Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum

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Kidnapping, Murder, or Conspiracy in Oklahoma? | Laura Ingle Part I Apr 17, 2024

Show notes

March 30, 2024, Veronica Butler and her friend Julian Kelly were traveling from Kansas to Oklahoma to pick up Veronica's children for a birthday party when they disappeared. Their abandoned car was found 3 miles from the intended meeting spot, on a desolate dirt road a thousand feet off the main highway.

Guest Bio and Links:

Laura Ingle is an award-winning veteran broadcast journalist specializing in True Crime. She served as a Senior Correspondent with Fox News Channel for nearly 20 years from August 2005-June 2023 based in New York City. Laura has been covering the disappearance of Veronica Butler and Jillian Kelly. She has been on the ground in Oklahoma, providing firsthand updates and analysis.

Listeners can learn more about Laura on X @lauraingle and IG @lauraingletv

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum is joined by Laura Ingle to discuss the harsh possibilities surrounding the disappearance of Veronica Butler and Julian Kelly. With expert boots-on-the-ground insights, Laura unfolds the layers of a potential crime scene, weighs in on the contentious custody battle, and gives theories around the unanswered questions surrounding the case.

Show Notes:

[0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum
[1:00] Today’s guest is Laura Ingle
[1:30] Laura describes the scene and location Veronica and Julian went missing
[7:00] Suspect pool theories
[10:00] Potential weapons used
[12:15] The meeting spot analysis
[14:00] Custody visitations and motives
[18:00] The location of where Veronica lives
[23:00] The lack of information being released by authorities
[30:30] “Narcissists don't co parent. They counter parent. They don't care about the collateral damage done to the children, as long as it hurts you.”
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.

4.12.24 CRU with Nancy Grace: The Death of O.J Simpson Apr 12, 2024

Show notes

In today’s CRU (Crime Round-Up) with Nancy Grace, hosts Sheryl McCollum and Nancy Grace react to the recent news of OJ Simpson's death. They offer a profound look into the complexities of the legal system, the role of media in shaping public opinion, and the ongoing struggle for justice in high-profile cases. Nancy Grace's powerful commentary underscores the need for continued advocacy and reform in handling cases of domestic violence and public trials.

Today Nancy and Sheryl discuss these topics in today’s Crime Round-Up:

-The Death of O.J Simpson: lies, injustices, and legal system failures

-Sebastian Rogers Update - lack of evidence, zero sightings, CPS reports

-Missing Women in Oklahoma: custody battles, rumors of a hammer involved

Show Notes:

[0:00] Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup
[0:30] Nancy Grace recalls her initial reactions to OJ Simpson's death
[3:30] O.J. Simpson trial jurors and the verdict that was
[6:30] Further legal trouble for O.J
[9:15] Reactions to Kim Goldman’s tweet about O.J’s death
[14:00] The latest on Sebastian Rogers
[16:00] The latest on the missing women in Oklahoma

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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.

Humanizing Police Work and Pet Companionship | Summer Benton From The First 48 Apr 10, 2024

Show notes

Summer Benton is a veteran homicide detective with the Atlanta Police Department. She has worked in various specialized units, including vice, narcotics, and hostage negotiation, before joining the homicide division in 2009. Benton has been featured on the TV show The First 48 and is known for her meticulous investigative approach and strong relationships within the department.

Resources:

The First 48

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, chats with Summer Benton, a highly respected homicide detective with the Atlanta Police Department. Summer shares her process from arriving at a crime scene to solving complex cases, emphasizing the meticulous attention to detail and the importance of teamwork. With a heartfelt tribute to the role of family and community, Summer also discusses her upbringing, the influence of her parents, and her bond with her Labradoodle, Willa, highlighting the human side of police work.

Show Notes:

[0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum.
[0:10] Sheryl gives a brief introduction of guest, Summer Benton
[1:50] Summer details out her investigation process
[6:30] Terry Porter case is described
[12:15] Putting together a case without the victims remains
[15:00] The critical role of timelines in solving cases
[23:00] One special lady in Summer’s Zone 7… her mama
[25:00] Solving crimes in the non digital age
[31:30] Summer’s dog, Willa, and Work-Life Balance
[37:20] “Homicide is the major leagues, the center ring, the show. It always has been. It goes beyond academic degrees, specialized training, or book learning, because all the theory in the world means nothing, if you can't read the street.” -D.S
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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Crime Round-Up with Nancy Grace: Sebastian Rogers Latest and Missing Women in Oklahoma Apr 05, 2024

Show notes

Nancy Grace and Sheryl McCollum dive into the mysterious disappearance of 15-year-old Sebastian Rogers. They discuss the unsettling lack of progress in the investigation, the intriguing and often controversial use of polygraph tests, and the perplexing actions of Sebastian's family members following his disappearance.

Topics discussed today:

-The latest on the disappearance of 15 year old Sebastian Rogers

-Two missing women in Oklahoma - evidence indicates foul play

Show Notes:

[0:00] Sebastian Rogers latest
[1:45] Declined polygraph by stepdad
[4:40] Public scrutiny focus vs. missing child
[19:20] Veronica Butler and Jillian Kelly go missing in Oklahoma
[20:00] Investigators suspect foul play

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Connect with Nancy:

X: @nancygrace

Instagram:@thenancygrace

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyGraceOfficial

Connect with Sheryl:

Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com

X: @149Zone7

Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Proper Detective Work in the First 48 With Detective Jason White Apr 03, 2024

Show notes

Det. Jason White is a 25-year veteran of the Tulsa Police Department. Throughout his career, he has worked in uniform patrol and served as a member of the Street Crimes Unit, an undercover investigator in the Special Investigations Division Narcotics Unit, a School Resource Officer, and a Crime Scene Detective.

Det. White is currently assigned to the Homicide Unit, where he has served for more than 14 years and has been featured in several episodes of The First 48 on A & E.

Listeners can learn more about Detective Jason White on IG @detjasonwhite

Resources:

Into The Fire, True Crime Stories

Homeocide Family Packet

Othram: 21st Century Forensics

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, sits down with Detective Jason White to discuss his extraordinary life and career as a Detective. They discuss his early days in the medical field to his ascent as a distinguished detective known for his appearances on "The First 48". Jason’s diverse background became a pivotal asset in his investigative work, particularly in homicide cases. Jason's story is not just about career transformation; it's about the intertwining of passion, skill, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference.

Show Notes:

[0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum.
[1:20] Sheryl introduces Jason White to the listeners
[1:55] Into The Fire, True Crime Stories
[5:00] Being cast on The First 48
[15:00] “The number one most important skill for a police officer is, or a detective, it is easily your ability to communicate with people. If you can't do that, you're in big trouble.” -Jason White
[16:00] The significant role of community trust in solving crimes
[24:00] The new generation of detectives and retention rates
[30:00] Homeocide Family Packet
[32:00] Advice for new detectives
[36:00] La Bianca house from the Manson Murders
[38:15] Othram: 21st Century Forensics
[39:40] Two pieces of advice from Det. Jason White’s father
[44:55] “I have a theory that the truth is never told during the 9 to 5 hours.” -Hunter Thompson
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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday CRU (Crime Round-Up) with Nancy Grace: Federal Raid, Polygraph Proposals, Jury Pool Controversy Mar 29, 2024

Show notes

In the first ever episode of a new Zone 7 series, CRU sees a dream team of Nancy Grace joining our Host Sheryl McCollum to rehash the most relevant crime topics from the previous weeks news.

Today Nancy and Sheryl discuss these topics in today’s crime round-up:

P Diddy Federal Raid: Is it a message to a witness?

Sebastian Rogers Missing: Nancy offered to set up a polygraph for the stepfather to take

Byan Koberger Venue Change: Calling potential jurors with a survey: Tainting a jury pool before selection even happens!

Show Notes:

[0:00] Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup
[0:30] The Case Against Sean "P Diddy" Combs
[14:00] The mysterious disappearance of Sebastian Rogers
[21:30] Byan Koberger: Jury tampering and legal strategies
[27:00] Closing Thoughts and Story from Nancy and Sheryl’s Past

You can connect and learn more about Sheryl’s work by visiting the CCIRI website https://coldcasecrimes.org

Social Links:

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

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/

Twitter/X: @nancygrace
Instagram: @thenancygrace
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NancyGraceOfficial

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Investigation of Rebekah Gould’s Murder with George Jared Mar 27, 2024

Show notes

This episode of Zone 7 features an in-depth discussion with true crime author George Jared about the 2004 murder of Rebekah Gould in Arkansas. He provides detailed background on the crime scene, body disposal location, initial suspect theories by police, and his own analysis pointing toward Rebekah’s ex-boyfriend Casey McCullough's family. Jared describes how crowdsourced investigation through podcasts and social media eventually led to the shock confession from Casey's cousin William Miller, where Miller admitted killing Rebecca.

