Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum

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Latest Episodes:

6.14.24 CRU with Nancy Grace: Police Misconduct or Wrongful Accusation? The Karen Read Case Jun 14, 2024

Show notes

Nancy Grace and Sheryl McCollum debate the controversial Karen Read case in today's CRU. They examine the evidence, question the credibility of witnesses, and discuss the potential outcomes of the trial. Nancy and Sheryl highlight the procedural failures of the investigation, the intense public opinion, and the emotional toll on all parties involved. Ultimately Nancy and Sheryl leave the audience with potential outcomes of the trial. Did Karen murder John O’Keefe? Is this a police cover-up?

Show Notes:

(0:00) Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup
(1:00) Sheryl and Nancy discuss the public reactions to Karen Read’s case
(5:00) Discussion on the state's evidence and witness credibility
(7:30) Nancy’s opinion on the case
(9:30) Sheryl argues lead investigators toughness and credibility
(10:45) Integrity of the prosecutor
(16:45) Determining the truth
(22:00) Discussion on the potential outcomes of the trial
(27:00) Thoughts on Jennifer McCabe
(34:00) Closing thoughts

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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 Heinous Murder of Tara Baker is Solved with Cameron Jay of the Classic City Crime Podcast Jun 12, 2024

Show notes

On January 19, 2001, Athens-Clarke County firefighters found Tara Baker's body responding to a fire at her Athens apartment. The investigation determined that the fire was intentionally set, and investigators spent over two decades seeking answers in the case.

Guest Bio and Links:

Cameron Jay is a true crime junkie whose fascination with the subject comes from the heart- crime is personal. Having a second cousin who was murdered and a best friend killed at the hands of a distracted driver, Cameron believes in advocating for justice and seeking answers for all. Cameron obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from the University of West Georgia in May of 2024. Cameron is the host of Classic City Crime Podcast

Listeners can learn more about Cameron Jay at his website, and on IG @classiccitycrime

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, discusses the resolution of a 23-year-old cold case involving law student Tara Baker from Athens, Georgia. Joined by Cameron Jay, the host of the Classic City Crime Podcast, they dive into the investigation, the advocacy efforts, and the legislative impact of House Bill 88. Cameron also shares the perseverance of Tara's family, the power of community, and the technological advancements that led to solving this case.

Show Notes:

(0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum
(0:15) Sheryl gives a brief background of the case of Tara Baker
(3:00) Sheryl introduces guest, Cameron Jay and his role in advocating for Tara's case
(6:00) Cameron Jay's connection to true crime and his motivation to start podcasting
(8:00) House Bill 88
(11:30) Cold Case Accountability Act
(17:15) “You know, justice might be delayed sometimes, my friend, but it's still going to be right on time when it comes knocking.”
(20:00) Sheryl and Cameron discuss the possibilities behind how Tara’s case was solved
(27:00) A gift of gratitude
(36:10) “I am Tara's mother. I always will be Tara's mother.” -Virginia Baker.
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.

6.7.24 CRU with Nancy Grace: Long Island Serial Killer Suspect Charged with Two More Victims Jun 07, 2024

Show notes

In today’s CRU, Nancy Grace and Sheryl McCollum examine the latest developments in the case of Rex Heuermann, the alleged Long Island Serial Killer. New evidence has surfaced linking Heuermann to additional victims, including a detailed playbook that outlines his methods for capturing and disposing of his victims. The hosts discuss the evolution of Heuermann's modus operandi and compare it to other notorious killers like Ted Bundy.

Show Notes:

(0:00) Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup
(0:10) Sheryl gives the latest on the Long Island Serial Killer case
(1:00) Nancy discusses new evidence
(3:45) Comparison to Ted Bundy's methods
(5:20) Speculation on additional burial sites
(8:00) Nancy discusses the sexual pleasure L.I.S.K sought after
(15:00) Impact on Heuermann's family
(19:00) Nancy and Sheryl discuss speculations about the killing process
(22:30) Sheryl reminisces from crime con 2024

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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.

30 Years After Laralee Spear’s Unsolved Murder A $50,000 Reward Offered Jun 05, 2024

Show notes

On April 25, 1994, 15-year-old Laralee Spear was abducted, shot, and killed after she stepped off her school bus outside DeLand, FL. Her murder has never been solved. A $50,000 reward is available for the tip that leads detectives to the killer.

Guest Bio and Links:

Detective Cordell LeMay with the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, has 14 years of experience, including 11 as a detective. He holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a professional certificate in profiling from the University of Central Florida.

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, sits down for a part two series with Detective Cordell Lemay to discuss the unsolved case of Laralee Spear, a 15-year-old high school student from DeLand, Florida, who was tragically murdered in 1994. Detective LeMay details the events of that day, the investigation's progress, and the current focus on finding new leads through DNA evidence. They discuss the importance of community involvement and the $50,000 reward for information leading to the case's resolution.

Call the Major Case Unit at 386-254-1537 or email ColdCaseUnitTips@volusiasheriff.gov if you have any tips on the Laralee Spear case.

Resources:

Who Killed Laralee Spear? 50K Reward and 30 Years Later with Sheriff Michael Chitwood

Show Notes:

(0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum
(2:00) Sheryl introduces guest, Cordell Lemay to the listeners
(3:00) Overview of Laralee Spear's Case
(6:00) The crime scene and initial investigation
(12:30) The search for suspects
(17:30) Community involvement and call to action
(20:30) “The easiest secrets to keep is the secret only one person knows about because you don't got other people that can rat you out. But even if it's just one person, I firmly believe over 30 years somebody had to get this off their chest to somebody.” -C.L
(23:00) Detective LeMay's commitment
(30:25) “Even when a case wasn't mine if I thought I could contribute, whether with my forensics expertise or investigative doggedness. I always found a way to insert myself.” -P.H
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.

5.31.24 CRU with Nancy Grace: Madison Brooks and A Critical Examination of Judge Gail Horne Ray May 31, 2024

Show notes

Today, Nancy and Sheryl discuss the tragic case of Madison Brooks, exploring the judicial failings surrounding her death. They discuss the controversial decisions made by Judge Gail Horne Ray, the events leading to Madi's demise, and the broader implications for the justice system. Lastly, Nancy and Sheryl discuss the latest updates in the Kohberger case, specifically surrounding the evidence.

Show Notes:

(0:00) Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup
(4:30) A brief background of the case of Madi Brooks
(7:00) Judge Gail Horne Ray
(10:00) Comparisons with other cases
(15:00) Justice for Madi - “The Judge has to go!”
(18:30) Latest updates on the Kohberger case
(20:20) Evidence in the Kohberger case - comparison to Alex Murdaugh case
(24:00) The traffic ticket - a pivotal clue
(27:00) Crime Stories with Nancy Grace - Watch For Free on Merit Street Media

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Connect with Nancy:

X: @nancygrace

Instagram:@thenancygrace

Facebook: @nancygrace

Connect with Sheryl:

Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com

X: @149Zone7

Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who Killed Laralee Spear? 50K Reward and 30 Years Later with Sheriff Michael Chitwood May 29, 2024

Show notes

Guest Bio and Links:

Sheriff Michael J. Chitwood is a second-generation law enforcement officer with a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Sheriff Chitwood was elected Sheriff of Volusia County in August 2016 sworn in Jan. 3, 2017, and re-elected without opposition in August 2020.

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, sits down with Sheriff Michael Chitwood to cover the unresolved case of Laralee Spear, a young girl brutally murdered in 1994. Sheriff Chitwood details the investigative efforts and ongoing commitment to solving this case, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and modern forensic advancements.

Call the Major Case Unit at 386-254-1537 or email ColdCaseUnitTips@volusiasheriff.gov if you have any tips on the Laralee Spear case.

Show Notes:

(0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum.
(0:30) Sheryl introduces Sheriff Michael Chitwood to the listeners
(3:00) The Laralee Spear cold case
(5:30) Initial investigation and findings
(8:00) Details of creating the suspect pool
(14:00) Role of the original detectives
(16:30) Challenges in the investigation
(19:30) $50,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case
(21:00) Call the Major Case Unit at 386-254-1537 or email ColdCaseUnitTips@volusiasheriff.gov to help
(21:40) “I am not afraid. I got a gun. I want to shoot back. Let's see how much balls you got and come and get me.” -S.M.C
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.

5.24.24 CRU with Nancy Grace: Kansas Moms, Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley Bodies Found in Chest Freezer May 24, 2024

Show notes

On today’s CRU, Sheryl McCollum and Nancy Grace discuss the gruesome details regarding the Kansas moms, Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley, whose bodies were found in a chest freezer buried in a cow pasture. They discuss the chilling details, suspect behaviors, and the meticulous investigation that followed.

Show Notes:

(0:00) Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup with a ‘toast to crown royal’
(2:00) Crime Stories with Nancy Grace - Watch For Free on Merit Street Media
(2:50) Latest on Kansas moms - bodies found in a chest freezer
(7:00) Analysis of suspects' behavior before and after the crime
(11:00) Evidence used is discussed
(20:30) Possible stereotypes during trial
(25:00) “That was not hot blood. They were not angry in the moment about custody of a child. They weren't angry. They were cool, calculated, cold when they dug that hole when they got that freezer chest and put it down in there. To put these two mothers leaving six children behind with a life sentence of life without mommy.”

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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.

Karen Read Murder Trial: Questionable Witness Testimonies, Prosecution vs. Defense Tactics, Public Uproar May 22, 2024

Show notes

Karen Read, 43, of Mansfield, is accused of second-degree murder and other charges. The prosecution says she hit her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe, with her vehicle outside of a home in Canton during a snowstorm on Jan. 29, 2022, following a night of drinking.

Guest Bio and Links:

Judge Ashley Wilcott is a nationally recognized Child Welfare Law Specialist and Juvenile Court Judge with over 20 years of experience as a trial attorney and child welfare specialist. Her life’s work revolves around passionately advocating for and striving to improve the lives of children at risk and youth in the foster care system.

Joshua Schiffer is an attorney providing legal services covering Criminal Defense, Personal Injury. Listeners can learn more about Joshua Schiffer at his website

Resources:

Listen to previous episodes on The Karen Read Murder Trial:

The Karen Read Murder Trial: Killer or Cover Up Murder with Joshua Schiffer

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, sits down with esteemed guests Judge Ashley Wilcott and defense attorney Joshua Schiffer. The panel dissects the latest on the Karen Read trial, which includes: the questionable witness testimonies, evidence, potential cover-ups, the unprecedented media involvement, and the intensity of the public's reaction to the trial.

Show Notes:

(0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum
(0:15) Background on Karen Reed and John O'Keefe
(1:25) Sherly introduces guest, Judge Ashely Wilcott and returning guest Joshua Schiffer to the listeners
(5:00) The intensity of community engagement during this trial
(8:00) Discussion of evidence at the scene of the crime
(15:00) “I'm interested for them to get into the personal relationships. Every one of these witnesses has been evasive and or just outright lie about how well they do or do not know the other people involved.” -Joshua Schiffer
(16:00) Questionable witnesses
(20:00) Closing thoughts - “Can the case be saved for the Commonwealth?”
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.

Karen Read Murder Trial: ‘Cops Lying Against Cops About Cops’ May 22, 2024

Show notes

Guest Bio and Links:

Joshua Schiffer is an attorney providing legal services covering Criminal Defense, Personal Injury. Listeners can learn more about Joshua Schiffer at his website

Resources:

Listen to previous episodes on The Karen Read Murder Trial:

The Karen Read Murder Trial: Killer or Cover Up Murder with Joshua Schiffer

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, Judge Ashley Wilcott, and Joshua Schiffer continue to weigh in on the latest Karen Read trial details. Sheryl draws parallels to the infamous Casey Anthony trial. Together, they explore various theories surrounding the case, the intense public and media scrutiny, and the strategic legal maneuvers at play.

Show Notes:

(0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum
(0:30) Sheryl compares the Karen Read trial to the Casey Anthony trial
(1:57) “It don't matter what you think or what you feel or what you believe. The only thing that matters is what you can prove.”
(2:25) What is a buffer zone?
(2:30) Both Judge Ashley Wilcott and Joshua Schiffer weigh in
(4:00) “There's one woman, she has a shirt on that says ‘free Karen Reed’, but she's holding a poster that says ‘justice for John O'Keefe’. I feel for her. I get it. It almost can't be both. -Sheryl Mac
(8:00) The role of federal investigations
(9:00) Analysis of John O'Keefe's relationships with his peers
(10:00) Pre and post-police funeral behavior
(13:00) Impact of Proctor's testimony
(14:30) Speculation on the defense's potential witnesses
(22:00) “If you want to recast it, this is cops lying against cops about cops” -Joshua Schiffer
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.

5.17.24 CRU with Nancy Grace: Kouri Richins | Murder by Moscow Mule? May 17, 2024

Show notes

In today’s episode of the CRU, Sheryl McCollum and Nancy Grace dive into the case of Kouri Richins, a mother who was arrested for the murder of her husband. The two discuss the details of the case, including the prenup, the assets, and the secret bank accounts that Kouri opened. They also talk about the Valentine's Day incident, in which Kouri’s husband almost died from anaphylactic shock, and the texts that Kouri sent and deleted. The medical examiner said that Kouri’s husband died from five times the lethal dose of fentanyl, and it is believed that she gave him a Moscow Mule laced with the drug.

Tune into Zone 7 with Dr. Joni Johnston as she and Sheryl dissect the book that Kouri wrote following the death of her husband: Are you with me? Dr. Joni Johnston Weighs in Between the Lines: Crime, Confession, and Literature

Show Notes: