Stay ConnectedNancy Grace dives deep into the day’s most shocking crimes and asks the tough questions in her new daily podcast – Crime Stories with Nancy Grace. Nancy Grace had a perfect conviction record during her decade as a prosecutor and used her TV show to find missing people, fugitives on the run and unseen clues. Now, she will use the power of her huge social media following and the immediacy of the internet to deliver daily bombshells!
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Author and investigative reporter Casey Sherman long believed his aunt, Mary Sullivan was the final victim of the Boston Strangler. Her death has had a long lasting impact on his family.
Today, Casey explains tp Sheryl McCollum 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
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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
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Joseph Duggar, 31, one of the stars of “19 Kids and Counting” has pleaded not guilty to molesting a 9-year-old girl in Florida. He posted a $600,000 bond and is barred from contact with anyone younger than 18.
The accusations follow allegations made against of brother Josh Duggar, of “19 Kids and Counting.” He was arrested by federal agents on child pornography charges. He's now serving a 12.5-year federal prison sentence, followed by 20 years of supervised release after his conviction of two counts of receiving and possessing child pornography (specifically child sexual abuse material).
He is attempting to appeal his conviction, arguing he was denied a fair trial and that a witness manipulated forensic data.
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Movement in two major cases. The FBI now conducting advanced analysis on DNA evidence previously collected from Nancy Guthries' home, including hair samples. 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of Savannah Guthrie missing 76 days. We are also hearing that someone may have been detained.
Singer/TikTok star d4vd (David Anthony Burke) arrested on suspicion of murdering 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. He is being held without bail. Celeste's body was discovered of the teen's body in a Tesla registered to him last September. Attorneys for Burke declare his innocence.
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An unsealed ATF report reveals a bullet fragment could not be conclusively matched to Tyler Robinson's gun due to damage sustained in Charlie Kirk's shooting. Athena Strand's mother took the stand in the second week of sentencing for FedEx driver who admitted to kidnapping and murdering the young girl. Ohio firefighter accused of responding to blaze he set to conceal the murder of a family friend. Sydney Silvagni reports.
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Britney Spears checked herself into an out-of-state treatment facility following a DUI arrest in California. This after encouragement from her sons,Sean Preston and Jayden James. Spears was taken into custody, handcuffed, booked and released. This is what's typically known as "cite and release" Instead of being remainin in detention, the individual receives a written notice to appear in court on a specified date. Britney's date is May 4, 2026.
The 44-year-old singer entered the facility, with reports suggesting she may stay beyond the typical 30 days. She was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, after police received reports of erratic driving. Police say a substance found in the car was sent in for toxicology.
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In a move less surprising than one would think, Brian Hooker has fled the Bahamas after proclaiming dedication to finding overboard wife. 47-year-old charged in the fatal stabbing of a U.S. Marine in has a criminal history spanning more than three decades, including a prior conviction as a habitual felon. Sydney Silvagni reports.
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Brian Hooker, husband of the Michigan woman who went missing in the Bahamas, says he will be staying in the country to search for his wife. Hooker was held in jail for 5 days, but has now been released. His attorney says Hooker is free to leave any time he wishes.
Brian Hooker has repeatedly said he would never hurt his wife, Lynette. He also refused to discuss details about what happened with reporters saying he did not want to interfere with the search for Lynette.
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We now know Anna Kepner's stepbrother sex assaulted the 18-year-old before he killed her. That according to court documents. He is now charged in federal court with murder and aggravated sexual abuse. The arrest comes months after Anna Kepner dies on a cruise with her family. The manner of death ruled a homicide by mechanical asphyxiation.
Anna Kepner, 18, had begun her senior year at Temple Christian School, and was reportedly excited about her future, painting her school parking spot to match her favorite movie, "Clueless. " Anna plans included joining the military after high school.
Anna was found dead aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship during a recent western Caribbean voyage that ended in Miami. Her body stuffed under a bunk in the room she shared with her stepbrother.
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Texas man accused of firebombing the home of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman held without bail, as details of a premeditated plot against the AI industry begin to surface. A weekend bike ride turned nightmare in South Carolina. Florida high school teacher behind bars after being accused of a sexual relationship with a student. Sydney Silvagni reports.
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