Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum

Afleveringen

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  The Nancy Guthrie Ransom Note: Real Evidence or a Cruel Hoax? 05.08.2026 15min

  In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum takes a closer look at the ransom note released in the Nancy Guthrie case. Based on her decades of crime scene investigation experience, Sheryl examines the message line by line, pointing out the inconsistencies in its wording, timeline, demands, and structure while explaining why she has never believed the case was motivated by money. She’s been saying since day one: it doesn’t add up. Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl’s long-held belief that Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance was never about money (2:30) Why “Hello, Savannah” reads more like a greeting than a demand (4:30) Timeline problems and contradictory deadlines that raise red flags (6:30) A “safe drop-off” promise that doesn’t fit real kidnapper behavior (8:15) Contradictions surrounding negotiation, payment demands, and deadlines (10:00) The shift from “we” to “me” and why it may matter more than the author intended (11:45) The watch detail and the stronger proof Sheryl says should have been included (13:00) Details someone who was actually inside the house should have been able to describe (14:15) A timeline of the ransom emails, family responses, reward increases, and missed deadlines Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire. --- Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a metro Atlanta police department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than four decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing. Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023. Social Links: Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com X: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast TikTok: @Sheryl.McCollum Sheryl’s new book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer’s Daughter, is available now wherever books are sold.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Why Medical Examiners Can’t Rush to Conclusions | Nolan Wells Case with Dr. Priya Banerjee 29.07.2026 25min

  In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum is joined by board-certified forensic pathologist Dr. Priya Banerjee for a conversation about the ongoing investigation into the death of Nolan Wells. Using publicly known facts of the case, Dr. Priya explains how forensic pathologists approach a suspected drowning and why an autopsy is only one part of a death investigation. Together, they discuss why following the evidence, not speculation, is what will bring Nolan’s family the answers they need. Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl McCollum introduces Dr. Priya Banerjee to Zone 7 and explains why Nolan Wells’ family deserves facts, not speculation (3:00) Why forensic pathologists rarely release preliminary autopsy findings before an investigation is complete (6:00) Reconstructing Nolan Wells’ timeline and why seemingly trivial details can become important evidence (7:45) What forensic pathologists look for when investigating a possible drowning (10:15) Water in the lungs, stomach contents, decomposition, and why drowning is never diagnosed by one finding alone (12:15) When families seek a second autopsy and how independent findings are evaluated (15:00) The emotional impact conflicting forensic opinions have on grieving families (18:15) Ruling out foul play: why investigators wait for a complete forensic examination (20:45) How timelines, witness statements, GPS data, and autopsy findings must support one another (22:15) The cost of speculation during an active death investigation (24:00) Pattern recognition and the role of evidence in forensic investigations Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire. --- Dr. Priya Banerjee is a board-certified forensic pathologist with extensive experience in death investigation, clinical forensics, and courtroom testimony. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University, she served for more than a decade as an assistant medical examiner for the Rhode Island Office of the State Medical Examiners and leads a private forensic pathology practice. She previously co-hosted Pathology with Dr. Priya, a forensic science series within Zone 7. Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a metro Atlanta police department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than four decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing. Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023. Social Links: Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com X: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast TikTok: @Sheryl.McCollum Sheryl’s new book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer’s Daughter, is available now wherever books are sold.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Brad Beeler | The Art of Interrogation and Building Trust 22.07.2026 32min

  In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum is joined by retired Secret Service agent and polygraph examiner Brad Beeler to discuss what 25 years of talking with suspects, witnesses, victims, and some of the worst offenders taught him about getting people to open up and tell the truth. Brad covers why trust has to come before truth, the damage one accusatory word can do to a conversation, and how respect gets people to open up faster than pressure ever will. He also shares practical signs that may indicate deception, why sometimes the best thing you can do is stop talking and listen, and how the same principles he relied on in high-stakes investigations can help anyone become a better communicator. Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl McCollum introduces retired Secret Service agent Brad Beeler and the moment she saw his commitment to a cold case firsthand (5:30) Why making people feel heard, respected, and genuinely listened to can change a conversation (8:00) The worst thing you can call someone when you are trying to get the truth (10:00) Why Brad aims to listen 80% of the time and what investigators can learn when they stop talking (15:45) “Create a space where truth feels safe enough to emerge” (17:45) Why even the worst offenders have to be treated with respect if investigators want answers (21:30) How Brad evaluates possible deception without relying on a single supposed ‘tell’ (23:15) Turning a story into a yes-or-no question to test whether someone will stand behind what they said (24:30) Delayed answers, vocal inflection, overly specific responses, and qualifying words that may signal deception (27:15) Why respect matters more than rapport when you have little in common with someone (28:30) What protecting foreign dignitaries taught Brad about professional respect across cultural and political divides Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire. --- Brad Beeler is a retired U.S. Secret Service agent and polygraph examiner with 25 years of experience conducting high-stakes interviews and investigations. Named Secret Service Special Agent of the Year, he is also a recipient of the Director’s Service Award and Forensic Hero Award and a former instructor at the National Center for Credibility Assessment. He is the author of Tell me Everything: A Secret Service Agent’s Proven Strategies for Earning Trust, Revealing Truth, and Communicating with Anyone.| Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a metro Atlanta police department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than four decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing. Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023. Social Links: Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com X: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast TikTok: @Sheryl.McCollum Sheryl’s new book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer’s Daughter, is available now wherever books are sold.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  A Fake Social Worker Stole Their 17-Day-Old Baby. He’s Still Missing 15.07.2026 41min

