COJ #129 - Police Can’t Stop Lying in Coverup of Scott Spivey Investigation + Is South Carolina the Wild, Wild West?

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and attorney Eric Bland pull back the curtain on disturbing issues in Horry County, South Carolina. Our team narrows focus to Weldon Boyd's troubling narrative, detailing how Boyd admittedly followed Scott Spivey before the fatal shooting. The hosts dissect the circumstances, questioning the application of "Stand Your Ground" given Weldon's decision to pursue Scott onto Camp Swamp Road. We’ll also lob criticisms at the press, particularly local media in Horry County, for initial "basic" reporting and for not aggressively pursuing the story. And we’ll touch on the lack of accountability for Horry County police leadership, challenges with FOIA redactions, and the political reluctance of state officials like the Governor to intervene. While the growing public outcry from Horry County residents demanding change offers a glimmer of hope, these circumstances paint a vivid picture of systemic failures, a lack of accountability, and the ongoing struggle for transparency and justice in Horry County. Knowing Horry County’s heavy reliance on tourism dollars means these issues of safety and public trust have significant economic stakes. ☕ Cups Up! ⚖️ Episode References A warning for potential South Carolina tourists: You may not be safe “In Stores, Secret Surveillance Tracks Your Every Move” - The New York Times, from The Privacy Project Series “Why U.S. air traffic control is stretched so thin — and the fight to fix it” - CNBC, Updated May 10, 2025 “Your Apps Know Where You Were Last Night, and They’re Not Keeping It Secret” - The New York Times, Dec. 10, 2018 Parts of a Springfield XDM Pistol “Letting retirees double-dip is the wrong way to keep SC teachers in the classroom” - The State, March 27, 2018 FBI as Primary Investigators of Civil Right Violations Horry County PD Facebook Post with Pamela Evette - May 9, 2025 “Are Agencies Required to Release Body-Worn Camera Footage” - Municipal Association of South Carolina Upcoming Events Michael Colucci re-trial set to begin on June 16th, 2025 Walking With Stephen event on July 12th Stay Tuned, Stay Pesky and Stay in the Sunlight...☀️ ⁠⁠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. Check out Luna Shark Merch With a Mission shop at ⁠⁠lunasharkmerch.com/⁠⁠ What We're Buying... ⁠⁠Quince⁠⁠ - Give yourself the luxury you deserve with Quince! Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/COJ⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Here's a link to some of our favorite things: ⁠⁠https://amzn.to/4cJ0eVn⁠⁠ Find us on social media: ⁠⁠bsky.app/profile/mandy-matney.com⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠bsky.app/profile/elizfarrell.com⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠bsky.app/profile/theericbland.bsky.social⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Twitter.com/mandymatney⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Twitter.com/elizfarrell⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Twitter.com/theericbland⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/cupofjustice/⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/cojpod/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠TIKTOK⁠⁠ ⁠⁠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/3KBM⁠⁠ *** 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! *** *The views expressed on the Cup of Justice episodes do not constitute legal advice. Listeners desiring legal advice for any particular legal matter are urged to consult an attorney of their choosing who can provide legal advice based upon a full understanding of the facts and circumstances of their claim. The views expressed on the Cup of Justice episodes also do not express the views or opinions of Bland Richter, LLP, or its attorneys. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices