Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum

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Chasing the Truth: The Molly and Colt Case | Rob and Cindy Dorfman Jun 07, 2023

Show notes

On July 7th, 2013 17-year-old Molly Miller and 22-year-old Colt Haynes disappear in Love County after a car chase with police. The car was driven by a friend, James Con Nipp. Police lost the vehicle somewhere in the area of Long Hollow Rd. and Oswalt Rd in Love County, Oklahoma. Miller and Haynes disappear after the pursuit. Nipp was prosecuted for the car chase in 2014, but no one has been charged in the disappearances of Colt and Molly.

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, talks with investigative duo Rob and Cindy Dorfman about the mysterious disappearance of Molly Miller and Colt Haynes, a cold case that has baffled investigators since 2013. Together, they scrutinize a disjointed narrative filled with police corruption, coverups, distressing 911 calls, and an unlikely crime scene.

If you have any information about this case call 800-522-8017 or submit a tip online at tips@osbi.ok.gov

Show Notes:

[0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum. Sheryl remembers Doug Henning's inspirational escapology and draws parallels to her work in solving cold cases
[1:49] Sheryl gives details about the perplexing case of Molly Miller and Colt Haynes, where an unconventional crime scene presents a tough investigative challenge
[3:07] Sheryl welcomes investigative duo Rob and Cindy Dorfman, who invited Sheryl to Oklahoma for this case to the listeners
[6:34] Rob and Cindy reveal their commitment to uncovering the truth behind Molly and Colt's disappearance and their deep respect for Paula Fielder, Molly's cousin
[11:30] The episode takes a darker turn as Sheryl introduces possible corruption within local law enforcement connected to the case
[12:58] Sheryl raises questions about Khan's non-interrogation immediately after the chase, highlighting gaps in the investigation
[16:21] 911 call from Molly's phone during the chase – was it intentional or an accident?
[20:35] A heart-wrenching moment when it's revealed that Molly and Colt called friends for help, lost in the woods after the chase
[22:35] Question: Can you tell us about the accidental 911 call in 2014?
[30:04] Sheryl underlines the crucial role of resource anticipation in an investigation, imparting a lesson to aspiring investigators
[0:00] “Sometimes life has a way of nudging you in a direction you need. To be going. Don't fight it. It'll make sense on the other side.” -S.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! How to Leave an Apple Podcast Review: First, Open the podcast app on your iPhone, Mac, or iPad. Then, hit the “Search” tab at the bottom right-hand corner of the page and search for Zone 7. Select the podcast, scroll down to find the subheading “Ratings & Reviews”. and select “Write a Review.” Next, select the number of stars you’d like to leave. Please choose 5 stars! Using the text box which says “Title,” write a title for your review. Then in the text box, write the review itself. The review can be up to 300 words long, but doesn’t need to be much more than: “Love the show! Thanks!” or Once you’re done select “Send” in the upper right-hand corner.

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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.

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.

Moore's Ford Bridge Murders: Part Three Final | Laura Wexler May 31, 2023

Show notes

The Moore's Ford lynchings, or the 1946 Georgia lynching, refer to the brutal murders of four young African Americans by a mob of white men on July 25, 1946. The incident occurred near Moore's Ford Bridge in Walton and Oconee counties, Georgia. The victims were two married couples: George W. and Mae Murray Dorsey, and Roger and Dorothy Malcolm. The case attracted national attention, prompting large protests in Washington, D.C., and New York City. President Harry Truman created the President's Committee on Civil Rights and introduced anti-lynching legislation in Congress, but it was blocked by the Southern Democratic bloc. The FBI investigated the case in 1946 but could not find sufficient evidence to charge anyone. The cold case was reopened in the 1990s, but the state of Georgia and the FBI closed their cases in December 2017 without any prosecution.

This episode features Sheryl McCollum, a cold case investigator, and Laura Wexler, author of "Fire in a Canebrake," discussing the Moores Ford Lynching in Georgia. Together, they explore the legacy of racial violence, the power of storytelling, and the challenges of investigating historical cases. Laura recounts her journey of unearthing the dark corners of America's past, hoping to shine a light on forgotten stories and victims.

Show Notes:

[0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum. Sheryl shares a life-changing interaction with her first-grade teacher, Ms. Williams
[1:00] Ms. Williams' impact on Sheryl's early education, fostering respect and kindness
[2:30] Sherly welcomes guest, Laura Wexler, author of Fire in a Canebrake: The Last Mass Lynching in America to the listeners
[5:00] Laura shares a bit of her background to the listeners
[5:55] Discovery of the Moores Ford Lynching and the formation of the Moores Ford Memorial Committee.
[7:37] The power of storytelling and the importance of balanced narratives
[8:26] Question: How did you come up with the title: Fire in the Canebrake?
[8:45] The story behind the title Fire in a Canebrake
[11:37] Question: What were your thoughts after talking with the two living suspects?
[13:01] The challenges in cracking the case due to loyalty among suspects
[16:10] Discussion on the fear instilled by the FBI investigation
[19:30] Question: What do you think some of the most compelling evidence is in this case?
[25:58] Unpacking a haunting photo connected to the case
[27:33] “If not for your book, We would not have the documentation that we do on this case, and I think it's an important case. I think it's one of those, not just for historical purposes, but again for people to understand the times. 1946 is not that long ago.”
[27:50] Laura's initial hope to solve the case and her disappointment
[29:55] Sheryl's students learn valuable life lessons from the case
[32:18] “I do what I wanna do and when I wanna do it every day” -Ms. Williams's advice on staying young and vibrant
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! How to Leave an Apple Podcast Review: First, Open the podcast app on your iPhone, Mac, or iPad. Then, hit the “Search” tab at the bottom right-hand corner of the page and search for Zone 7. Select the podcast, scroll down to find the subheading “Ratings & Reviews”. and select “Write a Review.” Next, select the number of stars you’d like to leave. Please choose 5 stars! Using the text box which says “Title,” write a title for your review. Then in the text box, write the review itself. The review can be up to 300 words long, but doesn’t need to be much more than: “Love the show! Thanks!” or Once you’re done select “Send” in the upper right-hand corner.

---

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.

The 1987 Preble County Triple Homicide with Greg Noble May 24, 2023

Show notes

Late in the evening on Friday, October 30, 1987, three individuals are murdered by at least one gunshot to the head in a house located at 2188 Consolidated Road, in Eaton, Ohio. The names of the murdered individuals are David Smelser, Melinda Newcomb, and Donnie Marker. The bodies were not found until the following Monday, 3 days later, at approximately 5:30 p.m.

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, talks with guest Greg Noble, a seasoned attorney, and former prosecutor, as they dive into the cold case of the 1987 Preble County triple homicide. As they navigate through the rural landscapes of Ohio and the mysterious Poos family cabin, they shed light on the victims' backgrounds, the lack of motive, and the alarming blood evidence. Sheryl and Greg's exploration of this cold case is not only a window into the past but also an urgent call for community involvement and the pursuit of justice.

Show Notes:

[0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum. Sheryl shares a personal story illustrating the importance of not assuming intentions
[3:27] Details about the cabin's location, implying the killer's familiarity with the victims
[5:00] Sheryl introduces Greg Noble to the listeners. Greg is an attorney, a former prosecutor, and an analyst with the United States Secret Service.
[6:01] Question: When you first got involved with this triple homicide case, what were your initial feelings?
[8:30] Greg Noble shares the history of the Poos family and the cabin.
[10:28] Discussing the victims, David, Donnie, and Melinda, and their backgrounds.
[13:40] Speculation about the lack of motive for the murders.
[17:10] Details about the blood evidence found at the crime scene.
[19:11] Observation of the radio and outside lights being on at the time of the murders.
[20:44] Question: Now, all of them being shot behind the left ear, what does that say to you?
[25:12] Sheriff Simpson receives a call about the 1987 triple homicide
[26:24] The caller's specific details about the murder conspiracy.
[27:29] Question: Did the caller give any information that he could not have just gotten from the newspaper? Was there anything that made law enforcement think he is credible?
[28:36] Question: Is there anything you need from our community at large to help get this case solved?
[30:52] The potential of raising funds and attention to solve the cold case.
[33:51] “Keep motivated. Even when you run out of leads, there's always another one around the corner. Just turn that way.” -V.V
[33:55] Anyone with information about the Oct. 30, 1987 slayings of David Smelser, Donald Marker and Melinda Newcomb should call the Preble County Sheriff’s Office at 937-456-6262.
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! How to Leave an Apple Podcast Review: First, Open the podcast app on your iPhone, Mac, or iPad. Then, hit the “Search” tab at the bottom right-hand corner of the page and search for Zone 7. Select the podcast, scroll down to find the subheading “Ratings & Reviews”. and select “Write a Review.” Next, select the number of stars you’d like to leave. Please choose 5 stars! Using the text box which says “Title,” write a title for your review. Then in the text box, write the review itself. The review can be up to 300 words long, but doesn’t need to be much more than: “Love the show! Thanks!” or Once you’re done select “Send” in the upper right-hand corner.