George Jared is an award-winning journalist and true crime author. George has contributed to notable publications like the New York Times and USA Today and has been featured on Discovery ID. His work on the West Memphis Three case and numerous other unsolved crimes has highlighted the importance of determination and innovation in the realm of criminal justice.

Resources:

Whispers in the Willows: Who killed Rebekah Gould? Who killed Amanda Tusing? And why? By George Jared

Witches in West Memphis: The West Memphis Three and another story of false confession by George Jared

The Creek Side Bones: Reality is more horrifying than fiction by George Jared

Show Notes:

[0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum.
[1:30] Sheryl introduces guest, George Jared to the listeners
[2:20] George shares a bit of his background
[4:20] Details on Rebekah Gould's disappearance
[12:00] Autopsy report and analysis
[15:00] Investigative breakthroughs and challenges
[16:00] Murder weapon… a piano leg
[24:30] The impact of media and social platforms on investigations
[25:00] Witches in West Memphis: The West Memphis Three and another story of false confession
[31:15] “My focus turned to the McCullough family, and that's when everything changed.”
[35:00] New information emerges about William Miller's involvement
[37:00] Uncovering new evidence
[41:30] The importance of paying attention to patterns
[45:00] The breakthrough confession in Rebecca Gould's case
[53:40] “My best advice for cold case investigators is to read the investigative reports last. If you read them first, you're more likely to be led down the same path as the other investigators were on. If the body dropped today, would you have access to the reports? No. So start with the crime scene photos and move forward from there.” -J.J
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!

---

You can connect and learn more about Sheryl’s work by visiting the CCIRI website https://coldcasecrimes.org

Social Links:

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sheriff Buford Pusser: The Other Story Featuring Guest Mike Elam Mar 20, 2024

Show notes

Pauline Pusser was shot and killed in an ambush believed to be meant for her husband, Sheriff Buford Pusser, in August of 1967 in McNairy County. According to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, an autopsy was never performed on Pauline's body.

Mike Elam is an author, former law enforcement officer, and historian with a focus on Sheriff Buford Pusser's life and the unsolved murder of Pauline Pusser. His book, "Buford Pusser: The Other Story," dives into the complexities of the Pusser legend and presents evidence that questions the accepted narrative.

Listeners can learn more about Mike's work on Pauline’s case at his YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@bufordpusser1122/videos

Resources:

Walking Tall (1973)

BUFORD PUSSER: The Other Story

In this episode of "Zone 7," Crime Scene Investigator Sheryl McCollum discusses the unsolved murder of Pauline Pusser with Former Officer, Mike Elam. Mike shares his extensive research into the 1967 ambush and murder of Pauline Pusser, wife of legendary Sheriff Buford Pusser.

Elam's findings directly contradict the official story portrayed in Walking Tall. Most recently, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has exhumed Pauline's body in a renewed effort to bring her justice over 50 years later.

Show Notes:

[0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum.
[1:00] Sheryl recounts her childhood memory of seeing the movie, Walking Tall (1973)
[5:00] Sheryl introduces guest, Mike Elam to the listeners
[7:00] Mike Elam's Background
[10:00] Discrepancies in the ambush story
[14:30] The role of the TBI in reopening the case
[18:00] Potential new evidence leading to TBI's involvement
[22:00] Pusser's aggressive style of policing
[26:30] New TBI actions and exhuming Pauline's body
[30:00] Insights on Pauline and Buford’s relationship
[34:00] BUFORD PUSSER: The Other Story
[36:00] ‘Tearing down the legend’ of Sheriff Buford Pusser
[36:30] Reflections on the importance of seeking the truth
[39:00] “It's just too bad that it takes such a tragic event to make folks willing to take a stand.” -S.B.P
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!

---

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.

