Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum

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When Hollywood Rewrites True Crime: The Impact on Public Opinion with Aphrodite Jones Dec 04, 2024

Show notes

Aphrodite Jones is a New York Times best-selling author who dissects bizarre murder cases and brings readers into the heart of crime. She is also the host of the hit TV show True Crime with Aphrodite Jones, which airs on Investigation Discovery and is available on Amazon Prime. Listeners can learn more about Aphrodite at her website: aphroditejones.com/, or on X @Aphrodite_Jones

Resources:

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, talks with renowned true crime author and TV personality Aphrodite Jones to discuss the impact Hollywood dramatizations have on the public perception of true crime cases. Sheryl and Aphrodite discuss infamous cases like the Menendez brothers and Michael Peterson, scrutinizing how factual distortions in cinematic portrayals influence public opinion. They dive into the differences between documentaries and dramatizations, focusing on the new evidence that can reshape our understanding of these cases. They also touch on the broader implications of misleading narratives in true crime media and appeal for a more truthful representation of victim and perpetrator lives.

Show Notes:

(0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum
(0:10) Sheryl welcomes Aphrodite Jones back to Zone 7
(2:30) The Menendez case - public perception vs. reality
(6:50) “It's incredible to me that people watch a series and then jump to reasoning and theories about what could have or should have happened, and want to argue about it.”
(7:30) New pieces of evidence for a potential new sentencing
(10:00) Reflections of All He Wanted
(14:00) The Case of Brandon Teena
(15:00) Opinions on the title - “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story”
(18:30) Aphrodite reads elements of Erik Menendez's letter
(24:30) Dissecting the scenes in Monsters and the incest claim
(27:00) The Staircase - Michael Peterson's case
(34:00) The owl theory and its absurdity
(41:00) Harmful impact of online conspiracies
(46:10) “A half-truth is a lie.” -L.M.R
Thanks for listening to another episode! If you’re loving the show and want to help grow the show, please head over to Itunes and leave a rating and review!

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Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an Emmy Award winning CSI, a writer for CrimeOnLine, Forensic and Crime Scene Expert for Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, and a CSI for a metro Atlanta Police Department. She is the co-author of the textbook., Cold Case: Pathways to Justice. Sheryl is also the founder and director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, a collaboration between universities and colleges that brings researchers, practitioners, students and the criminal justice community together to advance techniques in solving cold cases and assist families and law enforcement with solvability factors for unsolved homicides, missing persons, and kidnapping cases.

Social Links:

Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com
Twitter: @ColdCaseTips
Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11.29.24 CRU with Nancy Grace: Diddy Denied Bail for the Third Time | Defense Lawyers Intensify Their Fight Nov 29, 2024

Show notes

Today Nancy and Sheryl take CRU to the kitchen, and on flight this Thanksgiving to bring the latest updates on Sean Combs a.k.a Diddy’s legal battle, focusing on allegations of sexual assault and rape. Sheryl and Nancy cover the controversial bond hearings, Combs' alleged attempts to intimidate witnesses while in jail, and his legal team's various arguments to secure his release, including claims of racial motivation and comparisons to presidential immunity. They express concern over the implications of Combs potentially being granted bail and the message it sends to victims.

Show Notes:

(0:00) Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup
(1:00) Latest on the Diddy's allegations
(2:30) Allegations of Sean Combs intimidating witnesses behind bars
(3:00) Predictions of skipping bond
(4:00) Nancy explains what a rich man’s justice looks like
(8:00) Violations and intimidating victims
(12:00) Judge's deliberation and bond concerns
(16:30) Thanksgiving plans and closing

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Nancy Grace is an outspoken, tireless advocate for victims’ rights and one of television's most respected legal analysts. Nancy Grace had a perfect conviction record during her decade as a prosecutor. She is the founder and publisher of CrimeOnline.com, a crime- fighting digital platform that investigates breaking crime news, spreads awareness of missing people and shines a light on cold cases.