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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.

The Latest on Natalee Holloway’s Unsolved Case with Nancy Grace May 17, 2023

Show notes

Natalee Ann Holloway disappears on May 30, 2005, while she was in Aruba on a senior class trip. Holloway traveled with Mountain Brook, Alabama High School seniors, and chaperones to Aruba on May 26, 2005. Reportedly, on the evening of May 29, 2005, Holloway and a large group of students went to Carlos 'N Charlie's Nightclub in Oranjestad, Aruba. Holloway was last seen around 1:30 a.m. leaving the area in a silver Honda with three young males, Joran van der Sloot, Deepak Kalpoe, and Satish Kalpoe. Holloway did not return to her hotel room. On the morning of May 30, 2005, when the Mountain Brook group was scheduled to meet in the lobby of the hotel in preparation for their departure from Aruba, Holloway never joined them. The Mountain Brook group returned to the United States, however, Holloway's whereabouts remain unknown.

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, talks with the esteemed prosecutor and TV personality, Nancy Grace. They delve into the complex world of true crime, focusing on the unsolved case of Natalee Holloway. As both women share personal anecdotes and experiences, they emphasize the power of resilience, care, and justice. This episode offers a poignant exploration of the trials and tribulations faced in the pursuit of justice, making it an absolute must-listen for true crime enthusiasts.

Show Notes:

[0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum. For those of you just joining and are new to Zone 7, it’s not a place, but a way of life.
[0:40] Sheryl shares why she felt compelled to start Zone 7.
[1:35] Sharing fond memories of watching Miss America pageants
[4:00] Background details of Natalee Holloway’s disappearance at age 18 in Aruba
[7:06] “This is a classic example of a case that is not necessarily unsolved, but unproven.”
[7:39] Sherly introduces esteemed prosecutor and TV personality, Nancy Grace to the listeners.
[9:56] Sheryl provides an update on her sister's resilience despite health challenges
[11:54] The Eleventh Victim
[16:38] Nancy describes an emotional moment in Aruba during the Holloway investigation
[19:20] Encounter with Aruban police and Nancy's fearless confrontation
[23:10] Nancy defends her statement on the Holloway case
[25:03] Speculations on what happened to Natalee Holloway
[26:10] Updates on suspect, Joran van der Sloot getting extradided to the US
[31:39] “I simply wanted to tell you That there are some men in this world who are born to do our unpleasant jobs for us and your father's one of them.” - Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird
[32:31] Call to action for Natalee’s unsolved case
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! How to Leave an Apple Podcast Review: First, Open the podcast app on your iPhone, Mac, or iPad. Then, hit the “Search” tab at the bottom right-hand corner of the page and search for Zone 7. Select the podcast, scroll down to find the subheading “Ratings & Reviews”. and select “Write a Review.” Next, select the number of stars you’d like to leave. Please choose 5 stars! Using the text box which says “Title,” write a title for your review. Then in the text box, write the review itself. The review can be up to 300 words long, but doesn’t need to be much more than: “Love the show! Thanks!” or Once you’re done select “Send” in the upper right-hand corner.