  In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum is joined by investigative journalist Angeline Hartmann, along with Kevin Verville Sr. and Angelica Ramsey. Together, they revisit the unsolved 1980 kidnapping of newborn Kevin Verville Jr., taken at 17 days old from off-base military housing near Camp Pendleton by a woman posing as a social worker. For more than 45 years, the Verville family has never stopped searching for Kevin, who they believe has no idea he was ever taken. They believe someone listening today could recognize Kevin, help identify the woman responsible, and finally reconnect him with his family. Watch Kevin’s Story from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20MNq579m3k Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl McCollum introduces Angeline Hartmann and the podcast investigation that helped identify six-year-old William DaShawn Hamilton (5:30) The tip that identified a child John Doe more than 20 years after his remains were found (9:30) How Angeline brought the kidnapping of Kevin Verville Jr. to Sheryl (11:00) Kevin Verville Sr. and Angelica Ramsey join the podcast to discuss their missing son and brother, Kevin Verville Jr. (12:00) A woman posing as a social worker gains the family’s trust through a fake assistance program● (16:15) Kevin Sr. recalls the ruse that got his wife out of the car moments before the suspect drove away with their newborn (19:00) The distinctive hand tattoo investigators hope someone will recognize (22:15) Angelica explains why age progression, DNA databases, and public awareness remain critical to finding Kevin Jr. (26:15) Why renewed public interest in infant abduction cases could help generate new leads (27:45) Why investigators believe Kevin Jr. was deliberately targeted (32:15) How the suspect entered the off-base military housing complex without passing the vehicle checkpoint (34:15) Angeline and Sheryl confront the victim-blaming Kevin Jr. ’s parents faced after the abduction (36:15) Cultural background, small-town trust, and how the suspect exploited the family’s openness (37:15) Why Kevin Jr. may have grown up under another identity without knowing he was abducted (39:00) How listeners can share Kevin Jr. ’s age progression and help identify both Kevin Jr. and the woman who took him Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire. --- Angeline Hartmann is the Director of Communication for the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and an award-winning investigative journalist. She previously worked with America’s Most Wanted and hosts the Inside Crime with Angeline Hartmann podcast. Kevin Verville Sr. is the father of Kevin Verville Jr., abducted at 17 days old from off-base military housing near Camp Pendleton on July 1, 1980. Angelica Ramsey is the sister of Kevin Verville Jr., born after his abduction. She advocates for his case, sharing his age progression image and searching for the brother she has never met. Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a metro Atlanta police department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than four decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing. Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023. Sheryl’s new book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer’s Daughter, is available now wherever books are sold.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Vice, Vegas, and Deep Cover: Jenn Benjamins on What It Takes to Work Undercover 08.07.2026 37min

  In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum is joined by retired Las Vegas Police Sergeant Jenn Benjamins for a look inside undercover police work. Jenn explains what separates basic surveillance from true deep cover, where officers must build believable identities, speak the language of the street, and think fast enough to avoid being “made.” She discusses prostitution stings, pimp culture, human trafficking, and why undercover work requires a specific kind of officer. Jenn also shares how she now carries that experience into Covert Blue LLC, her law enforcement training company, where she helps prepare officers for undercover operations, investigations, leadership, and the realities of the job. Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl McCollum introduces retired Las Vegas Metro Police Sergeant Jenn Benjamins and her 22 years on the force (1:15) Jenn explains why undercover work can produce some of the strongest evidence in criminal investigations (2:15) “Doing theater” for suspects and why successful undercover work requires acting, instinct, and total commitment to the role (4:15) How officers avoid getting “made” while working prostitution and narcotics cases (8:00) Why only a small percentage of officers may be suited for undercover assignments (11:15) The importance of knowing street talk, pricing, roles, and expectations during vice investigations (16:00) Sheryl and Jenn discuss the kind of money that moves through high-end escort work in Las Vegas and why leaving is often more complicated than people assume● (19:00) Jenn explains the different types of pimps, including Casanova and gorilla pimps, and how violence and gang culture changed the prostitution landscape (22:30) Major events like the Super Bowl and the World Cup, the “circuit,” and how large gatherings can bring increased prostitution, trafficking, and related crime into host cities (29:30) Jenn talks about dressing the part, avoiding entrapment concerns, and building a believable undercover appearance (35:15) Sheryl honors Jenn’s law enforcement service and her work training future undercover officers through Covert Blue LLC Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire. --- Jenn Benjamins is a retired Las Vegas Metro Police Department sergeant with more than 22 years of experience in patrol, investigations, criminal intelligence, vice, organized crime, and undercover operations. She is the founder of Covert Blue LLC, where she trains law enforcement professionals in undercover work, investigations, leadership, and officer wellness. Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a metro Atlanta police department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than four decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing. Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023. Social Links: Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com X: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast TikTok: @Sheryl.McCollum Sheryl’s new book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer’s Daughter, is available now wherever books are sold.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Cape Cod Serial Rapist and the Survivor Who Helped Catch Him 01.07.2026 24min

