 6, 2021.  Tik Tok has been hot with Chris Skinner theories ever since the news of Mica’s death hit national headlines — but JP’s ex-wife’s mention of Skinner in recent emergency protective order documents made those theories worth investigating in our opinion. On today’s News Break “min-sode”, Investigative journalists Mandy Matney shares new details and the recently released 911 call concerning the tragic death of Chris Skinner in Myrtle Beach, SC. Mandy also highlights info available from recently released documents, while also pointing out inconsistencies in the drowning investigation and the intentional lack of witness statements.  We also continue to ponder the suicide ruling on Mica and raise concerns about JP Miller's behavior. And even though today’s “mini-sode” is short, Luna Shark Premium Members are getting a second bonus episode this week where reporter and producer Sam Berlin just could not let go of a pressing question from the Murdaugh saga… where did the money go?   We’ll be back next week with a full examination of all this and more...  Until then Stay tuned. Stay Pesky. Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ Episode Resources: Mica's List & Mica's Law, Documents If you are in crisis, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. Learn more about how you can help us fund FOIA’s, dive deeper into cases and experience the investigation first-hand on lunasharkmedia.com all in one place. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE. In June we’re offering your first month of Soak Up The Sun membership with a $6.00 discount. 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 Premiere 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/3KBMJcP Visit 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! *** ALERT: If you ever notice audio errors in the pod, email info@lunasharkmedia.com and we'll send fun merch to the first listener that finds something that needs to be adjusted! *** For current & accurate updates: TrueSunlight.com facebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/ Instagram.com/TrueSunlightPod Twitter.com/mandymatney Twitter.com/elizfarrell youtube.com/@LunaSharkMedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

27 Kesä 202418min

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell — formerly of Murdaugh Murders Podcast — give an update on the latest drama involving Alex Murdaugh. His remaining son, Buster Murdaugh, filed a defamation lawsuit this week against major networks over documentaries they ran, which he said falsely insinuated he had something to do with Stephen Smith’s death. He is also suing a Hampton County reporter and his newspaper company for that same thing. Also, a federal judge issues an order in the Nautilus case, in which the insurance company who issued a multi-million dollar payout to Cory Fleming in Gloria Satterfield’s death is suing to get their money back. In his ruling, Judge Richard Gergel notes that the insurance company KNEW that something fishy was going on with the Satterfield case and yet STILL gave Cory that money. Why? The insurance company feared the payout would be worse if it went to a Hampton County jury. Also on the show, Mandy and Liz continue to connect dots in the Mica Francis case as Mica’s estranged husband, John-Paul Miller, continues to make TikTok videos in the hopes of putting out his own narrative about what their marriage was like. Plus, the disturbing patterns in JP’s parents’ divorce in 2002 and what it tells us about JP’s upbringing. Episode Resources: Mica's List & Mica's Law, Documents Mica's Attorney, Regina Ward's, Press Conference Luna Shark Premium Member Resources - Click Here for Access: Buster Murdaugh's Defamation Lawsuit Nautilus vs Murdaugh et al, Judge Gergel's Order Reginald Wayne Miller x Susan Miller Divorce Documents 2001-2009  Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ If you are in crisis, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. Learn more about how you can help us fund FOIA’s, dive deeper into cases and experience the investigation first-hand on lunasharkmedia.com all in one place. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE. In June we’re offering your first month of Soak Up The Sun membership with a $6.00 discount. 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 Premiere 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/3KBMJcP Visit 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! *** ALERT: If you ever notice audio errors in the pod, email info@lunasharkmedia.com and we'll send fun merch to the first listener that finds something that needs to be adjusted! *** For current & accurate updates: TrueSunlight.com facebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/ Instagram.com/TrueSunlightPod Twitter.com/mandymatney Twitter.com/elizfarrell youtube.com/@LunaSharkMedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

20 Kesä 20241h 14min

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell continue down their path of discovery in the Mica Francis (Mica Miller) case and how her estranged husband, Pastor JP Miller, tends to operate, knowing the system will largely have his back. From TikTok videos in which JP threatens to expose Mica’s private musings to divorce court, where he showed up in a wheelchair, to his 2021 pardon hearing where he showed no remorse, the collective of JP’s actions and words show a man who thinks he only has to say something is true for it to be considered that way.  Mandy and Liz share audio from JP’s pardon hearing as well as court transcripts that give more insight into how his first divorce went down.  Also on the show, Alex Murdaugh’s cantankerous attorney Dick Harpootlian loses his bid for state Senate and all the power that came with that seat. Episode Resources: Russell Ott x Dick Harpootlian Primary Results Russell B Long Cease And Desist to Charlotte Korn Mica's List & Mica's Law, Documents Mica's Attorney, Regina Ward's, Press Conference Luna Shark Premium Member Resources - Click to Join and Access! Mica's Amended Notice of Motion and Motion for Temporary Relief JP's 1998 Aggravated Assault Warrants, Arrest and Plea Docs Defendant John-Paul Miller's Answer and Counterclaims to Plaintiff's Claims Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ If you are in crisis, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ If you are in crisis, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. Learn more about how you can help us fund FOIA’s, dive deeper into cases and experience the investigation first-hand on lunasharkmedia.com all in one place. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE. In June we’re offering your first month of Soak Up The Sun membership for $6.00 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 Premiere 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/3KBMJcP Visit 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! *** ALERT: If you ever notice audio errors in the pod, email info@lunasharkmedia.com and we'll send fun merch to the first listener that finds something that needs to be adjusted! *** For current & accurate updates: TrueSunlight.com facebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/ Instagram.com/TrueSunlightPod Twitter.com/mandymatney Twitter.com/elizfarrell youtube.com/@LunaSharkMedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

13 Kesä 20241h 18min

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell continue their real-time coverage of Mica's case — which they’re now going to call the Mica Francis case to give Mica back her identity free from Pastor JP Miller.  As each week passes since Mica’s death, more information emerges about the utter hell she was experiencing in her attempts to escape JP. On Wednesday, her divorce attorney Regina B. Ward — who is now representing her family — announced that plans are in the works to champion a law that would criminalize coercive control, which they would call Mica’s Law.  Watch the Press Conference Here: https://youtu.be/VerJib7RwsM On today’s episode, Mandy and Liz share more information about Mica’s attempts to divorce JP, including what was in the divorce filings, as well as what Mica’s family was seeking from the court this week before reaching an agreement with JP. Also on the show, they discuss the SHOCKING revelations in a recent affidavit filed by JP’s first wife, as well as the many incidences of abuse outlined in Mica’s journals, according to information from Regina Ward. Premium members will get an extended version that includes an update on former Clerk of Court Becky Hill and whether her ethics violations mean anything for Alex Murdaugh’s murder conviction. Premium Members get an exclusive update about a new lawsuit that has emerged from the Murdaugh Murders Saga. Resources: Mica's Attorney, Regina Ward's, Documents Mandy's Instagram Posts Outlining Texts From JP's Daughter's Phone, Allegedly from JP Himself... Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ If you are in crisis, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. Learn more about how you can help us fund FOIA’s, dive deeper into cases and experience the investigation first-hand on lunasharkmedia.com all in one place. CLICK HERE to learn more: https://bit.ly/3BdUtOE. In June we’re offering your first month of Soak Up The Sun membership for $6.00 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 Premiere 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/3KBMJcP Visit 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! *** ALERT: If you ever notice audio errors in the pod, email info@lunasharkmedia.com and we'll send fun merch to the first listener that finds something that needs to be adjusted! *** For current & accurate updates: TrueSunlight.com facebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/ Instagram.com/TrueSunlightPod Twitter.com/mandymatney Twitter.com/elizfarrell youtube.com/@LunaSharkMedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

6 Kesä 20241h 4min