You can connect and learn more about Sheryl’s work by visiting the CCIRI website https://coldcasecrimes.org

Social Links:

Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com
Twitter: @ColdCaseTips

Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Capturing The Infamous Serial Killer Ted Bundy | Ken Katsaris and Kathy Klein Rubin Part II Mar 13, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum sits down for a part II series with Kathy Kleiner, a survivor of Ted Bundy's infamous 1978 attack on the Chi Omega sorority house, and Ken Katsaris, the former Leon County Sheriff whose determination led to Bundy's capture. Ken and Kathy share their experiences, insights, and the emotional aftermath of that night, we're given a unique perspective on the case that rocked Tallahassee and the world.

If you missed part I of this series listen here - https://omny.fm/shows/zone-7-with-sheryl-mccollum/kathy-kleiner-rawson-part-1-edited

Ken Katsaris is the Leon County Sheriff, instrumental in the investigation and capture of Ted Bundy.

Kathy Kleiner is a remarkable survivor who endured one of the most notorious crimes in American history - the brutal 1978 attacks by serial killer Ted Bundy at the Chi Omega sorority house at Florida State University.

Show Notes:

[0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum.
[0:30] Sheryl introduces Kathy Kleiner and Sherrif Ken Katsaris to the listeners
[1:00] If you missed part one with Kathy Kleiner listen here: Surviving Ted Bundy | Kathy Kleiner Rubin Shares Her Story: Part I
[2:00] Ken details the night he received the phone call about the Ted Bundy attack at Chi Omega sorority house
[6:00] Ken’s role on the night of the attack
[13:15] Kathy joins the conversation
[17:30] Bundy's bite impressions are explained as his signature
[24:00] The capture of Ted Bundy and the pivotal moments leading to it
[31:00] The strategy for interrogation and securing Bundy
[34:00] Ted Bundy's bizarre requests to talk only at midnight by a window on a full moon
[39:30] “I didn't get my doctorate but I got my serial killer.”
[42:30] Reflections on the psychological impact of Bundy's crimes
[50:00] Closing thoughts from Kathy and Sheriff Katsaris on justice and healing
[57:30] “Obviously, I was very motivated to work the case. I had two young daughters at home and I vowed that this person would be stopped. I put everything: my heart, my soul, my skills to work on it. And together with a big team of people who came up with leads, a person, and eventually a conviction.”
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!

---

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.

You can connect and learn more about Sheryl’s work by visiting the CCIRI website https://coldcasecrimes.org

Social Links:

Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com
Twitter: @ColdCaseTips- https://mobile.twitter.com/coldcasetips

Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum - https://www.facebook.com/sheryl.mccollum/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Surviving Ted Bundy | Kathy Kleiner Rubin Shares Her Story: Part I Mar 06, 2024

Show notes

In this powerful episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, sits down with Kathy Kleiner and recounts her harrowing experience as one of the survivors of Ted Bundy's vicious 1978 assault on the Chi Omega sorority house at Florida State University. Kathy shares the details of that night and how she courageously faced her attacker in court. But her story is one of remarkable resilience in the face of unimaginable trauma, having battled both childhood lupus and later breast cancer as well as two miscarriages.
Kathy Kleiner is a remarkable survivor who endured one of the most notorious crimes in American history - the brutal 1978 attacks by serial killer Ted Bundy at the Chi Omega sorority house at Florida State University. Kathy is the author of the book "A Light in the Dark, Surviving More Than Ted Bundy."

Show Notes:

[0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum
[0:10] Sheryl gives a background of the night Kathy Kleiner was attacked by the notorious killer, Ted Bundy
[1:20] Sherly introduces Kathy Kleiner to the listeners
[1:40] Question: What challenges did you face when you were 12?
[3:00] Kathy's childhood battle with Lupus
[5:00] College years and moving into the Chi Omega sorority house
[7:00] Question: Can you tell the listeners what happened on January 15th around 3 am?
[7:10] The night of Ted Bundy's attack
[17:00] Facing Ted Bundy in court
[19:10] “You lived through something and were able to give information and knowledge about something that is super rare.”
[21:30] The morning of the Ted Bundy trial
[22:00] Testifying at Bundy's trial
[26:00] A Light in the Dark: Surviving More than Ted Bundy
[29:30] Kathy's breast cancer diagnosis and struggles after chemo
[32:00] Question: So I know while you were recuperating from all the injuries from the attack by Ted Bundy, you had a way of dealing with that that was just beautiful. Can you tell us about it?
[33:30] How Kathy overcame her fear of men by working at a lumberyard
[36:20] “A wise woman wishes to be no one's enemy. A wise woman refuses to be anyone's victim.” -M.A
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!