  In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum is joined by retired Police Chief Frank Frederickson and Michelle Linn for a case that began with a violent 1988 Cape Cod assault and, years later, became something neither of them could have imagined. Frederickson, then a newly assigned detective, recalls a summer of escalating attacks across Hyannis and Barnstable, Massachusetts, and the unconventional decision to bring Michelle along into the nightclubs to search for the man who attacked her. Michelle shares what finally convinced her to report the assault, how she knew her attacker the instant she saw him, and how one of the most traumatic experiences of her life led to justice, healing, and an unexpected love story. Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl McCollum introduces retired Police Chief Frank Frederickson and details his decades of law enforcement service (1:00) Frank describes the 1988 Cape Cod case and “sets the stage” before cell phones, DNA testing, cameras, and modern investigative tools (2:00) A young woman is attacked while trying to retrieve a motel key; a passerby intervenes as the attacker tries to drag her across the road (3:45) Similar assaults begin happening weekly in Barnstable and Hyannis, Massachusetts, growing more violent as the summer goes on (4:45) Michelle tells Frank she believes she will know the assailant if she sees him again (7:15) Michelle spots the man outside a Hyannis nightclub (8:00) Frank describes following the suspect until a liquor store stop gives police a reason to approach him (11:15) Michelle joins the conversation and shares how she recognized her attacker and what she remembered from the attack (15:30) Michelle recalls not wanting to report the assault, and the moment her friend convinced her that staying silent could put someone else at risk (21:30) Frank and Michelle share the unexpected turn their lives took years later Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire. Frank Frederickson is a retired chief of police with more than 45 years in law enforcement, beginning with the Yarmouth Police Department in 1977 and retiring in 2022. He has served as director of government affairs for the Massachusetts Fraternal Order of Police and as executive director of the New England Association of Chiefs of Police. Michelle Linn is a survivor whose courage helped investigators identify and arrest the man responsible for a series of sexual assaults on Cape Cod in 1988. Her decision to report, stay involved, and trust what she recognized helped bring justice for multiple victims. Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a metro Atlanta police department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than four decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing. Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023. Social Links: Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com X: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast● TikTok: @Sheryl.McCollum Sheryl’s new book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer’s Daughter, is available now wherever books are sold.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Stevie Bates Cold Case Review: Deleted Messages, Three Crime Scenes, and Who’s Still Not Talking 24.06.2026 27min

  In this follow-up episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum is joined by retired NYPD detectives Tom Smith and Dan Murphy of Gold Shields to take an investigative look at the unresolved case of Stevie Bates. After revisiting Stevie’s 2012 disappearance and the 2020 discovery of her remains in Glendale, Queens, Sheryl, Tom, and Dan discuss the key questions that remain. They examine why the deleted Facebook messages raise red flags, the legal issues surrounding a squatted property, and why the discovery of Stevie’s remains, wrapped in a blanket and disposed of five feet below ground, points to someone who knew her, knew the area, and likely had help. They also urge anyone with information, no matter how small it may seem, to come forward and help bring resolution to the case and justice for Stevie. Missed Part One? For more background on Stevie Bates’ life, disappearance, and her family’s perspective, listen to the first episode with Stevie’s cousin, Isis Jannierre: Stevie Bates Made It Back to New York. Then She Vanished Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl McCollum recaps Stevie Bates’ 2012 disappearance, her last known sighting, and the eight-year gap before her remains were found (3:45) Why unresolved cases can be especially frustrating when key investigative opportunities may have been missed (4:45) Why a warrant likely wasn’t even required for the squatted property, and what that missed window could have meant (6:00) The importance of conducting face-to-face interviews, doing street work, and reading reactions (7:15) Dan’s starting point: the boyfriend, the gap in Stevie’s timeline, and retracing her last known steps (9:00) Stevie’s relationship history, financial patterns, and the question of motive (12:45) Three crime scenes: Where Stevie was killed, how she was moved, and where her remains were found (14:15) Why working around a person of interest beats confronting them directly (16:15) Sources, leverage, and who in his circle may know more than they’ve shared (17:30) Wrapped in a blanket, buried five feet down: what the recovery scene says about planning, knowledge of the area, and who may have helped (23:00) A cold case where a long-term undercover placement finally drew out the statements investigators needed “to bring to conclusion” (25:00) Tom and Dan speak directly to anyone with information and call for a fresh NYPD cold case review Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire. Dan Murphy is a retired NYPD detective sergeant with extensive experience in homicide, major case investigations, and counterterrorism. He co-hosts the Gold Shields podcast and previously served as Chief Security Officer for U.S. Bancorp. Tom Smith is a retired NYPD detective, 2024 National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame inductee, and co-host of the Gold Shields podcast. Over 30 years with the NYPD, he worked in patrol, narcotics, robbery investigations, and the FBI/NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force. Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a metro Atlanta police department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than four decades of experience, she hasworked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing. Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023. Social Links: Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com X: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast TikTok: @Sheryl.McCollum Sheryl’s new book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer’s Daughter, is available now wherever books are sold.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Barrel Racing Horse Stabbing Case: The Evidence, the Suspect, and the Fallout 17.06.2026 28min

