Investigative journalists Mandy Matney and Liz Farrell and attorney Eric Bland talk about the horrors of the Los Angeles wildfires and how Big Insurance, as well as systemic failures in government preparation have made a catastrophic situation even worse. 

Closer to home, the three talk about the success of Luna Shark's billboard blitz in the hopes of seeking answers in the Stephen Smith case (not to mention Sandy Smith’s decision to increase the reward to $50,000 for information leading to arrests in her son’s murder case). 

Also on the show, a federal jury found Cory Fleming liable for his part in Alex Murdaugh’s scheme to steal millions from Gloria Satterfield’s family, but is HE the biggest loser to emerge from the Nautilus trial? Or did the insurance company waste untold amounts of time and money in launching an easily predictable losing battle over something that may ultimately be their own fault? 

Plus, the latest in the Mica Francis case: Emails and texts show that JP MIller — and his right hand woman Tricia Ross — accused an Horry County Police Department officer of being at fault for Mica’s death. AND Wayne Miller’s odd real estate connection to Mica’s divorce attorney Regina Ward — who also represented Mica’s family in the fight over who would be personal representative for Mica. 

🥽 Let's Dive In... 🦈

Episode Resources

“Photos: Satellite images of wildfires burning in Southern California” - NBC Los Angeles, Updated Jan 11, 2025

Stephen Smith

“Billboards, Reward Focus New Attention on Stephen Smith Case” - Court TV interview with EB, Jan 10, 2025

Mandy’s Instagram post celebrating Court TV sharing billboards - Jan 10, 2025

“SC billboards seek information about Stephen Smith’s killing. Here’s the latest on the case” - The State, Updated Jan 7, 2025

Cory Fleming

“Jury decides Cory Fleming is liable for role in Murdaugh insurance scheme, owes $1.25M” - The Post and Courier, Jan 8, 2025

Nautilus’ Updated Increased Damages Award from Cory Fleming - Jan 9, 2025

Nautilus’ Better Business Bureau’s Complaints

JP Miller

Listen to True Sunlight episode 82 for latest updates on Regina Ward connection to Wayne Miller

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