TSP #78 - What Happened to Mica Francis On Her Way to Work? + Russell Laffitte’s Hearing and Alex Murdaugh’s Appeal

Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell have spent months behind-the-scenes — along with researcher and reporter Beth Braden — trying to piece together what happened to Mica Francis in the 34 minutes between when she left for work on April 27 and when she bought a gun shortly before allegedly killing herself in a North Carolina swamp. And now they have a theory about what would have been bad enough for Mica to think she had to take her own life. As they await the outcome of the FBI’s investigation into Mica’s estranged husband Myrtle Beach Pastor JP Miller, they re-examine the evidence and piece it together with NEW information gleaned from sources. Three words: History repeats itself. Also on the show, alleged Murdaugh co-conspirator Russell Laffitte has his first state court appearance since his federal conviction was overturned last month. And Alex Murdaugh gets creative with his latest 132-page appellate brief in his quest for a new murder trial. Episode Resources Alex Murdaugh - Dec 10, 2024 Initial Appellant Brief Russell Laffitte’s State Charges Status Hearing - Dec 9, 2024 “Cory Fleming Pleads Guilty to 23 Charges Related to More Than $3 Million in Theft” by Beth Braden The Rat Hole Assault Incident Report - Dec 8, 2024 True Sunlight Episodes #51 & #77 Mica’s List + Mica’s Law 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. 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. What We're Buying... Eric Bland's New Book!!! - Mandy's Book in Paperback!! - Marcia Clark's New Book - Amanda Knox's New Book - Tamron Hall's New Book - Erin Lee Carr's Book Peloton - onepeloton.com Find your push. Find your power with Peloton at onepeloton.com. Here's a link to some of our favorite things: https://amzn.to/4cJ0eVn And a special thank you to our other amazing 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 tiktok.com/@lunasharkmedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Om Podcasten

Previously known as the Murdaugh Murders Podcast, True Sunlight is the intersection of True Crime, journalism and systematic corruption. Celebrated journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell are taking their style of reporting beyond Alex Murdaugh and his co-conspirators. We expose the truth wherever it leads giving voice to victims like Mica Francis, Sara Lynn Colucci, and Christa Gilley, while still pursuing justice for all the victims you've met so far like Stephen Smith, Dallas Stoller, and others. True Sunlight is the antithesis of True crime. True Sunlight values accuracy over "access journalism". True Sunlight is shed with empathy — not exploitation. True Sunlight was created as a matter of public service — not just entertainment. While the name of the podcast has changed, our mission, values and team have not. We are simply expanding our horizons while continuing to shine a much needed bright light on crime and corruption wherever it appears. Ranked #1 and #2 globally in 2021 and 2023 respectively as the Murdaugh Murders Podcast, True Sunlight provides unmatched insight into the crimes and criminals exposed on MMP and dives deep into new instances of where crime meets corruption across the US. We empower listeners to understand their legal and judicial systems through investigative journalism while providing tools to hold agencies and public figures accountable in order to change those systems for the better.  Listen on any streaming service or visit TrueSunlight.com to learn more.  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. And we also offer access to exclusive video content through our new YouTube Premiere subscription. Check out our new Luna Shark Merch With a Mission shop at lunasharkmerch.com/ 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 For current & accurate updates: TrueSunlight.com facebook.com/TrueSunlightPodcast/ instagram.com/truesunlightpod/ Twitter.com/mandymatney Twitter.com/elizfarrell youtube.com/@LunaSharkMedia tiktok.com/@lunasharkmedia