  In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum is joined by Caroline McCollum and Huck McCollum to talk about the case involving three horses who were stabbed during a barrel racing event at South Point Casino in Las Vegas. Caroline, a longtime horse rider and criminology student, shares her perspective on what it means to compete with and care for these animals, and how the open, trusting culture of barn life can become a vulnerability. Huck, a juvenile court intake officer and former public defender investigator, explains how a case like this may move through the justice system, including mental health evaluations, prior behavior, and the role social media could play. Together, they look at the trauma this leaves on both riders and horses, the security gaps it exposes, and why animal cruelty cases raise concerns about future violence. Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl McCollum welcomes Caroline and Huck McCollum to Zone 7 and introduces the Las Vegas horse stabbing case (1:00) Three horses, Sully, Detail, and Rocket, are stabbed at South Point Casino and police quickly identify a suspect (3:15) Caroline and Huck bring their own field experience, from horse riding and juvenile court to wildlife forensic training (4:30) Inside the open, social world of competitive riding and why barn access can create security concerns (6:15) Caroline weighs in on animal cruelty as a possible red flag for deeper behavioral concerns (7:30) Huck explains why police withheld the suspect’s name and how being weeks away from turning 18 could affect the case (8:15) Mental health history, school records, prior behavior, and what juvenile court may examine (9:45) The “crush theory” and how months of messages may point to fixation before the attack (13:45) Premeditation, the suspected weapon, and the suspect’s actions after leaving the barn (16:45) Caroline explains why the placement of the wounds matters and how close the horses came to dying (19:30) The permanence of social media, including how posts, messages, and saved chats could help investigators understand the suspect’s behavior (24:45) What this case may change for barn access, event credentials, cameras, and future horse show security Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire. Caroline McCollum is a criminology student, longtime horse rider, and lifelong volunteer with the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute. She has also trained with the Wildlife Forensic Academy in South Africa and volunteers with the Wildlife CSI Academy. Huck McCollum is a former public defender investigator and current juvenile court intake officer. He has trained with the Wildlife Forensic Academy in South Africa and volunteers with the Wildlife CSI Academy. Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a metro Atlanta police department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than four decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing. Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023. Social Links: Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com X: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast TikTok: @Sheryl.McCollum Sheryl’s new book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer’s Daughter, is available now wherever books are sold.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Law Enforcement in the Wilds | Ed Newcomer & Tony Latham 10.06.2026 27min

  In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum is joined by former U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agent Ed Newcomer and retired Idaho Fish and Game conservation officer Tony Latham for a look at the danger, isolation, and critical work of wildlife law enforcement. They discuss the murders of Idaho game warden Bill Pogue and Conley Elms by Claude Dallas, the cold case of Art Teed, an Idaho game warden who disappeared in 1934 while investigating illegal deer kills, and the family memory that helped bring answers to Idaho’s oldest cold murder case nearly 90 years later. Ed also explains how wildlife crimes can connect to broader criminal enterprises, how wildlife officers became part of the Christopher Dorner manhunt, and what listeners can expect from the new wolf-focused season of Nature’s Secret Service, where wolf recovery, poaching investigations, and the politics of conservation collide. Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl McCollum opens Zone 7 with the danger and isolation of wildlife law enforcement before welcoming guests Ed Newcomer and Tony Latham (2:45) Why wildlife crimes are often connected to broader criminal activity (4:00) Tony recounts the murders of Idaho game wardens Bill Pogue and Conley Elms by Claude Dallas (7:00) How the Christopher Dorner manhunt unexpectedly intersected with California wildlife officers (11:45) The 1934 disappearance of Idaho game warden Art Teed (13:30) Art Teed’s locked vehicle, uneaten lunch, and the massive search that followed his disappearance (15:15) The false report that shifted the case and left Art Teed’s family without answers for generations (17:15) Karen Downing reads a local newspaper and connects a family story to Art Teed’s murder (19:00) George Pentland, two child witnesses, and the family accounts that finally helped close Idaho’s oldest cold murder case (21:45) Ed previews the wolf-focused season of Nature’s Secret Service and the controversy around wolf recovery (26:30) Sheryl closes with Theodore Roosevelt’s words on the courage and hardiness of game protectors Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire. Ed Newcomer is a former special agent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, where he spent more than 20 years investigating wildlife trafficking and other wildlife crimes. He is the host of Nature’s Secret Service, a true crime podcast focused on wildlife law enforcement, poaching, trafficking, and the officers who protect wild animals and plants. Tony Latham is a retired Idaho Fish and Game conservation officer and regional investigator who worked on overt and covert wildlife crime investigations, including cases involving the illegal killing of Idaho’s big game. He is the author of A Case So Cold: The Murder of an Idaho Game Warden, which examines the 1934 murder of Idaho game warden Art Teed. Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a metro Atlanta police department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than four decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing. Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023. Social Links: Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com X: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast TikTok: @Sheryl.McCollum Sheryl’s new book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer’s Daughter, is available now wherever books are sold.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Stevie Bates Made It Back to New York. Then She Vanished 03.06.2026 30min

  In 2012, 19-year-old Stevie Bates vanished after calling her mother from a Greyhound bus during a layover in Pittsburgh; she made it back to New York but never made it home. Eight years later, her skeletal remains were discovered wrapped in a blanket at an abandoned house in Queens, the same property where her boyfriend had reportedly been squatting. In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum welcomes Stevie’s cousin, Isis Jannierre, to discuss who Stevie was, what her family believed from the beginning, and why the case still raises questions about the timeline, suspect behavior, lost investigative time, lost evidence, and the people who may still know what happened. Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl McCollum opens Zone 7 with Stevie Bates’ 2012 disappearance, her final call home, and the Port Authority sighting that confirmed she made it back to New York (1:15) Isis Jannierre joins Zone 7 to establish Stevie’s victimology through the eyes of her family (2:30) Who Stevie was: a gifted student, creative thinker, devoted daughter, and young woman with aspirations (5:15) Hunter College, Occupy Wall Street, and the independent life Stevie was building before she vanished (6:45) Eight years later, Stevie’s skeletal remains are found wrapped in a blanket at an abandoned property in Glendale, Queens (7:30) Why Stevie’s family never believed she intentionally disappeared (11:45) Decomposition, lost evidence, and the unresolved questions of how Stevie died (12:30) Isis pushes back on the drug-use theory and explains Stevie’s role in Brandon Klosterman’s life (15:30) Stevie’s plan to collect her belongings, the end of the relationship, and the family’s working theory (16:45) Deleted messages, squatting, and behavior that raised questions around Brandon Klosterman (25:00) The location of Stevie’s remains raises new questions about missing crime scenes, lost witnesses, and who may still know the truth (28:30) Sheryl presses for the answers Stevie’s family deserves: a clearer timeline, a confirmed alibi, and an explanation for the deleted messages Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire. Isis Jannierre is the cousin of Stevie Bates and joins Zone 7 to help bring renewed attention to Stevie’s unresolved case and encourage anyone with information to come forward. Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a metro Atlanta police department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than four decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing. Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023. Social Links: Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com● X: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast TikTok: @Sheryl.McCollum Sheryl’s new book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer’s Daughter, is available now wherever books are sold.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Diane Whipple Case: The Fatal Dog Mauling That Changed California Law 27.05.2026 33min

