Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum
Work a cold case alongside investigator Sheryl “Mac” McCollum, Director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute. Every week, Sheryl dives into her cold case files alongside accomplished guests to look for clues into unsolved murders, missing people, and more. This ain’t just a podcast but a war room. Sheryl opens her cold case files, her heart and her little black book! You will quickly realize Zone 7 is not a place but a lifestyle!
Episodes
Law Enforcement in the Wilds | Ed Newcomer & Tony Latham
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
Stevie Bates Made It Back to New York. Then She Vanished
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,
Diane Whipple Case: The Fatal Dog Mauling That Changed California Law
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
The Heart Behind the Badge: Eric McCants on Leadership and Service
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 addr
Ashley Willcott on Child Advocacy, Courtroom Transparency, and Honoring Captain Dr. Duanne Thompson
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&n
Nancy Guthrie Case: We Need to Start Fresh
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 stag
Matt Johnson's Courtroom Coverage: A Look at America's Most Complex Criminal Trials
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 courtro
When Two Investigators’ Paths Cross: Olympic Park Bombing, 9/11, and the Power of Public Tips
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&nb
Legend Series: Julie Grant on Prosecution, Victims’ Rights, and Justice
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
DNA 101: Understanding Forensic DNA Evidence with Lab Director Suzanna Ryan
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 Guthr
The Art of Listening: Detective Mike Alcazar on Hostage Negotiation
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 import
Inside the Boston Strangler Case: Casey Sherman on Mary Sullivan, Albert DeSalvo, and What Still Does Not Add Up
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
Inside the Case Against Kouri Richins: Nate Eaton on the Evidence Behind the Guilty Verdict
After weeks of testimony and a defense case that ended without a single witness, the jury in the Kouri Richins trial returned a guilty verdict in the death of Eric Richins. In this week’s episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum talks with investigative reporter Nate Eaton, who has been in court following the testimony, key witnesses, and the evidence surrounding Eric's death. Together, they discu
The Nancy Guthrie Investigation: Joe Giacalone on Early Errors and What Should Happen Next
When an 84-year-old woman vanishes from her home in the middle of the night, leaving behind signs of blood and a struggle, every early decision investigators make is critical. Retired NYPD sergeant Joe Giacalone returns to Zone 7 to talk with Sheryl McCollum about the Nancy Guthrie investigation and the mistakes they believe set the case back from the start. Together, they walk thro
The Derwin Brown Assassination: Dale Cardwell on Corruption, Retaliation, and Murder in DeKalb County
A late-night stop at a Dairy Queen led to one of the biggest stories of Dale Cardwell’s career. In this episode of "Zone 7," Sheryl McCollum talks with Dale about the investigation that uncovered corruption inside the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, exposed deputies working on the clock for Sidney Dorsey, and helped fuel a political shakeup that ended in the murder of Sheriff-elect Der
Crime Roundup: Inside the Zone 7 Live 10-8 Event at Manuel’s Tavern, and the 10-8 Tour Roadmap
This episode of Zone 7’s Crime Roundup captures the energy of the first stop on Sheryl McCollum’s 10-8 Tour: a packed house, a hot mic, and the kind of stories you only get when prosecutors, defense attorneys, detectives, and crime-scene folks are all sitting at the same table. With Joshua Schiffer and Franz Borghardt alongside her, Sheryl recaps an unforgettable ni
Nancy Guthrie Disappearance: Blood Evidence, Surveillance Video, and Why a Ransom Claim is Not Tracking
In this "Zone 7" special on the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, Sheryl McCollum and retired NYPD detective Tom Smith break down what a disciplined first 24 hours should have looked like, and why the public-facing story has created confusion. They walk through the biggest unanswered questions, including “unknown male DNA, ” the surveillance video, and why a classic ransom sc
Long Island Serial Killer | Trial Clock Starts Now: Rex Heuermann Headed to Court
When a judge declared that Rex Heuermann’s trial would begin after Labor Day “come hell or high water,” the Long Island Serial Killer case entered a decisive new phase. In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum is joined by journalist Laura Ingle for a boots-on-the-ground update of the Long Island Serial Killer investigation. They examine the sweeping defense omnibus m
Nancy Guthrie Missing: Blood, Bitcoin, and a Story That Doesn’t Add Up
When 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her home, investigators were quickly faced with blood evidence and ransom claims that did not align with standard abduction patterns. In this episode of "Zone 7," Sheryl McCollum, retired NYPD homicide detectives Dan Murphy and Tom Smith, and forensic pathologist Dr. Priya Banerjee assess why blood at the scene, a prolonged presence inside the home,
A Missing Teen and a High-Profile Arrest: The Evidence, Silence, and Selective Claims with Guest Lauren Conlin
An active investigation into the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez has left the public with a timeline, a Tesla, and an extensive list of unanswered questions. In this episode of "Zone 7," Sheryl McCollum is joined by journalist Lauren Conlin to review what has been said publicly about Celeste’s initial classification as a runaway, her connections to older individuals, and why the
Louvre Royal Jewels Heist: How Thieves Pulled Off an Eight-Minute Museum Hit
In broad daylight on October 19, 2025, thieves dressed as construction workers targeted the Louvre and vanished with $100 million in royal jewels in about eight minutes. In this episode of "Zone 7," Sheryl McCollum is joined by former jewel thief Bryan Sobolewski to lay out exactly how a heist like this gets pulled off, what mistakes crews make when the clock is ticking, and why modern forensics c
New Claims Suggest the Black Dahlia and Zodiac Murders Are Connected
The LAPD’s most famous cold case, the Black Dahlia, has haunted headlines for generations, and a renewed wave of speculation now argues she was killed by the same person who later called himself the Zodiac. In this episode of "Zone 7," Sheryl McCollum is joined by forensic pathologist Dr. Priya Banerjee and forensic psychologist Dr. Joni Johnston to put that theory to the test. The
The Zone 7 Hall of Fame! Maurice Edwards on Fighting Human Trafficking: The Victim-First Approach
Human trafficking investigations rarely look like abduction stories, and the biggest failures often start with a single mistake: mislabeling the victim. In this Hall of Fame Series installment of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum is joined by Maurice Edwards, a 2023 National Law Enforcement Officer Hall of Fame inductee. Together, they clarify what trafficking looks like in the United States, 
Colonial Parkway Murders Update: New DNA Links and the CODIS Question
Nearly four decades after the Colonial Parkway murders first shocked Virginia, new DNA links have expanded the known scope of the case while raising questions about investigative accountability. In this episode of "Zone 7," Sheryl McCollum is joined by Bill Thomas, whose sister Cathy Thomas was one of the original victims, and Kristin Dilley, his long-time investigative partner and co-ho
She Never Came Home: The Lonnie Rogers Cold Case and a 44-Year Search for Truth
In January 1981, during a severe winter storm, Lonene “Lonnie” Rogers disappeared from her home in rural Pennsylvania, leaving behind her children, her car, and no clear explanation for how she could have survived the conditions. In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum speaks with Lonnie’s daughter, Alison Duiker, about the final hours before the disappearance,
Murder in the Shadow of the White House: Dr. Sunny Slaughter on the D.C. Ambush
Just blocks from the White House, a quiet act of service ended in tragedy. Two young National Guard members were ambushed; one was killed instantly, and another was left in critical condition. This week on Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum welcomes Dr. Sunny Slaughter to reflect on what happened that day and what it reveals about leadership, language, and the power of restraint. Together
Coming 2026 on Zone 7...
