Dividing and Hiding the Facts: The Self-Victimization of Alex Murdaugh (S01E74)

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell — known for their work in covering Alex Murdaugh's murders and atrocious schemes — continue their look into the Michael Colucci case. In three weeks, Michael will be retried for the 2015 death of his wife Sara Lynn Colucci, who he says killed herself … or maybe tripped and fell into her noose?  In the days and weeks before Sara Lynn’s death by asphyxiation, she and Michael got into several fights over text about the state of their marriage. In this 48th episode of the True Sunlight Podcast, Mandy and Liz give a play by play of what those texts say and how they stand in stark contrast to the picture Michael’s defense attorney attempted to paint during his first trial. Also on the show, they talk with Kim Colucci Lizzi, Michael’s stepsister, who gives listeners a look into her family dynamic and what led her father, Ivo Colucci, to kill his wife — Michael’s mother — just two years after Michael’s own arrest for murder.  Warning: This episode may contain language not suitable for all audiences If you think you've seen Michael Colucci out and about in the last 5 years, contact the SC AG's office here: AG's Office General Information 1-803-734-3970 Premium Members also get exclusive access to detailed timelines, police reports, and even photos from the shocking damage from the 2nd home Michael was kicked out of.  AND premium members will get access to our live coverage starting May 13. 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. Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ In April 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 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! 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 Apr 20241h 12min

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell continue to shine the light on a corrupt judicial system in South Carolina. This week they helped bring attention to and did their part to stop the legislature from electing prosecutor David Miller to a judgeship — after exposing Miller’s role in getting thrice-accused rapist Bowen Turner a secret soft plea deal in 2022. Also on this 47th episode of the True Sunlight Podcast, Mandy and Liz break down what happened during Bowen Turner’s latest ride to jail this past March (spoiler alert: he’s exactly the racist, homophobic, misogynistic person they thought he was). Plus listeners get another look into their deep dive into the Sara Lynn Colucci case. We’re now one month away from Michael Colucci’s retrial for the 2015 death of his wife. Mandy and Liz share what they’ve learned about Sara Lynn’s volatile relationship with Michael in the weeks leading up to her death. Premium Members also get exclusive access to Liz and Mandy breaking down Alex Murdaugh's appeal(s) for his state murder charges and now federal financial crime convictions... If you think you've seen Michael Colucci out and about in the last 5 years, contact the SC AG's office here: 1-803-734-3970 You can watch the videos of Bowen here: Inside the Highway Patrol car: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUoGg0HBOho Officer's Dash on scene: https://youtu.be/SZ_0ILElGLE Officer's Dash on scene: https://youtu.be/6Gk2KOOtLuc And everything Mandy and Liz found in the footage proves what they’ve been saying this whole time: Bowen belongs behind bars... Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ In April 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 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! 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 Apr 20241h 12min

Sandy Smith, David and Mandy headed to Wichita to speak at the Kansas Governor's Office Crime Victims Rights Conference this week. Sandy and Mandy presented a case study in media and how powerful forces can shape a victim's pursuit of justice. You'll hear a short excerpt from today's presentation and Premium Members will get the full video soon. On today's episode, True Sunlight Podcast, Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell continue their deep dive into the circumstances surrounding the death of Sara Lynn Colucci, ahead of her husband’s retrial for murder this May. Through an extensive search into public records — including police reports and civil lawsuits that have never before been published — Mandy and Liz piece together the chaos of Michael Colucci’s life before and after he met and married Sara Lynn Moore. Also on the show, an update on Bowen Turner and what happened during his latest arrest in March. LunaShark was ahead of the pack with its FOIA for all video related to Bowen’s DUI arrest. You can watch the videos of Bowen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VUoGg0HBOho https://youtu.be/SZ_0ILElGLE https://youtu.be/6Gk2KOOtLuc And everything Mandy and Liz found in the footage proves what they’ve been saying this whole time: Bowen belongs behind bars... Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ In April 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 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! 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 Apr 20241h

On today's True Sunlight Podcast, Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell update you on what went down at Alex Murdaugh’s federal sentencing hearing this week, where he was sentenced to 40 years. What does this new sentence mean? And why does Alex have to pay back millions to his former law firm and Palmetto State Bank when both allowed these crimes to happen for years? Also on the show, the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office believes suspected murderer Michael Colucci has been on house arrest at his parents’ house but … his parents have been dead for years. Also, according to police reports, Michael was evicted from their home in April 2017 — BEFORE his first trial. Why does South Carolina have such a terrible bond system when it comes to violent criminals? Also, what police reports tell us about Michael’s life after his arrest in Sara Lynn Colucci’s death. We want to share a special thanks to True Sunlight fan Tom at the Late Night with Seth Meyers show for the unbelievable experience and CONGRATS to Sheryl Crow on her new album Evolution!!!  Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ In April 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 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! 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 Apr 20241h 7min

