TSP #58 - Stephen Smith UPDATE And Why the Strongest Lead in the Case Is Marred by Integrity Questions + JP Miller Cries Harassment in Wake of Mica Francis’ Death
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