Sheryl briefs us on Zone 7 news for the New Year!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Winter Break Turned Tragic: The Day Violence Struck Brown University
At 4:22 p.m. on what should have been an ordinary December afternoon, gunfire erupted inside the engineering building at Brown University. Students preparing for final exams found themselves barricaded in classrooms as text alerts warned, “Hide. Stay where you are. Silence your phone.” This week on Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum and retired FBI Special Agent Scott Duffey r
The Search, the Lies, and the Verdict: Justice for Ana Walshe
The verdict is in: Brian Walshe has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Anna Walshe. This week on "Zone 7," Sheryl McCollum is joined by Dani, creator and host of "Dani After Dark." The two revisit the Brian Walshe trial, where months of evidence, emotion, and courtroom drama culminated in a single word: guilty. From the disturbing Google searches to the cash-on
Seven Overdose at Providence College House Party: Pathology with Dr. Priya
From college dorms to quiet suburbs, fentanyl's reach no longer fits a stereotype. This week on Pathology with Dr. Priya, a Zone 7 series, Sheryl McCollum and Dr. Priya Banerjee confront the reality of a Providence College house party that nearly claimed seven young lives. Together they discussed the chemistry, economics, and criminal psychology behind modern synthetic drugs, showin
Sean 'Diddy' Combs’ Special Treatment in Prison | NBA Stars Caught in a Gambling Web
The empire is gone, but the influence remains. This week on "Zone 7," Sheryl McCollum and journalist Lauren Conlin discuss Sean “Diddy” Combs’ life inside federal prison, from coveted assignments and rule violations to the month of good time he lost. Drawing on her extensive coverage from jury selection to sentencing, Lauren explains how Diddy's actions inside prison expose the d
Procedural Chaos: Inside the Mangione Hearing That’s Putting Police Training on Trial
In this week’s Crime Roundup, Sheryl McCollum and Joshua Schiffer Break down the federal hearing surrounding Luigi Mangione, the suspect accused of assassinating UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in December 2024. What started as a five-day manhunt has transformed into an instructive case, complete with missed warrants, coached testimony, and evidence on the verge of being thrown
The Teacher Found in Her Van: Laura Ingle on the Murder of Cherilyn Hawkley
During Halloween weekend of 1993, a 34-year-old teacher and mother of three, Cherilyn Hawkley, vanished from Granite Bay, California. Two days later, her body was discovered inside her minivan, less than a mile from the school where she taught fifth grade. In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum and Laura Ingle revisit the case that shocked the community, retracing the timeline,
Pathology with Dr. Priya | Death by a Thousand Cuts: The Cruel Science of Slow Deaths
Content Warning: This episode discusses eating disorders, starvation, and medical neglect. Listener discretion is advised. This week on Pathology with Dr. Priya, a Zone 7 series, Sheryl McCollum and Dr. Priya Banerjee look at some of the most painful and complex ways a body can fail, from starvation and radiation exposure to delayed deaths that can take years to claim a life. Dr. Pr
Courtroom Secrets, Tattoo Clues, and a Cruise Ship Death Under Federal Investigation
Just when you think it’s safe to step back into the courtroom, another week proves otherwise. On this episode of Crime Roundup, Sheryl McCollum and Joshua Schiffer dig into the newly released Karen Read transcripts that reveal what really happened behind the bench, the face-tattooed suspect raising eyebrows in the Celeste Rivas investigation, and a cruise ship death now under
Missing on Mother’s Day: Joe Giacalone on the Clues and Contradictions in the Susan Morphew Case
On Mother’s Day 2020, Susan Morphew vanished from her Colorado home, leaving behind a community full of questions and loved ones searching for answers. In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum sits down with retired NYPD Sergeant and cold case expert Joe Giacalone to revisit the investigation, the early red flags, and the clues that continue to raise quesions, from the discovery
Pathology with Dr. Priya | Recreating a Cold Case Scene to Test the Story
A photograph can provide documentation but can’t tell the whole story. This week on Pathology with Dr. Priya, a Zone 7 series, Dr. Priya Banerjee joins Sheryl McCollum to share why revisiting a cold-case scene, sometimes decades later, can completely shift an investigation. When she traveled for hours to inspect an identical car tied to a cold case, she discovered details impo
9/11 Families vs. Saudi Arabia: The fight for Truth and Justice
Some moments divide life into a before and after. For Terry Strada, that moment came on the morning of September 11, 2001, when her husband, Tom, called her from the North Tower after the first plane struck. In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum speaks with Terry about the phone calls, the hours of not knowing, and the reality of raising their three children in the wake of
Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Routine Repair. A Live Wire. A Fatal Shock.