In addition, Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, a daily show hosted by Grace, airs on SIRIUS XM’s Triumph Channel 111 and is downloadable as a podcast on all audio platforms - https://www.crimeonline.com/

Connect with Nancy:

X: @nancygrace

Instagram:@thenancygrace

Facebook: @nancygrace

Connect with Sheryl:

Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com

X: @ColdCaseTips

Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Dermond’s Case | The Double Homicide on Lake Oconee, Georgia: The Prosecutors on Zone 7 Nov 27, 2024

Show notes

The Derman Murders are the unsolved killings of Russell and Shirley Dermond in Putnam County, Georgia in May 2014. On May 6, 2014, Russell's decapitated body was found in the garage of his Lake Oconee home. He was 88 years old. Over a week later, Shirley's body was found floating in Lake Oconee. She was 87 years old and had been weighted down with concrete blocks. As of April 2024, the murders remain unsolved and Russell's head has not been found. The FBI is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the killer or killers.

Guest Bio and Links:

Alice LaCour is a native Texan, a Yale Law School graduate, and a mean fiddler player. (She’s been known to go down to Georgia). In another life, she was a dancer, but now the courtroom is her stage. When she’s not lawyering she’s hanging with her husband and wrangling her three adorable children.

Brett Talley is a Southern gentleman who loves abandoned buildings, long walks on haunted beaches, and Cthluhu plushies. His saintly wife tolerates him, while his little girl and son hang on his every word–and love the podcast theme.

Listeners can learn more about The Prosecutors Podcast at their website, on IG @prosecutorspod

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, welcomes Brett and Alice from The Prosecutors Podcast to dive into the perplexing double homicide of Russell and Shirley Dermond in Lake Oconee, Georgia. Sheryl, Alice, and Brett cover various aspects of the case including the idyllic setting, Russell and Shirley’s background, the brutal nature of the crime, and the intriguing yet cruel methods employed by the killer. With insights from legal experts and firsthand involvement, they explore different theories, investigate motives, and emphasize the critical role of DNA evidence and genetic genealogy in bringing this case closer to resolution.

Show Notes:

(0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum
(0:15) Sheryl welcomes Brett and Alice from The Prosecutors Podcast
(2:30) Brief background of the Dermond murders
(4:30) Details of the crime scene in Putnam County, Georgia
(5:00) Analysis of Shirley’s body being found in the lake
(6:00) The brutality and peculiarities of the crime
(10:30) Theories of mistaken identity and cartel involvement
(14:00) Speculation on why Shirley might have been the target
(16:30) Timeline and investigation insights
(23:00) Importance of the boat in the crime's execution
(27:00) Theories and intricacies of the crime scene
(27:30) The lake and docking the boat
(35:30) Revisiting the son’s tragic murder
(42:00) Genetic genealogy technologies
(50:00) Final reflections on the case's solvability
Thanks for listening to another episode! If you love the show and want to help grow the show, please head over to iTunes and leave a rating and review!

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Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an Emmy Award-winning CSI, a writer for CrimeOnLine, a Forensic and Crime Scene Expert for Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, and a CSI for a metro Atlanta Police Department. She is the co-author of the textbook., Cold Case: Pathways to Justice. Sheryl is also the founder and director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, a collaboration between universities and colleges that brings researchers, practitioners, students and the criminal justice community together to advance techniques in solving cold cases and assist families and law enforcement with solvability factors for unsolved homicides, missing persons, and kidnapping cases.

Social Links:
- Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com
- Twitter: @ColdCaseTips
- Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum
Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11.22.24 CRU with Nancy Grace: Silent Tribute to Remember Laken Riley Nov 22, 2024

Show notes

Twenty-six-year-old Jose Antonio Ibarra, an illegal immigrant, was arrested after police identified him as a suspect in the tragic murder of college student Laken Riley, who was killed while jogging on the University of Georgia campus in February. Riley was found dead with signs of blunt force trauma and asphyxiation.