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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.

Moore's Ford Bridge Murders: Part Two | Janice Duncan May 10, 2023

Show notes

The Moore's Ford lynchings, or the 1946 Georgia lynching, refer to the brutal murders of four young African Americans by a mob of white men on July 25, 1946.

The incident took place near Moore's Ford Bridge in Walton and Oconee counties, Georgia. The victims were two married couples: George W. and Mae Murray Dorsey, and Roger and Dorothy Malcolm.

The case attracted national attention, prompting large protests in Washington, D.C., and New York City. President Harry Truman created the President's Committee on Civil Rights and introduced anti-lynching legislation in Congress, but it was blocked by the Southern Democratic bloc.

The FBI investigated the case in 1946 but could not find sufficient evidence to charge anyone. The cold case was reopened in the 1990s, but the state of Georgia and the FBI closed their cases in December 2017 without any prosecution.

In this episode of "Zone 7," Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, talks with clinical therapist Janice Duncan as they dive deep into the chilling Moore's Ford Lynching case. Together they explore the psychological impact of lynching on the Black community. They also discuss their emotional experiences at the crime scene, including a tense encounter with a truck, and the significance of the evidence found.

The duo also reveals their interactions with a former imperial wizard of the Ku Klux Klan, shedding light on the complex historical context of the case.

Show Notes:

[0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum. Sheryl recounts her Bonnie and Clyde death car experience and its impact on her investigative career.
[1:20] Sheryl highlights similarities between the Bonnie and Clyde case and the Moore's Ford Lynching
[7:06] Sherly welcomes guest Janice Duncan to the listeners
[8:05] Sheryl and Janice delve into the details of the Moore's Ford Bridge lynching
[9:56] Janice reflects on the emotional experience of visiting the lynching crime scene
[14:10] They discuss meeting with the former imperial wizard of the Ku Klux Klan
[15:55] Question: What was the turning point for you other than meeting with Johnny Lee Cleary?
[19:39] Janice shares the moving story of former Klan member Johnny Lee Cleary.
[22:02] The conversation shifts to understanding Cleary's violent childhood and coping mechanisms
[26:24] Cleary's actions, such as burning a black church to stop voter registration, are discussed
[27:10] Reverend Watts' belief in Cleary's potential for change is highlighted
[29:47] Janice shares how humor has helped her cope with the challenges of her career
[30:00] A tense encounter with a truck during the investigation is recounted
[32:20] Sheryl and Janice discuss the significance of evidence found in the Moore's Ford Bridge case
[33:02] The emotional impact of finding evidence at the crime scene is reflected upon
[37:02] How hands-on experience changed the students who helped in the investigation at the crime scene
[39:15] “This crime got the attention of a college student, you know, a Morehouse man, a 17-year-old who took the time to write a letter to the Atlanta Constitution. Because he was mad about the immortality of this racism. And the letter clearly showed that he had a passion for social justice. The letter was signed very simply, ML King Jr. So you college students here, with Cheryl and Janice, can do something. You have done something.” -TB
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! How to Leave an Apple Podcast Review: First, Open the podcast app on your iPhone, Mac, or iPad. Then, hit the “Search” tab at the bottom right-hand corner of the page and search for Zone 7. Select the podcast, scroll down to find the subheading “Ratings & Reviews”. and select “Write a Review.” Next, select the number of stars you’d like to leave. Please choose 5 stars! Using the text box which says “Title,” write a title for your review. Then in the text box, write the review itself. The review can be up to 300 words long, but doesn’t need to be much more than: “Love the show! Thanks!” or Once you’re done select “Send” in the upper right-hand corner.

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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-area Atlanta Police Department. She is the co-author of the textbook, “Cold Case: Pathways to Justice.”

McCollum 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. They come 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 McCollum’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.

Moore's Ford Bridge Murders: Part One | Claire Farley and Holly Hughes May 03, 2023

Show notes

The Moore's Ford lynchings, or the 1946 Georgia lynching, refer to the brutal murders of four young African Americans by a mob of white men on July 25, 1946.

The incident took place near Moore's Ford Bridge in Walton and Oconee counties, Georgia. The victims were two married couples: George W. and Mae Murray Dorsey, and Roger and Dorothy Malcolm. The case attracted national attention, prompting large protests in Washington, D.C., and New York City.

President Harry Truman created the President's Committee on Civil Rights and introduced anti-lynching legislation in Congress, but it was blocked by the Southern Democratic bloc. The FBI investigated the case in 1946 but could not find sufficient evidence to charge anyone. The cold case was reopened in the 1990s, but the state of Georgia and the FBI closed their cases in December 2017 without any prosecution.

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator Sheryl McCollum is joined by Judge Holly Hughes and Assistant District Attorney Claire Farley, two experienced legal professionals and advocates for justice.

Together, they discuss a historical cold case involving sharecropping, economic servitude, and a flawed investigation. The team shares their experiences uncovering crime scene artifacts that remained hidden for decades and the challenges they faced when working with the FBI.

The conversation also covers the importance of unsealing grand jury records to gain invaluable insights and the search for truth and justice in this long-forgotten case.

Show Notes:

[0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum. Sheryl details the last mass lynching in the United States. The Moore’s Ford Bridge lynchings, July 25th,1946
[7:17] Sheryl introduces her guests, Judge Holly Hughes and Assistant District Attorney Claire Farley, who have extensive legal experience and are advocates for justice
[10:21] Holly explains the concept of sharecropping, which was a system that kept people in a cycle of economic servitude similar to slavery
[15:30] The discussion begins with the recovery of objects from the crime scene, highlighting the magnitude of the event
[16:00] Sheryl shares a story about growing up hunting arrowheads with her Granfather.
[17:24] Cold Case Investigative Research Institute
[19:30] The team describes the process of cleaning up the site and setting up grids for a more detailed examination
[20:38] The discovery of over a hundred bullets, fragments, casings, and artifacts, many dating back to pre-1950, is revealed
[24:02] It is noted that over 50 years later, the evidence was still waiting to be discovered
[29:42] Question: Claire, you made a phone call because as an active DA, you said, let me call and see if they will come out and collect this evidence. Who did you call and what was their response?
[30:07] Claire shares her experience of calling the FBI to collect the evidence they found but encounters a lack of enthusiasm and support from the agent she spoke with
[33:06] Question: Claire, can you walk us through what happened with the 11th Circuit?
[33:17] Fire in a Canebrake: The Last Mass Lynching in America
[33:44] Claire explains her desire for justice and truth in the case, emphasizing the importance of unsealing records to get closer to the truth and encouraging family members to come forward and tell their stories
[37:12] Question: Holly, how important would it be for us to be able to read actual testimony?
[37:14] Holly emphasizes the invaluable nature of being able to read actual testimony, asserting that it's "priceless" to know who the witnesses were and to explore the original investigation
[38:40] Sheryl raises questions about Lloyd Harrison's involvement in the case and how he seemed to be delaying actions, fueling suspicions
[44:49] Discussion about the suspicious and fast arrival of the newspaper during the investigation, raising questions about how they knew about the events
[47:47] “I have a lot of emotion left from the days of the murders. My whole family still carries scars.” -JH
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! How to Leave an Apple Podcast Review: First, Open the podcast app on your iPhone, Mac, or iPad. Then, hit the “Search” tab at the bottom right-hand corner of the page and search for Zone 7. Select the podcast, scroll down to find the subheading “Ratings & Reviews”. and select “Write a Review.” Next, select the number of stars you’d like to leave. Please choose 5 stars! Using the text box which says “Title,” write a title for your review. Then in the text box, write the review itself. The review can be up to 300 words long but doesn’t need to be much more than: “Love the show! Thanks!” Once you’re done select “Send” in the upper right-hand corner.

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You can connect and learn more about McCollum’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.

Closing Thoughts For Now, April 2023 | Melissa Wolfenbarger Part 9 Apr 26, 2023

Show notes

April 29th, 1999. A skull is found in a trash bag outside Action Glass in Atlanta, Georgia.

Soon after, in different trash bags, various other body parts are found. The remains are identified as the remains of Melissa Wolfenbarger, a 21-year-old married mother of two who is reported missing several months prior.

In a remarkable twist, Melissa’s remains are verified only after her Father is arrested in connection to an unrelated murder.

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, is joined by the original lead detective on Melissa’s case, Detective Calhoun as they discuss their final thoughts on Melissa’s case. Walt, Sheryl’s husband, reads aloud Carl's final thoughts and reactions to the series on Zone 7. Anyone with information about Melissa’s case is urged to call Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477.

Show Notes:

[0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum.
[2:26] “Family can be who you are born into, but it’s also who you choose.”
[2:51] If you missed the beginning of Melissa Wolfenbarger’s case check out those episodes here: Melissa Wolfenbarger: Norma and Tina Patton | Part 1, Melissa Wolfenbarger: Karyn Greer | Part 2, Melissa Wolfenbarger: Trace Sargent | Part 3, Melissa Wolfenbarger: Letters From Carl Patton | Part 4, Melissa Wolfenbarger: Victims of Carl Patton - Liddie Evans Children Speak | Part 5, Melissa Wolfenbarger: Joseph Scott Morgan’s Insight on Melissa’s case | Part 6, and Melissa Wolfenbarger: Continued - Joseph Scott Morgan’s Insight on Melissa’s Case | Part 7, Melissa Wolfenbarger: Dr. Angela Arnold Weighs In | Part 8
[3:42] Sheryl introduces Detective AB Calhoun to the listeners
[5:20] Question: What are your first gut feelings and reactions about Melissa’s case?
[9:43] Question: When you learned that the victim's father is a convicted murderer, did you have any pause there?
[15:05] Sheryl’s husband, Walt will read Carl’s final letter and thoughts on this series of Melissa Wolfenbarger
[17:45] “Melissa was a beautiful, smart, loving young lady that had a bright future in front of her two beautiful children that she loved with all of her heart and soul.”
[20:10] Final thoughts from court documents with Gladys Jackson
[25:42] Out of the Shadows
[25:47] “You never know the struggle someone is going through. Always be kind.” -S.W
[25:51] Anyone with information about Melissa’s case is urged to call Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477.
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! How to Leave an Apple Podcast Review: First, Open the podcast app on your iPhone, Mac, or iPad. Then, hit the “Search” tab at the bottom right-hand corner of the page and search for Zone 7. Select the podcast, scroll down to find the subheading “Ratings & Reviews”. and select “Write a Review.” Next, select the number of stars you’d like to leave. Please choose 5 stars! Using the text box which says “Title,” write a title for your review. Then in the text box, write the review itself. The review can be up to 300 words long, but doesn’t need to be much more than: “Love the show! Thanks!” or Once you’re done select “Send” in the upper right-hand corner.

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About the ‘Zone 7’ Host

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-area Atlanta Police Department. She is the co-author of the textbook, “Cold Case: Pathways to Justice.”

McCollum 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. They come 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 McCollum’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.

Melissa Wolfenbarger: Dr. Angela Arnold Weighs In | Part 8 Apr 19, 2023

Show notes

April 29th, 1999. A skull is found in a trash bag outside Action Glass in Atlanta, Georgia. Soon after, in different trash bags, various other body parts are found. The remains are identified as the remains of Melissa Wolfenbarger, a 21-year-old married mother of two who is reported missing several months prior. In a remarkable twist, Melissa’s remains are verified only after her Father is arrested in connection to an unrelated murder.

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, is joined by Psychiatrist, Dr. Angela Arnold who has worked on Melissa’s unsolved case. Dr. Arnold and Sheryl discuss their perspectives on trauma bonds, domestic violence and what realtionship imbalances look like in families. They also discuss how childhood trauma can ultimately lead you to exactly what you were trying to get away from. In this case, they discuss how Melissa’s childhood and experience shaped how she ended up with a guy like Christopher. Dr. Arnold also gives her advice on how to detect a narcissist and signs of domestic violence, and more.

Show Notes:

[0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum. Sheryl sets the scene of exactly why Dr. Angela Arnold is part of her zone 7
[2:25] If you missed the beginning of Melissa Wolfenbarger’s case check out those episodes here: Melissa Wolfenbarger: Norma and Tina Patton | Part 1, Melissa Wolfenbarger: Karyn Greer | Part 2, Melissa Wolfenbarger: Trace Sargent | Part 3, Melissa Wolfenbarger: Letters From Carl Patton | Part 4, Melissa Wolfenbarger: Victims of Carl Patton - Liddie Evans Children Speak | Part 5, Melissa Wolfenbarger: Joseph Scott Morgan’s Insight on Melissa’s case | Part 6, and Melissa Wolfenbarger: Continued - Joseph Scott Morgan’s Insight on Melissa’s Case | Part 7
[2:30] Dr. Angela Arnold has expertise in a lot of different areas such as anxiety and depression, attention deficit disorder, work-life balance, cold cases, and criminal behavior issues leading to crime suspect and victim-centered criminological review
[4:20] “Families develop their own identities as a whole.”
[8:50] What it means to love bomb someone
[10:24] Signs of devaluing a person
[15:43] The enormous bond between Norma and Carl
[20:00] Sheryl weighs in on her perspective of Chris and Carl's affiliation
[27:58] Dr. Angela weighs in on Melissa’s missing torso
[30:50] Motives as to why a husband would kill his wife
[32:33] Red flags in domestic violence
[37:54] “Melissa had this funny back and forth where she loved Chris and she was scared of him, and he would, he would make her fearful, but then the next day he would do something that made her feel that love again. And it's a bond. It's, it's, that's why it's called a trauma bond.”
[38:36] Question: Dr. Arnold, do you have any advice that you wanna give right now to everybody listening?
[39:55] “People change based on what they feel more than what they know.”
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! How to Leave an Apple Podcast Review: First, Open the podcast app on your iPhone, Mac, or iPad. Then, hit the “Search” tab at the bottom right-hand corner of the page and search for Zone 7. Select the podcast, scroll down to find the subheading “Ratings & Reviews”. and select “Write a Review.” Next, select the number of stars you’d like to leave. Please choose 5 stars! Using the text box which says “Title,” write a title for your review. Then in the text box, write the review itself. The review can be up to 300 words long, but doesn’t need to be much more than: “Love the show! Thanks!” or Once you’re done select “Send” in the upper right-hand corner.

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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.

Zone 7 Legends: Detective Lindsey Wade Apr 12, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator Sheryl McCollum talks with Lindsey Wade about her detective expertise, the early days of crime solving, and how free-range parenting changed in the ’90s. Lindsey brings light to many topics in her book, "In My DNA," and more.

Show Notes:

[0:00] Sheryl sets the scene to the episode and the guest for today’s zone 7 guest
[3:10] “Sometimes in your life there will be full circle moments that you could never predict.”
[4:17] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum. Sheryl introduces guest, Lindsey Wade to the listeners. Lindsey is a 14-year retired detective and author. Her retirement life has been spent in the SAKE program and as a senior investigator.
[7:13] Lindsey's early interest in crime solving
[11:23] What happened to free-range parenting?
[14:02] “During the search of the vehicle, we found six rolls of various kinds of tape. Thin white rope, a black handle butcher knife under the driver's seat. It's rape. I also observed the interior passenger side door handle was missing.”
[16:24] Chapter seven: He picked that time, he picked that hour, he picked that victim. So if you go there, you can get insight from him. So kind of walk us through the importance for you of walking that crime scene from a cold case.
[20:35] Question: You are absolutely brilliant at utilizing resources and you do so many smart things like using somebody to help you create a time that includes documents from law enforcement, Department of Corrections, employment history, vehicle registration, address, history. Can you tell us who you used and how that came about?
[22:43] Question: So tell us about the John Doe warrant. This is another thing that you did a couple of times that I thought everybody needs to hear that and just be reminded of.
[26:23] Sexual predators: residents or predators?
[27:09] Dna in CODIS
[30::25] “I hate the term peeping Tom. We all know in this business, that's not what they're doing. No. And here's one thing I want people to understand.”
[40:00] “Sometimes I'll, I'll hear something about another jurisdiction in another state and I still feel compelled to call 'em and just say, Hey, I know you don't know me, but have you thought of this? You had such a full circle moment with, you know, the child from your community that was killed and then you solved it when you were grown. I mean, I just think that is unbelievable. Twist of fate that was, in my opinion
[42:12] “Have no regrets. Change the question mark into an exclamation point. One person can change the world, and I think that sums up Detective Lindsey Wade perfectly
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! How to Leave an Apple Podcast Review: First, Open the podcast app on your iPhone, Mac, or iPad. Then, hit the “Search” tab at the bottom right-hand corner of the page and search for Zone 7. Select the podcast, scroll down to find the subheading “Ratings & Reviews”. and select “Write a Review.” Next, select the number of stars you’d like to leave. Please choose 5 stars! Using the text box which says “Title,” write a title for your review. Then in the text box, write the review itself. The review can be up to 300 words long, but doesn’t need to be much more than: “Love the show! Thanks!” or Once you’re done select “Send” in the upper right-hand corner.

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About the ‘Zone 7’ Host

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-area Atlanta Police Department. She is the co-author of the textbook, “Cold Case: Pathways to Justice.”

McCollum 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. They come 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 McCollum’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.

Melissa Wolfenbarger: Continued - Joseph Scott Morgan’s Insight on Melissa’s Case | Part 7 Apr 05, 2023

Show notes

April 29th, 1999. A skull is found in a trash bag outside Action Glass in Atlanta, Georgia.

In a remarkable twist, Melissa’s remains are verified only after her Father is arrested in connection to an unrelated murder.

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, is joined again by forensics expert Joseph Scott Morgan as they discuss the details of Melissa’s murder case.

They dissect potential thoughts from a murderer’s perspective, reasons proper tools are necessary when dismembering a body, the importance of understanding the anatomy of a body, initial problems with the case that could have saved time, and more.

Show Notes:

[0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum. For this specific episode, listener discretion is advised. This information is not for shock value, but for the facts
[0:34] Sheryl gives listeners an overview of Melissa’s case
[0:36] If you missed the beginning of Melissa Wolfenbarger’s case check out those episodes here: Melissa Wolfenbarger: Norma and Tina Patton | Part 1, Melissa Wolfenbarger: Karyn Greer | Part 2, Melissa Wolfenbarger: Trace Sargent | Part 3, Melissa Wolfenbarger: Letters From Carl Patton | Part 4, Melissa Wolfenbarger: Victims of Carl Patton - Liddie Evans Children Speak | Part 5, Melissa Wolfenbarger: Joseph Scott Morgan’s Insight on Melissa’s case | Part 6
[2:16] Question: Joe Scott Morgan, What happened to Melissa after she was murdered?
[12:52] “Some people rely on their faith. Some people rely on Jack Daniels. I tend to rely on just the human level, and I know when I get in there and I work alone as a crime scene investigator, it's just me and the body.”
[15:31] Joe discusses unanswered questions surrounding the type of death Melissa experienced
[21:12] Initial problems with this particular case
[24:50] Question: Do you think the perpetrator was trying to make sure somebody misidentified her, or do you think it was part of the punishment in domestic violence cases?
[25:42] “When you defile a person like this in death, that, that says so much about the psychopathology of the individual that's doing this.”
[27:04] Question: What else should we be looking for as investigators?
[34:17] “Just remember when you get frustrated by difficult cases. One should not pursue goals which are easily achieved.”
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! How to Leave an Apple Podcast Review: First, Open the podcast app on your iPhone, Mac, or iPad. Then, hit the “Search” tab at the bottom right-hand corner of the page and search for Zone 7. Select the podcast, scroll down to find the subheading “Ratings & Reviews”. and select “Write a Review.” Next, select the number of stars you’d like to leave. Please choose 5 stars! Using the text box which says “Title,” write a title for your review. Then in the text box, write the review itself. The review can be up to 300 words long, but doesn’t need to be much more than: “Love the show! Thanks!” or Once you’re done select “Send” in the upper right-hand corner.