  Bestselling true crime author and investigative journalist Aphrodite Jones returns to Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum to discuss her book Dog O’ War and the fatal 2001 dog mauling of Diane Whipple in San Francisco. Drawing on her extensive reporting on the case, Aphrodite details the connections to the Aryan Brotherhood, the Presa Canario dogs Bane and Hera, and the attorneys whose relationship with an incarcerated gang member helped bring the dangerous animals into a Pacific Heights apartment building. Sheryl and Aphrodite also discuss the prior warning signs, the legal fight over owner responsibility, and the concept of implied malice murder that became central to Marjorie Knoller’s conviction. Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl McCollum welcomes Aphrodite Jones back to Zone 7 (1:45) Dog O’ War and the unusual connections behind the Diane Whipple case (2:30) Aphrodite introduces Diane Whipple, a 33-year-old woman killed outside her San Francisco apartment (4:15) Sharon Smith’s wrongful death fight and the legal impact of Diane’s death (6:45) Presa Canario dogs, Paul Schneider, and the Aryan Brotherhood dog-breeding scheme (10:00) Janet’s farm, escalating warning signs, and dogs that could not be controlled (13:30) Marjorie Knoller and Robert Noel bring Bane and Hera into their Pacific Heights apartment building (15:45) Prior attacks, ignored warning signs, and the record of dangerous behavior before Diane’s death (21:15) Marjorie Knoller’s response after the attack and the neighbor who called 911 (25:00) 40 reported incidents become key evidence in the dangerous dog hearing (26:00) What prosecutors had to prove to argue implied malice murder (32:45) Sheryl closes with a passage from Aphrodite Jones’ Dog O’ War Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire. Aphrodite Jones is a bestselling true crime author, television personality, and victims’ rights advocate whose work has inspired films and television projects. She created the Investigation Discovery series True Crime with Aphrodite Jones, which ran for six seasons, and has covered major trials, including O.J. Simpson, Casey Anthony, Scott Peterson, Michael Jackson, and El Chapo Guzman. Aphrodite Jones’ book Dog O’ War, about the dog mauling of Diane Whipple, is available now wherever books are sold. Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a metro Atlanta police department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than four decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing. Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023. Social Links: Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com X: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast TikTok: @Sheryl.McCollum Sheryl’s new book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer’s Daughter, is available now wherever books are sold.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Heart Behind the Badge: Eric McCants on Leadership and Service 20.05.2026 26min

  In this week’s episode of Zone 7, Sergeant Eric McCants joins Sheryl McCollum to talk about leadership, community policing, and the mindset required to serve well in high-pressure environments. He discusses the importance of communication, building community trust, getting out of the patrol car, and knowing the people you serve before a crisis ever happens. Eric also addresses first responder mental health, the trauma that can linger after difficult calls, and why asking for help is not weakness but part of staying healthy enough to keep showing up for others. Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl McCollum welcomes Eric McCants to Zone 7 (1:45) Leadership as impact, not title, and learning that not everyone leads the same way (4:15) “You versus you,” Extreme Ownership, and focusing on what you can control (7:15) Policing the Masters in Augusta and managing the large crowds, traffic, and public safety (8:45) Crime suppression, crisis intervention, and the realities of proactive policing (10:15) Why some people need accountability, while others need help, direction, or a second chance (13:30) Communication, rapport, and why the best officers know how to talk to people (14:45) Why getting out of the patrol car can build trust and help solve cases (18:15) Eric’s 12 Day Mindset Program and the power of writing goals down (22:45) First responder trauma, therapy, and knowing when to ask for help (25:45) Final reflections on leadership, service, and Sheryl’s closing quote from John Quincy Adams Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire. Sergeant Eric McCants serves with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, where his leadership is rooted in accountability, communication, and community trust. His career has included work in campus safety, school resource policing, crime suppression, special operations, and federal task force operations with the U.S. Marshals Service. Eric is a certified instructor, speaker, mentor, and creator of the 12 Day Mindset Program, which focuses on resilience, personal ownership, and service with purpose. Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a metro Atlanta police department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than four decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing. Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023. Social Links: Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com X: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast TikTok: @Sheryl.McCollum Sheryl’s new book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer’s Daughter, is available now wherever books are sold.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Ashley Willcott on Child Advocacy, Courtroom Transparency, and Honoring Captain Dr. Duanne Thompson 13.05.2026 38min

  In this week’s episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum is joined by former judge, legal analyst, and former Court TV anchor Ashley Willcott to discuss her decades-long career advocating for children in the legal system, her transition from the bench to television, and her new microformat focusing on fast, fact-based case analysis. Sheryl and Ashley also reflect on cases they have carried with them over the years including Abby and Libby in Delphi and Melissa Wolfenbarger in Atlanta. They emphasize the importance of showing up, returning to the facts, and continuing the work on behalf of victims and families. The episode closes with a tribute to the late Captain Dr. Duanne Thompson, honoring his legacy of quiet loyalty, humility, and lifelong commitment to service. Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl McCollum welcomes Ashley Willcott to Zone 7 (1:45) Court TV’s transition, Law & Crime, and the importance of cameras in the courtroom (3:30) The emotional toll of child cases on professionals (4:30) Ashley explains why child welfare became the focus of her legal career (7:15) Sheryl reflects on Ashley’s hands-on work with the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute (9:15) Why showing up, knowing your strengths, and doing the legwork can change case outcomes (11:15) Facts vs. opinions: Ashley explains how judges must separate evidence from assumptions (13:45) Ashley’s new 60-second legal updates and the need for fast, fact-based case analysis (19:30) From the bench to television Ashley’s path through child advocacy, Law & Crime, and Court TV (23:00) “Surround yourself with good”: Ashley and Sheryl discuss learning from people who make you better (25:15) The Delphi case, Abby and Libby, and why going to the scene can change how a case is understood (27:45) Melissa Wolfenbarger, returning to square one, and the importance of boots-on-the-ground cold case work (29:15) Remembering Dr. Henry Lee and the unexpected lesson that took over a crime convention classroom (31:00) Sheryl and Ashley honor Captain Dr. Duanne Thompson and his lifelong commitment to service (35:30) Sheryl shares the story of Duanne sitting in her mother-in-law’s driveway night after night (38:00) Final reflections and Sheryl’s closing quote from Captain Dr. Duanne Thompson: “You know where to find me.” Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire. Ashley Willcott is a former judge, trial attorney, mediator, and Certified Child Welfare Law Specialist with more than 20 years of experience advocating for children in the legal system. She previously served as the Governor-appointed Child Advocate for the state of Georgia before transitioning to television, becoming a trusted legal analyst and anchor known for her work with Court TV and Law & Crime. She also serves as an expert with the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute. Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a metro Atlanta police department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than four decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing. Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023. Social Links: Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com X: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast TikTok: @Sheryl.McCollum Sheryl’s new book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer’s Daughter, is available now wherever books are sold.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Nancy Guthrie Case: We Need to Start Fresh 06.05.2026 16min

  In this week’s episode of Zone 7, more than three months after Nancy Guthrie vanished, Sheryl McCollum returns to the case with one central question: what does the evidence actually prove? From the masked suspect’s behavior on camera to the blood patterns at the front door and the complete absence of credible ransom activity, she argues that the scene shows signs of staging, not a financial motive, and makes the case that investigators may need to reset and start again from the ground up. Highlights: (0:00) Welcome to Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum (0:15) The Hampton’s Whodunit event and early release of Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer (2:00) Nancy Guthrie case: “You don’t tell the evidence what happened; you let the evidence tell you.” (3:45) The critical overnight timeline: Nancy’s drop-off, camera activity, and pacemaker disconnect (5:15) Immediate red flags that point to an abduction rather than a disappearance (6:00) The masked suspect’s gear, behavior on camera, and evidence that points to one suspect, not a team (9:00) What the blood patterns at the front door reveal about the attack (11:30) Camera tampering, staging, and contradictions in the jammer theory (13:30) Key takeaways that reshape the case and call for an investigative reset Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire. Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a metro Atlanta police department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than four decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing. Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023. Social Links: Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com X: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast TikTok: @Sheryl.McCollum Preorder Sheryl’s upcoming book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer’s Daughter, releasing May 12, 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Matt Johnson's Courtroom Coverage: A Look at America's Most Complex Criminal Trials 29.04.2026 31min

  In this week’s episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum talks to Court TV correspondent Matt Johnson about what it takes to cover high-profile criminal cases and trials, from the Lori Vallow Daybell case and Rex Heuermann to Karen Read and the Delphi murders. Matt explains how deadlines, jury reactions, and the pressure of live television shape the way he turns hours of courtroom testimony into clear, accessible coverage. They discuss the public’s fascination with true crime, investigative missteps, and the emotional weight of sitting near violent offenders, including a moment when Matt says it felt as if “the devil is real, and here he is. Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl McCollum welcomes Matt Johnson to Zone 7 (2:45) Matt’s process for turning complex cases into clear, headline-driven reporting (5:45) The pressure of explaining a full case narrative in seconds on live television (7:15) Matt describes seeing Bryan Kohberger in court and the feeling of being near what he describes as “pure creep and evil” (10:00) The psychological impact of observing defendants like Lori Vallow Daybell during trial (14:30) The Delphi murders, Richard Allen, and how courtroom access, investigative gaps, and missing details shape public trust (18:15) Rex Heuermann, plea deals, and the answers families may never fully receive (20:45) Matt describes Rex Heuermann’s courtroom presence and the unsettling behavior he observed (26:00) The early cases that shaped Matt’s career, including the Turpin family case and Rebecca Zahau (29:30) Matt shares his new YouTube venture: True Crime and Justice with Matt Johnson (31:00) Sheryl closes with a Karen Read quote that captures Matt’s next chapter Guest Bio: Matt Johnson is an Emmy Award-winning crime and justice correspondent for Court TV Network covering major criminal cases and high-profile trials. He hosts the award-winning true crime podcast True Crime Deadline and recently launched True Crime and Justice with Matt Johnson on YouTube Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire. Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a metro Atlanta police department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than 4 decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing. Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023. Social Links: Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com X: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast TikTok: @Sheryl.McCollum Preorder Sheryl’s upcoming book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer’s Daughter, releasing May 12, 2026.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  When Two Investigators’ Paths Cross: Olympic Park Bombing, 9/11, and the Power of Public Tips 22.04.2026 42min

  In this week’s episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum talks with retired FBI special agent Jodene Weber about the parallels in their careers and the many times their paths nearly crossed before they officially met. Jodene reflects on the cases that shaped her years in the FBI, from piecing together the timeline of the Olympic Park bombing through crowd photographs to processing debris at the Pentagon after the 9/11 attacks. She shares what investigations of that scale demand from the people working them, and why citizen tips, careful documentation, and keen observation can make all the difference in solving a case. References & Further Reading: The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11 by Garrett M. Graff The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland by Jim DeFede The Bald-Faced Deception by Jodene Weber Come From Away Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl McCollum welcomes Jodene Weber to Zone 7, and traces the overlaps in their careers (2:45) How Nancy Drew, Patricia Cornwell, and a love of reading shaped Jodene’s investigative instincts (4:45) Why strong writing and careful documentation can make or break a case (8:30) Jodene’s journalism career and FBI recruitment story (11:45) Jodene recalls joining the Olympic Park bombing investigation (13:00) How investigators used crowd photos and the Olympic broadcast screen to build a timeline of events (15:00) NASA image enhancement, suspect details, and the Birmingham bombing tip that helped investigators identify Eric Rudolph (20:00) Citizen tips, false leads, and the kind of public memory that could help solve the Nancy Guthrie case (24:00) Sheryl recalls her sister’s diverted flight to Gander, Newfoundland, and the kindness shown to stranded passengers after 9/11 (27:30) Inside the Pentagon response: fire, debris, remains, and aircraft evidence, and the emotional weight at the scene (33:30) Jodene describes the long shifts and the exhausting rhythm of sorting through the 9/11 aftermath (35:15) The generosity shown after 9/11 in Gander and by the volunteers who supported recovery teams (39:30) Ongoing health issues tied to 9/11 exposure and Sheryl’s closing quote Guest Bio: Jodene Weber is a retired FBI agent, former journalist, author, and podcast host whose work brings together investigative experience and clear storytelling. She is the author of The Bald-Faced Deception and hosts the true crime podcast Caught In My Web. Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire. Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a Metro Atlanta Police Department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than 4 decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing. Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023. Social Links: Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com X: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast TikTok: @Sheryl.McCollum Preorder Sheryl’s upcoming book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer’s Daughter, releasing May 12, 2026.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Legend Series: Julie Grant on Prosecution, Victims’ Rights, and Justice 15.04.2026 37min

  In this week’s episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum welcomes Julie Grant for a special Legend Series conversation about her path from journalism to the courtroom and the commitment to justice that drives her today. As a former prosecutor and Court TV host, Julie discusses her advocacy for domestic violence survivors, explaining how systemic failures, including those seen in the Gabby Petito case, leave victims vulnerable. She also shares her philosophy on justice-centered prosecution, arguing that being a “minister of justice” requires the discernment to hold dangerous predators accountable while offering grace and second chances to those who have simply lost their way. Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl McCollum welcomes Julie Grant to Zone 7 and reflects on her impact in true crime media (2:15) Julie’s background in prosecution, legal journalism, teaching, and victims’ rights advocacy (9:45) The balance between journalism and law, and the path that took Julie from the newsroom to law school (13:15) What public service taught Julie about prosecution, law enforcement, and the pursuit of justice (15:30) The domestic violence cases that stayed with Julie most, her advocacy work, and the realities survivors face after they leave (22:15) How safety planning can protect victims at the most dangerous point in an abusive relationship (23:45) The Gabby Petito case, missed warning signs, and the failures that stand out (25:45) Julie’s philosophy of prosecution, second chances, and why justice is not the same as winning (29:45) A tragic Georgia case and what it reveals about intent, accountability, and prosecutorial discretion (32:00) Why future prosecutors need empathy, perspective, and a case-by-case view of justice Guest Bio: Julie Grant is a former prosecutor, Court TV host, legal journalist, and law professor at Emory Law School. She has long been an advocate for victims’ rights, including domestic violence prevention, and also serves on the faculty of the National Institute for Trial Advocacy Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire. Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a Metro Atlanta Police Department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than 4 decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing. Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023. Social Links: Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com Twitter: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast Preorder Sheryl’s upcoming book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Lessons in Life,Justice, and Joy from a Forensic Scientist, releasing May 12, 2026. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Swans-Dont-Swim-in-a-Sewer/Sheryl-Mac-McCollum/9798895652824  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  DNA 101: Understanding Forensic DNA Evidence with Lab Director Suzanna Ryan 08.04.2026 33min