On today's True Sunlight Podcast, Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell break down what happened at Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill’s pathetic last attempt at staying in the post-Alex Murdaugh spotlight and why there might be more to the story about Becky’s pick for a replacement.  Also on the show, the federal government files a 126-page response to Russell Laffitte’s appeal, proving once again that they fight the hardest for victims … and, to them, the victims are Alex’s old law firm and Russell’s family’s bank.  Plus, Mandy and Liz put together a timeline surrounding Alex’s failed polygraph with the FBI. He was asked where $6 million in unaccounted stolen money went and didn’t answer them truthfully. But why did they ask that question when they did and do Cory Fleming’s and Peter Strauss’ cases have anything to do with it? Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ In March 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 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! 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

28 Mar 202455min

On today's True Sunlight Podcast, Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell begin their dive down the complex rabbit hole that is the Sara Lynn Moore-Colucci case.  Sara Lynn was killed on the evening of May 20, 2015, outside of Charleston, South Carolina, at a jewelry warehouse she owned with her husband, Michael Colucci. She died by asphyxiation mere feet from Michael, who said he was waiting in the car for her to use the restroom. Michael Colucci contends that Sara Lynn took her own life or … barring that … she tripped and fell into the loops of an industrial garden hose and accidentally hung herself.  When first-responders arrived at the scene, they found Sara Lynn’s body already cold to the touch and Michael with scratches on his body and a fat and bloody lip, which he says he got from giving Sara Lynn CPR. In 2018, Michael was tried for her murder but that case ended in a mistrial. Now, as the prosecution and defense gear up for a May 13, 2024, retrial, Mandy and Liz break down what went wrong six years ago and the story of Sara Lynn and Michael that the jury should have heard back then.   We'll also hear from speakers at the Victims Matter Rally like David Pascoe, Carl Smalls Sr. and Sarah Ford plus a special message from Sandy Smith on her experiences at the rally... Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ In March 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 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! 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

21 Mar 20241h 10min

On today's True Sunlight Podcast, Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell talk to South Carolina Victims Assistance Network attorney Sarah Ford and Karl Stoller, a father who continues to seek justice for his daughter’s sexual assault, about the latest arrest of Bowen Turner. Bowen — who was accused by three girls in three separate counties of rape — avoided prison time for those sexual assaults after he received a sweetheart plea deal in 2022, which his lawyer-legislator was able to secure because of his implied influence over the prosecution and the judge. This is his second arrest since his sentence was suspended almost two years ago and it’s just four months since he was released from the South Carolina Department of Corrections.  Also on today’s show, Mandy and Liz begin their coverage of the Michael Colucci retrial, starting with the night Michael’s wife, Sara Lynn, was found dead outside their business in Summerville. They break down the 911 call from that night and talk about what’s in store for Michael’s retrial in May. Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ In March 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 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! 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

14 Mar 202459min

On today's True Sunlight Podcast, Co-hosts Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell continue their investigation into the photos and screenshots found on Stephen Smith’s phone, learning more about what the Hampton, S.C., teen’s life was like leading up to his mysterious death in July 2015. Mandy and Liz revisit two interviews with South Carolina Highway Patrol that — with new context — shed more light on his very last night and on what evidence SLED might have to help them retrace Stephen’s steps. Plus, listeners will finally get to hear Stephen’s own voice from a video Mandy and Liz found on his iPad... Also on the show, Luna Shark is taking on a new case! This May, Michael Colucci will stand trial — again — for the 2015 murder of his wife, Sara Lynn Moore-Colucci. Michael — a wealthy, prominent and well-connected Charleston-area man — insists that his wife killed herself with a garden hose. His attorney Andy Savage (yes, that one) even suggests that she might have tripped and fallen into the hose and hanged herself. SLED Agent David Owen — remember him from Alex Murdaugh’s trial? — and the Attorney General say Michael strangled Sara to death in a fit of anger. This case features a lot of familiar themes and players from the Murdaugh trial, including the twists and turns that seem to have come right off the pages of a novel... On Tuesday, we published one of our Top Five Favorite episodes of Cup of Justice! We interviewed Emmy Award Winning Journalist and TV Host Tamron Hall. Tamron was on the TODAY Show in Mandy's early days of journalism and she deeply admired how she handled stories. So, y’all… give episode 69 of COJ a listen to learn all about her new book 'Watch Where They Hide', the attached scripted series and bias in journalism. We promise it’s a good one!  Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ In March 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 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! 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

7 Mar 20241h 7min