Electrocution can be silent and sudden, leaving few external signs and limited clues without careful investigation. This week on Pathology with Dr. Priya, a Zone 7 series, Sheryl McCollum and Dr. Priya Banerjee explain how electrical current travels through the body, why the heart can stop in an instant, and what pathologists look for at the entry and exit points of a shock. They di
Who Gets to Profit From Murder? Kohberger, 'Murderabilia,' and a Headless Case
We are living in a time when crime does not stop at the courtroom. It continues in the headline, on social media, and in the public’s imagination. This week on Crime Roundup, Sheryl McCollum and Joshua Schiffer discuss the laws that prevent offenders from profiting off their crimes and why cases like Bryan Kohberger’s continue to test those boundaries. They talk about the world of murd
Danger, Duty, and the Badge: Detective Tom Smith’s Story
Day after day, case after case, Tom Smith returned to the job with a clear sense of purpose: protect, respond, and stand with the people beside him. On this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum talks with the retired NYPD detective about the path that led him from patrol work to the Joint Terrorism Task Force and ultimately, to a lifetime of service recognized at the national level. Tom shares how h
Shocking Forensic Twist: Inside the Reopened Pauline Pusser Murder Case (Part 2)
For more than fifty years, the official story stood unchallenged. Modern forensic science is now putting it to the test. In 1967, Sheriff Buford Pusser and his wife, Pauline, were ambushed on a rural Tennessee road, an attack that inspired the basis for the "Walking Tall" films. In part two, Sheryl McCollum continues her conversation with Mike Elam, Jason White, Dennis Hathcock, and Danny Cupples,
Poisoned by Love: The Eye-Drop Murder of a Retired Police Chief
No one suspected that the woman he had trusted for decades was quietly planning his death. This week on Pathology with Dr. Priya, a "Zone 7" series, Sheryl McCollum and Dr. Priya Banerjee discuss the case of Marcy Oglesby, who, over several months, secretly mixed over-the-counter eye drops into Young's food and drinks. When his body was later discovered inside a storage unit, toxicology revealed l
New Eyewitness Testimony Laid Bare: The Ambush That Killed Pauline Pusser (Part 1 of 2))
In 1967, an ambush on a quiet Tennessee road left Sheriff Buford Pusser wounded and his wife, Pauline, killed. Decades later, new investigative forces have taken a fresh look at the case. In part one of a three-part investigative series, Sheryl McCollum brings back author and researcher Mike Elam, veteran homicide detective Jason White, eyewitness Dennis Hathcock, and former death investigator Dan
The Ellen Greenberg Case : Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Zone 7 Series , Part 2
This week on Pathology with Dr. Priya, a Zone 7 series, Sheryl McCollum and Dr. Priya Banerjee continue their forensic review of the 2011 death of Ellen Greenberg, a young woman found with more than twenty stab wounds in her Philadelphia apartment. Picking up where part one left off, Dr. Priya discusses the two critical stab wounds that penetrated Ellen's brain stem and spinal cord; injuries she b
Hoax Kidnapping Sparks Chaos: What Really Happened in Florida
It starts with a single message: “I’ve been taken.” Within minutes, panic spreads, officers mobilize, and fear grips an entire community. But what if the whole thing is a lie? In this week's episode of Crime Roundup, Sheryl McCollum and Joshua Schiffer explore the rise of modern hoaxes, from a Florida teen’s fake abduction to the mysterious disappearance of a Cobb County de
Undercover with the Real Donnie Brasco: Joe Pistone
Behind every major shift in American law enforcement is someone willing to risk it all. In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum speaks with retired FBI Special Agent Joe Pistone, better known as Donnie Brasco. His six-year infiltration of the Mafia redefined undercover work and exposed key figures within the Bonanno and Colombo families. Pistone reflects on the danger, isolation, and moral weig
The Ellen Greenberg Case : Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Zone 7 Series , Part 1
This week on Pathology with Dr. Priya, a Zone 7 series, Sheryl McCollum and Dr. Priya Banerjee begin a two-part forensic review of the 2011 death of Ellen Greenberg, a young woman found with more than twenty stab wounds in her Philadelphia apartment. Despite the severity and location of her injuries, Ellen’s death was ruled a suicide not once but twice. In part one, Dr. Priya walks listeners
Wildlife CSI Academy at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park - Panel Discussion
Sometimes the most powerful lessons in justice come from the most unexpected places. In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum joins retired FBI agent Scott Duffey and retired NYPD Sergeant Joseph Giacalone for the first-ever Wildlife CSI Academy at Pennsylvania's Lake Tobias Wildlife Park. Surrounded by giraffes, kangaroos, and a sloth named Chewy, they reflect on how working beside endang
Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Zone 7 Series: The Real Dangers Medical Examiners Face
Before a body is ever opened, a medical examiner must consider what dangers might be waiting inside: fentanyl, tuberculosis or even a hidden needle. This week on Pathology with Dr. Priya, a Zone 7 series, Sheryl McCollum and Dr. Priya Banerjee share stories from their recent visit to Lake Tobias Wildlife Park. There, they took part in Wildlife CSI training, a hands-on blend of forensic education a
Crime Roundup | Name, Image & Likeness, AI Deepfakes, and the Legal Minefield of Public Identity
In this week's Crime Roundup, Sheryl McCollum and Joshua Schiffer discuss one of the most urgent and misunderstood frontiers in criminal law: who owns your identity in the age of AI? From celebrities digitally resurrected without consent to student-athletes blocked from profiting off their own names, Sheryl and Joshua expose the legal chaos surrounding name, image, and likeness (NIL). They share r
The Photo, the Killer, and the Woman Who Got Away - Georgia Durante
In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum welcomes back Georgia Durante, whose remarkable life story took another unbelievable turn. While watching a true crime documentary, Georgia did not expect to see her photograph among evidence connected to convicted serial killer Joseph Naso. Sheryl and Georgia discuss how that moment unfolded, how it ties to the unsolved “Alphabet Killer” case
The Delphi Murders | "Shadow of the Bridge" with Áine Cain & Kevin Greenlee
In February 2017, teenagers Liberty German and Abigail Williams were murdered while walking in the woods near Delphi, Indiana. The next day, their bodies were discovered, and investigators revealed that Liberty had recorded a brief video of the suspect ordering the girls to “go down the hill.” After years of speculation, dead ends, and online conspiracy theories, the 2022 arrest of loc
Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Zone 7 Series: Listener Q&A
This week’s episode of Pathology with Dr. Priya, a Zone 7 series, is all about your questions on the science behind death investigation. Together, Sheryl McCollum and Dr. Priya Banerjee take on the topics that listeners are most curious about, from family rights and religious objections to what autopsies can and cannot reveal. They also dispel misconceptions about embalming, toxicology, and
Crime Roundup | Celeste Rivas Murder, Diddy in Court, and the Mann Act
On this episode of Crime Roundup, Sheryl McCollum and Joshua Schiffer return to break down the week’s most talked-about legal and criminal cases. They begin with new developments in the Celeste Revis investigation, where digital footprints, fake ID's, and silence from those who should have spoken up paint a grim picture of what may have happened. Sheryl and Joshua examine the forensic limita
The Celeste Rivas Hernandez Case | Runaway Found Dead in Tesla Trunk
In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum is joined by attorney Joshua Schiffer to examine the case of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Celeste, a runaway, was found decomposing in the trunk of an abandoned Tesla registered to a rising star named David. They review what is currently known about the investigation and discuss the disturbing connections between Celeste and David, including their
NYPOSTcast: A brand new daily podcast by the New York Post
Start your day with the news only the New York Post can deliver, with their brand-new daily podcast, NYPOSTcast. From the iconic newspaper that pulls no punches, you’ll get the headlines you need and the stories you want. Every episode includes a deep dive into a headline impacting your world plus, the Post’s signature mix of politics, business, pop culture, true crime, and everything
A Body in the Trunk | Pathology with Dr. Priya - A Zone 7 Series:
This week on Pathology with Dr. Priya, a Zone 7 series, Dr. Priya Banerjee and Sheryl McCollum walk through a case that’s captured national attention—the discovery of a missing teenager’s body in the trunk of a car linked to a rising music star. From decomposition and dismemberment, to teeth, tattoos, and tech, Dr. Priya breaks down how identification works when the body is sever
Crime Roundup: Fact and Fiction From Charlie Kirk's Assassination
This week on Crime Roundup, former Secret Service agent Jim Rathmann joins Sheryl McCollum to examine the assassination of Charlie Kirk and what it reveals about growing security threats in the United States. Using his protection and weapons expertise, Rathmann walks through the timeline of the attack, analyzes the shooter’s behavior, and highlights security failures that left both the speak
The Olympic Park Bombing Part 4 | Fallon Stubbs on Remembering Alice Hawthorne
In Part 4 of the Olympic Park bombing series, Sheryl McCollum talks with Fallon Stubbs about her mother, Alice Hawthorne. Fallon recalls Alice’s influence as a devoted mother and businessperson, and the way she uplifted those around her. She shares memories of leaders who visited her in the hospital after the bombing and reflects on carrying Alice’s words, spirit, and legacy into her o
Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Zone 7 Series: What Goes In Must Come Out
Content Warning: This episode contains graphic discussion of sexual behavior, bodily insertions, foreign objects, and autoerotic asphyxiation. Listener discretion is advised. Returning from CrimeCon 2025, Dr. Priya Banerjee and Sheryl McCollum open this episode with reflections on the people who moved them, the cold cases that stopped them in their tracks, and the power of connection in the
Crime Roundup | Charlie Kirk Shooting, Free Speech, and Reflections from CrimeCon
In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, Sheryl McCollum and Joshua Schiffer use this week’s Crime Roundup to reflect on political violence, the First Amendment, and what it means to live in a divided country. The explore the power and limits of the First Amendment, the risks faced by judges and public figures, and how moments of unity like those following 9/11 have become harder t
The Olympic Park Bombing Part 3 | Dana Jewell on Richard Jewell’s Life and Legacy
In Part 3 of the Olympic Park bombing series, Sheryl McCollum talks with Dana Jewell about her husband’s life before, during, and after the bombing. Dana shares what Richard endured during “88 days of hell,” the paranoia and betrayal that followed, and how lawsuits, illness, and media attacks shaped his final years. She remembers his love of law enforcement, the toll of nightmare
Crime Roundup | Donna Adelson Trial, Cardi B’s Testimony, and Kentucky Newborn Death Case
Sheryl McCollum and Joshua Schiffer dig into three high-profile legal cases making headlines this week on Crime Roundup. They break down the Donna Adelson murder-for-hire trial, where Sheryl calls out the “mob movie nonsense” as the defense scrambles to explain taped jail calls and handwritten notes. They revisit Cardi B’s courtroom appearance, where her unfiltered language and d
The Olympic Park Bombing Part 2 | Kent Alexander on Justice and Richard Jewell
In Part 2 of the Olympic Park bombing series, Sheryl McCollum talks with Kent Alexander, who served as U.S. Attorney during the investigation. Alexander recalls the tense hours after the blast, the FBI and media’s rush to label Richard Jewell a suspect, and the non-target letter that cleared him. He also explains how Eric Rudolph became the focus, what investigators learned from the case, an
Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Zone 7 Series: Aftermath — The Forensics of a School Shooting
Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of a recent school shooting involving children, including descriptions of trauma, autopsy procedures, and emotional reactions. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode, Dr. Priya Banerjee and Sheryl McCollum respond to the devastating school shooting in Minneapolis that claimed the lives of two young students and injured many others.
Crime Roundup | Cardi B Lawsuit Testimony, Karen Read Case Update & A.J. Scott Verdict
This week on Crime Roundup, Sheryl McCollum and Joshua Schiffer tackle a courtroom moment that has everyone talking: Cardi B’s bold, unscripted testimony in a civil trial that underscores the power of authenticity on the stand. They revisit the Karen Read case, where Trooper Proctor is fighting to regain his badge despite a misconduct scandal that may have ended his creditability as a w
The Olympic Park Bombing Part 1 | Eyewitness Account with Irv Brandt
In this first episode of a multi-part Zone 7 series on the 1996 Olympic Park bombing, CSI Sheryl McCollum talks with her longtime colleague Irv Brandt, a former Atlanta police officer and U.S. marshal. Brandt was on duty when the bomb exploded in Centennial Park. He recalls pulling the injured to safety, protecting bomb evidence, and witnessing the moment security guard Richard Jewell went from he
Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Zone 7 Series: Anatomy of an Autopsy
Content Warning: This episode contains graphic descriptions of internal autopsy procedures, causes of death, and discussions of trauma, drug use, and infectious diseases. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode, Dr. Priya and Sheryl McCollum go beneath the skin to examine what internal findings reveal about how someone lived and what ultimately caused their death. From the first incision t
Crime Roundup | Kentucky Judge Scandal & Kohberger’s Prison Claims
This week on Crime Roundup, Sheryl McCollum and Joshua Schiffer dive into an explosive scandal out of rural Kentucky, where the murder of Judge Kevin Mullins has exposed a hidden world of courthouse corruption, sex-for-favors, and alleged misconduct at nearly every level of the local justice system. With reports of mirrored ceilings, sex parties, and jailhouse encounters involving law enforcement
The Serial Killer’s Apprentice: Revisiting Wayne Henley Jr. Case and Dean Corll
In this episode of Zone 7, CSI Sheryl McCollum welcomes back Dr. Katherine Ramsland and Tracy Ullman to discuss the release of their documentary The Serial Killer’s Apprentice. This two-hour film revisits the chilling case of Elmer Wayne Henley Jr. and Dean Corll, blending archival footage, exclusive interviews, and rare audio recordings. Dr. Ramsland and Ullman share behind-the-scenes
Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Zone 7 Series: Jewelry, Tattoos, and the Stories They Tell
A skeleton in the woods. A decade-old missing persons case. No clothing, no wallet—just scattered bones, a handgun, and one unusual clue: a custom brass belt buckle engraved with an eagle. It was the one thing friends and family could describe without hesitation, and it was all Dr. Priya Banerjee needed to confirm an identity and bring long-awaited closure. In this episode, Dr. Priya Banerje
Crime Roundup with Sheryl McCollum and Joshua Schiffer | Gerry Spence’s Legacy, A Prosecutor on the Stand, and the Melissa Wolfenbarger Case
This week on Crime Roundup, Sheryl McCollum and Joshua Schiffer celebrate the life of courtroom legend Gerry Spence, the man who never lost a civil case and built a law school on a Wyoming mountaintop. They also examine the downfall of a prosecutor whose time in the spotlight proved swagger is not a winning strategy. Finally, Sheryl shares an update on the Melissa Wolfenbarger case she has worked
Poisoned Meatballs and Wolf Justice | Special Agent Ed Newcomer
A Special Agent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for over 20 years, Ed Newcomer worked in Los Angeles in a variety of international posts before retiring in 2022. During his career, he conducted numerous high-profile international wildlife trafficking investigations involving every continent, including Antarctica, and is known for bringing down some of our planet's most notorious wildlife c
Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Zone 7 Series: What Clothes Reveal About the Crime
Sometimes the story is in the fabric, not the flesh—and in the right hands, clothing can speak volumes about a death investigation. In this episode, Dr. Priya Banerjee joins Sheryl McCollum to explore how clothing can hold vital clues in a death investigation. From the first look at a scene to the autopsy table, they reveal how stains, textures, odors, and damage can tell a story the body al
Crime Roundup with Sheryl McCollum and Joshua Schiffer | Devil’s Den Murders, Missed Warnings & Predators in Plain Sight
This week on Crime Roundup, Sheryl McCollum and Joshua Schiffer unpack the devastating double homicide at Devil’s Den State Park in Arkansas. They examine how predators gain access to children, the red flags that went unheeded, and why state parks can serve as both sanctuaries and stages for violence. With a mix of legal insight and forensic perspective, Sheryl and Joshua explore the psychol
Solving the 1979 Murder of Kathy Halle with M-Vac DNA | Jared Bradley of M-Vac Systems
Jared Bradley is the president of M-Vac Systems, a cutting-edge forensic DNA collection company helping law enforcement solve cold cases once thought unsolvable. A military veteran and host of the podcast All Things Crime, Jared is a global leader in touch DNA recovery. He has worked with investigators around the world to identify suspects, exonerate the innocent, and bring long-awaited closure to
Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Zone 7 Series: When Families Deserve More
For Dr. Priya, the autopsy is just the beginning. What happens next can change everything for the families left behind. In this episode, Dr. Priya Banerjee joins Sheryl McCollum, to examine a side of autopsies that rarely makes headlines: the profound responsibility of communicating with families. Dr. Priya reflects on the power of empathy in the autopsy suite, the deep importance of walking famil
CRU with Sheryl McCollum and Joshua Schiffer | Property Battles, Bond Denials & the Seatbelt Clue
This week on Crime Roundup, Sheryl McCollum and Joshua Schiffer connect the dots between courtroom outcomes and the quiet ways the system keeps punishing people anyway. From post-verdict property battles to pretrial detention games and overlooked red-flags, they expose the slow grind of justice—and the real lives caught in its gears. Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl checks in from the field
(Part 2) Witness, Pressure, and the Fantasy That Broke Him — Sharay Hayes on the Cost of Telling the Truth
Sharay “Punisher” Hayes is a former professional dancer and author who found himself at the center of one of the year’s most high-profile cases — testifying in the civil trial against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. His story goes beyond the headlines, revealing how fantasy, silence, and shame can trap men just as deeply as violence and power can trap women. Fol