  In this week’s episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum talks with forensic DNA expert Suzanna Ryan about how powerful DNA evidence can be and why it is so often misunderstood. They discuss how DNA is analyzed, how touch DNA and mixtures can complicate a case, and how newer tools like genetic genealogy and next-generation sequencing are changing the field. Using the Nancy Guthrie case as an example, Suzanna and Sheryl also explain how private forensic labs can support complex investigations, where their role differs from the FBI, and how CODIS limitations can shape the process. Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl McCollum welcomes Suzanna Ryan to Zone 7 (2:30) The four basic steps of DNA analysis and how evidence is processed in the lab (3:45) The Nancy Guthrie case, private lab testing, and why sending evidence outside the FBI is not a red flag (7:45) What cell-free DNA is, why the term “touch DNA” can be misleading, and how secondary transfer works (9:45) DNA mixtures and how multiple contributors can be found on a single piece of evidence (14:00) Why clothing evidence should always be collected and packaged separately (15:45) How long seminal fluid can remain detectable and when Y-STR testing becomes useful (21:00) Why private labs cannot directly access CODIS, how that creates bottlenecks, and legislative changes in the works (27:30) Genetic genealogy, CODIS, and familial searching (30:15) The future of DNA analysis, including next-generation sequencing and emerging forensic tools Guest Bio: Suzanna Ryan is a forensic serologist and DNA analyst with more than two decades of experience in DNA casework, technical review, and forensic consulting. She is the laboratory director of Pure Gold Forensics and has worked in both private and public forensic laboratories throughout her career. Suzanna has been qualified and testified as an expert in forensic serology and DNA analysis more than 140 times. Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire. Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a Metro Atlanta Police Department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than 4 decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing. Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023. Social Links: Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com Twitter: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast Preorder Sheryl’s upcoming book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Lessons in Life, Justice, and Joy from a Forensic Scientist, releasing May 12, 2026. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Swans-Dont-Swim-in-a-Sewer/Sheryl-Mac-McCollum/9798895652824  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Art of Listening: Detective Mike Alcazar on Hostage Negotiation 01.04.2026 38min

  In this week’s episode of "Zone 7," retired NYPD detective Mike Alcazar joins Sheryl McCollum to talk about what hostage negotiation looks like when a scene is tense, the stakes are high, and one wrong move can change everything. Drawing on decades in law enforcement, Mike discusses the Nancy Guthrie case, explains how negotiators read people in real time, and highlights the importance of patience, trust, and teamwork. He also shares stories from the field and looks back on the path that took him from undercover work to hostage negotiation and, later, to the recovery efforts after 9/11. Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl McCollum welcomes retired NYPD detective Mike Alcazar to Zone 7 (1:00) Mike’s first reaction to the Nancy Guthrie case and why it struck him as unusual from the beginning (4:15) Information negotiators look for first: behavior, history, and possible mental-state concerns (9:00) The challenge of deciding when family can help and when they may make a crisis worse (13:30) Tension between negotiation and tactical response, and how one decision can undo hours of progress (19:30) How Mike became a negotiator and what the training process was like (23:00) A Brooklyn barricade, drone technology, and the friend who helped bring the situation to a peaceful end (29:45) Why voice, personality, and appearance can shape who a subject chooses to trust (31:15) How a sandwich from the bodega helped resolve a case (32:45) Mike looks back on becoming a detective and how 9/11 changed the course of his career (35:15) Ground Zero, recovery efforts, and the emotional toll officers carried after 9/11 Guest Bio Mike Alcazar is a retired NYPD detective with more than 30 years of service in law enforcement. During his time with the department, he worked undercover in vice, served as a hostage negotiator, and handled organized crime investigations. Mike took part in recovery efforts following the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and now serves as an adjunct professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. About the Host Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a Metro Atlanta Police Department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than 4 decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing. Her work on high-profile cases include, in part, The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, and Tupac Shakur. Her work on the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023. Social Links: Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com X: @zone7squad Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast Preorder Sheryl’s upcoming book, "Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Lessons in Life, Justice, and Joy from a Forensic Scientist," releasing May 2026 from Simon and Schuster. Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Inside the Boston Strangler Case: Casey Sherman on Mary Sullivan, Albert DeSalvo, and What Still Does Not Add Up 25.03.2026 34min

  In this week’s episode of "Zone 7," Sheryl McCollum talks with author and investigative reporter Casey Sherman about the murder of his aunt, Mary Sullivan, long believed to be the final victim of the Boston Strangler, and the lasting impact her murder had on his family. Casey explains why his family has long questioned the official story, pointing to evidence that, in his view, complicates what many people think they know about the case. Their conversation touches on DNA analysis, missing confession tapes, and alternate suspects that Casey believes raise serious questions about Albert DeSalvo’s role in the murders. Guest Bio Casey Sherman is a New York Times bestselling-author and investigative reporter known for revisiting major crimes and historic tragedies. He is the author of  "A Rose for Mary," which examines the murder of his aunt, Mary Sullivan, and the lingering questions surrounding the Boston Strangler case. About the Host  Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a Metro Atlanta Police Department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than 4 decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing. Her work on high-profile case include, in part, The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, and Tupac Shakur. McCollum’s work on the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching led to her Emmy Award for “CSI: Atlanta” and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023. Social Links: Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com X: @zone7squad Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire. Preorder Sheryl’s upcoming book, "Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Lessons in Life, Justice, and Joy from a Forensic Scientist," releasing May 2026 from Simon and Schuster.   Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl McCollum opens with the DNA dispute at the center of the Boston Strangler case (1:30) Sheryl welcomes Casey Sherman and explains why his work has changed how she views the case (7:15) Casey explains how Mary Sullivan’s murder shaped his family for generations and why his mother never accepted the official story (9:15) The missing confession tapes and the details that convinced Casey the official story didn’t hold up (11:30) Missing evidence, stolen case materials, and the long-term damage they can do to a major investigation (14:00) The DNA evidence Case says pointed to a prime suspect from 1964 and how that lead eventually took him to a golf course in northern New England (16:30) Why Casey believes the Boston Strangler case was not the work of one man and that similar killings stretched across multiple states (19:30) How sensational crime coverage in the 1960s may have helped shape false confessions (21:15) Casey’s theory that George Nassar may have helped feed DeSalvo information and why DeSalvo was never charged with the murders he confessed to (24:15) Casey on the pressure surrounding the case and why he believes too many important questions are still unanswered (27:45) F. Lee Bailey’s role in the case and the unlikely friendship that followed years later (31:30) The importance of revisiting evidence and challenging the accepted story  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.