Today, Sheryl McCollum and Nancy Grace discuss the recent conviction of Jose Antonio Ibarra for the brutal murder of Laken Riley in Athens, Georgia. They reflect on the courtroom proceedings, the lack of remorse from Lbarra, and the heart-wrenching impact statements from Laken's family and friends. Nancy shares her personal experience with loss and the long-term effects of dealing with the murder of a loved one. This episode will close with an 18-minutes of silence in honor of Laken's fight for her life.

Show Notes:

(0:00) Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup
(0:20) Justice served - conviction of Laken Riley's Killer
(1:00) Emotional impact the trial had on the family
(4:00) Nancy shares personal reflections
(6:00) “Her friends and family have a life sentence.”
(9:00) Discussion on the term “Peeping Tom” and its trivialization of crimes
(12:00) Concerns about the sufficiency of the life without parole sentence
(14:00) Reflections on grief and moving forward
(15:45) Eighteen minutes of silence in Laken’s memory
(34:30) Thank you for listening!

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Connect with Nancy:

X: @nancygrace

Instagram:@thenancygrace

Facebook: @nancygrace

Connect with Sheryl:

Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com

X: @ColdCaseTips

Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dismemberment, Fraud, Identity Theft: A 16-Year Hunt For Justice Nov 20, 2024

Show notes

*The names in this case discussion have been changed to protect the investigation's integrity.

Guest Bio and Links:

Clay Bryant is a retired chief of police, author, and cold case expert with decades of experience in law enforcement. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, Clay has solved numerous high-profile cases, bringing closure to families and communities.

Clay is the author of three books:

The Cold Case Murder of Fred Wilkerson: Untangling the Black Widow's Web in West Georgia

Solving the West Georgia Murder of Gwendolyn Moore: A Cry From the Well

Solving the Murder of Vieng Phovixay: Evil Dwells in West Georgia (True Crime)

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum and returning guest, Clay Bryant dive into the gruesome case of a victim, whose dismembered body was found in a burning black bag in December 2007. Clay uncovers the investigation's unique challenges, including the victim's posthumous identity theft perpetrated by the suspect, who assumed her benefits and life. The victim’s identity remained a mystery until 2023 when advances in DNA technology and ancestry databases provided a breakthrough.

Show Notes:

(0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum
(0:15) A brief background of the case discussed
(0:35) Sheryl introduces guest, Clay Bryant back to Zone 7
(3:30) Identifying the victim
(5:00) The adoption connection
(7:00) Identity theft and fraud
(8:00) Tracking the imposter/suspect
(16:30) Evidence of dismemberment in the apartment
(19:00) Arrest made on the suspect
(21:00) Ongoing investigations and collaborations
(29:30) “Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore, it's upon the logic rather than the crime that you should dwell.” -A.C.D
Thanks for listening to another episode! If you’re loving the show and want to help grow the show, please head over to iTunes and leave a rating and review!

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Social Links:

Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com
Twitter: @ColdCaseTips
Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11.15.24 CRU with Nancy Grace: The Laken Riley Trial Analysis I Nov 15, 2024

Show notes

Today Nancy Grace and Sheryl McCollum critique the developments of the Laken Riley murder trial in Athens, Georgia. Nancy and Sheryl focus on the defense's controversial decision to opt for a bench trial rather than a jury trial. They cover the prosecution's compelling evidence, including DNA and video footage, emotional testimonies, and a 911 call capturing the victim's final moments. They also dive into the implications of pre-existing knowledge that a judge would have versus a jury, the emotional toll on the victim's family, and the broader political and social issues at play.

Show Notes:

(0:00) Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup
(0:10) Sheryl introduces The Laken Riley trial
(0:25) The decision for a bench trial
(3:00) Prosecution's emotional opening statements
(4:30) Evidence breakdown: DNA, fingerprints, and surveillance footage
(11:30) Prosecution's strong case
(12:45) Defense lawyer’s strategy in questioning the evidence
(14:00) The defense’s claim of “circumstantial” evidence
(18:00) Final thoughts

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Connect with Nancy:

X: @nancygrace

Instagram:@thenancygrace

Facebook: @nancygrace

Connect with Sheryl:

Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com

X: @ColdCaseTips

Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inside the Garth Brooks Allegations with Statement Analysis Expert Jack Fox Nov 13, 2024

Show notes

A lawsuit was filed accusing country music singer Garth Brooks of alleged sexual assault and battery. Brooks denied it and said he filed his lawsuit against the plaintiff for "extortion and defamation of character."

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, is joined by Jack Fox to analyze the statement by Garth Brooks regarding recent sexual assault allegations. Jack, dissects the language used in Brooks' statements, focusing on symbolic references, indirect denials, and emotionally charged language. Sheryl and Jack touch on themes of fame, the perception of truth, and how celebrities handle public scrutiny. Jack also discusses the victim's allegations, highlighting language that suggests familiarity and potential consent. Lastly, Sheryl breaks down why sexual assault cases are often challenging to investigate and stresses the need for objective analysis without assuming guilt or innocence.

Jack Fox is a seasoned statement analysis expert with a background in media. Having transitioned from shaping narratives to unraveling them, Jack has worked with law enforcement, private investigators, and professionals across various industries. He has developed a comprehensive system for analyzing language and identifying deception, which he shares on his channel, Never a Truer Word.

Listeners can learn more about Jack Fox at his website, and on X @truer_word

Previous Episodes with Jack Fox:

Detecting Deception | Analyzing the Colt Gray Case with Jack Fox

Show Notes:

(0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum
(0:30) Sheryl introduces Jack Fox back to Zone 7 to dissect Garth Brooks’ statement analysis
(2:10) Key observations and inconsistencies in Garth Brooks’ statements
(4:00) Jack Fox on the absence of direct denial in Brooks' statements
(8:30) The order of priorities within the statement
(11:30) ‘Jane Doe's’ allegations
(13:00) The role of emotions in statements
(15:30) Dissecting the allegations
(20:30) The hurdles for law enforcement
(23:45) Fox discusses the power dynamics in employer-employee relationships at play
(24:00) The Trisha Yearwood threesome allegation and its implications
(27:00) The concept of the liar's number
(32:00) The role of money, power, and the accessibility to “break the rules”
(37:00) The complexity of sexual assault cases
(40:00) Potential fallout and future implications
(42:30) “When we got married almost 10 years ago now, we made a commitment to really be together, which means we hardly ever spent a night apart and being madly in love is important. But I think it's equally important to be in deep like, I like this guy. We talk about everything, and we laugh a lot. Life is good.” -Trisha Yearwood
Thanks for listening to another episode! If you’re loving the show and want to help grow the show, please head over to Itunes and leave a rating and review!

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Social Links:

Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com
Twitter: @ColdCaseTips
Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11.08.24 CRU with Nancy Grace: Delphi Murders Jury Verdict Awaits Nov 08, 2024

Show notes

In today’s CRU, Nancy Grace and Sheryl McCollum discuss the ongoing Delphi murder trial, that’s now in the hands of the jury. They recount their experiences covering the case from its beginning when Abby and Libby went missing, to the present, as they await a verdict. Nancy and Sheryl touch on police investigations, defense tactics, and the emotional toll on the victims' families. Despite facing public scrutiny, both Nancy and Sheryl stand firm in their commitment to seeking justice for the victims by summarizing the facts of the case, and giving verdict predictions.

Previous Zone 7 Episodes Covering The Delphi Case -

The latest on the Delphi murders: Delphi murders hearing, JonBenet Ramsey #news, Idaho student murders update | Headline #Crime

The Delphi Murders: The Quest for Justice with Barbara MacDonald

Down the Hill: My Descent into the Double Murder in Delphi written by: Susan Hendricks

The Delphi Murders: Case Refresher as Jury Selection Starts | Susan Hendricks

10.25.24 with Nancy Grace: Delphi Murders Evidence, Allen’s Statement and Behavior

11.01.24 CRU with Nancy Grace: Delphi Case Inside the Courtroom, Motives, and Chronological Confessions

Show Notes:

(0:00) Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup
(1:00) Reflecting on the Delphi case
(7:00) Analyzing the defense's strategy
(12:00) Spit guards and safety protocols for Richard Allen and other aggressive detainees
(15:00) Jury verdict predictions
(19:30) Sensitive photos re-victimizing families and ethical concerns on social media
(26:00) Speculation on the jury’s verdict deliberation

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Connect with Nancy:

X: @nancygrace

Instagram:@thenancygrace

Facebook: @nancygrace

Connect with Sheryl:

Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com

X: @ColdCaseTips

Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 1957 Hobbs Triple Murder Recounted by Granddaughter Amber Clemmons-Bean Nov 06, 2024

Show notes

Amber Clemmons-Bean is Barbara Clemmons' granddaughter and family advocate, Amber has become a dedicated voice for justice in her grandmother’s unsolved murder case. She continues to work to seek answers, keeping the case alive and raising awareness.

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, sits down with Amber Clemmons Bean, Barbara’s granddaughter to dissect the tragic events of July 23rd, 1957, in Hobbs, New Mexico, where Dorothy Gibson, Barbara Clemmons, and J.D. Cantrell were brutally murdered. Dorothy and Barbara, both 23 and divorced, were found dead after being shot, following a night out and a flat tire on Highway 180. J.D. Cantrell, a truck driver who stopped to help, was shot eight times. The motives appear unclear, with no signs of robbery or sexual assault, while revenge seems the likely cause. Sheryl and Amber discuss potential motives, challenges in the investigation, and the emotional toll on the victims’ families.

Show Notes:

(0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum
(0:10) Sheryl introduces the triple homicide in Hobbs, New Mexico
(1:25) The crime scene and initial investigation
(2:20) Victim profiles and possible motives
(3:20) Sheryl introduces guest, Amber Clemmons-Bean to Zone 7
(4:15) Theories and speculations
(7:45) Details of the night before the murders
(10:00) Crime scene analysis and evidence
(15:45) Challenges in the investigation
(20:30) Amber's ongoing fight for justice
(30:30) Conclusion and future steps
(31:00) “Justice is what love sounds like when it speaks in public.”
Thanks for listening to another episode! If you love the show and want to help grow the show, please head over to iTunes and leave a rating and review!

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Social Links:

Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com
Twitter: @ColdCaseTips
Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

11.01.24 CRU with Nancy Grace: Delphi Case Inside the Courtroom, Motives, and Chronological Confessions Nov 01, 2024

Show notes

Today’s CRU Nancy Grace and Sheryl McCollum bring listeners into the courtroom and behind the scenes at the Delphi murder case trial. Nancy and Sheryl give on-the-ground detailed observations from the courtroom, including interactions with the victims' composed families and Richard Allen's unexpected behavior. They critically analyze Allen's chronological confessions, and some of the hate both have experienced covering this trial.

Previous Zone 7 Episodes Covering The Delphi Case -

The latest on the Delphi murders: Delphi murders hearing, JonBenet Ramsey #news, Idaho student murders update | Headline #Crime

Previous Zone 7 episode about Delphi murders: The Delphi Murders: The Quest for Justice with Barbara MacDonald

Down the Hill: My Descent into the Double Murder in Delphi written by: Susan Hendricks

The Delphi Murders: Case Refresher as Jury Selection Starts | Susan Hendricks

10.25.24 with Nancy Grace: Delphi Murders Evidence, Allen’s Statement and Behavior

Show Notes: