Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum

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Latest Episodes:

Melissa Wolfenbarger: Joseph Scott Morgan’s Insight on Melissa’s case | Part 6 Mar 29, 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 by forensics expert Joseph Scott Morgan as they discuss the details of Melissa’s murder case. They both not only describe the gruesome details around cases involving beheading and dismemberment but they also bring light to their professions that most never see.

They also dissect potential thoughts from a murderer’s perspective, the importance of understanding the anatomy of a body, and more.

Show Notes:

[0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum. 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
[4:16] “Our humor is sometimes very dark and a little twisted. But we can't spend all of our time crying.”
[4:30] Sheryl McCollum introduces Joseph Scott Morgan to listeners
[7:22] Joe is the author of Blood Beneath My Feet: The Journey of a Southern Death Investigator, the host of the hit podcast Body Bags, and a distinguished scholar of applied forensics at Jacksonville State University
[10:08] Sheryl gives a brief background of Melissa’s case for those who may be new to joining
[15:47] “Avon Avenue is probably in the top five streets in Atlanta that I worked deaths on.”
[19:50] Joe details necessary reasons anatomy knowledge is necessary for dismemberment
[22:04] Question: With the cases that you have worked on where there was a beheading… Was there also a dismemberment of the arms and legs, or is that rare for even you?
[28:26] Question: If Melissa were in fact pregnant, which is something she's told a judge, Something she told her mother. Do you think if he believed that she was pregnant and that her husband was responsible for this murder, do you think he would've buried his child, meaning her torso?
[33:01] Geographical profiling
[33:13] Join us again next week as Joseph Scott Morgan leads us to the conclusion of what he believes happened to Melissa Wolfenbarger
[34:43] Check out Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan
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.

Melissa Wolfenbarger: Victims of Carl Patton - Liddie Evans Children Speak | Part 5 Mar 22, 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 Liddie Evans' children: Philip (son-in-law), Carolyn, Renee, Roy and Sylvia.

They join Sheryl to express their experience of losing their mom, Liddie, who was murdered at age 31 by Carl Patton. They discuss the pain they have endured and how life was with and without Liddie.

They also each share their feelings about the murder of Melissa and why they ultimately cannot forgive Carl.

Show Notes:

[0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum. 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
[2:15] “We were told during the trial that their own daughter, Melissa had been murdered. I wouldn't wish that pain on anybody.”
[2:48] Liddie Evans was 31 when she was reported missing
[4:52] Question: Philip, did you have anything to do with Melissa’s murder?
[5:48] Carolyn, one of Liddie’s daughters details out the events that took place the day Liddy was murdered
[6:57] Question: Renee, tell us listeners how your mama, Liddie, was the life of the party?
[9:24] Question: Roy, what would you say to Carl Patton if you could?
[13:20] Question: Carolyn, do you think Norma was just telling a story while on stand? Do you think she was afraid of Carl or do you think she just didn't care?
[15:34] Question: Roy, for you being the oldest and a man, was this even more difficult for you because you could not protect the women in your life at that time?
[17:35] Sheryl shares a piece of Carl Patton’s letters with Liddie’s children
[17:35] “As I have told you many times, I didn't realize what hurt and harm I'd done till we lost Melissa. Nothing I can say or do will ever change 45 years ago. I have asked my family, the families of the victims, and God to forgive me. I know God will, and I understand why the victim's family won't. I will never forgive Chris, so I do understand their hate toward me.” -Letters from Carl Patton
[22:18] Question: Can each of you take a second and think of anything you would like to share on this episode that you feel needs to be on this show?
[31:20] “God is the giver and taker of life, not man.”
[38:08] “Every person can make a difference and every person should try.” -Dr. E.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.

---

Sheryl 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.”

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: Letters From Carl Patton | Part 4 Mar 15, 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 her husband, Walt McCollum, as they read the letters between Sheryl and Melissa’s father, Carl Patton. Carl’s letters detail out the importance of including him in the investigation of Melissa’s murder, the viewpoints from both a victim and a suspect, and insights on the relationship between Melissa and husband, Christopher Wolfenbarger.

Show Notes:

[0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum. 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
[1:15] Sheryl introduces the significance of including Carl Patton in Melissa’s investigation
[5:42] Flint River Murders
[7:14] Timeline of events - In 2003, Carl Miller Patton Jr. Was arrested. He was later convicted of the 1977 murders of Fred. Lidy Matthews Evans and Evan's boyfriend, Joe Cleveland
[10:36] Walt McCollum, Sheryl’s husband reads the letters of Carl Patton to the listeners
[16:06] “A guilty conscience is a hell on earth that continues to punish and convict, and I deal with it every day.”
[21:31] Snippets of Douglas McGregor
[23:30] One final letter from Carl...
[28:18] “Never look down at anyone unless extending a hand to pick them back up.” -J.R
[28:51] Join us next week as we talk exclusively to the children of Liddy Evans. We will have an opportunity to look at Carl's crimes and see if they factor in to the murder of Melissa Wolfenbarger
[29:09] 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.

---

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.

Melissa Wolfenbarger: Trace Sargent | Part 3 Mar 08, 2023

Show notes

On this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum, a Crime Scene Investigator, is joined by Trace Sargent. Trace is one of the nation's leading K9 handlers who specializes in search, rescue, and recovery missions. Trace explains her background and how she fell in love with search and rescue. Trace also explains the way dogs are trained to search, why she uses multiple dogs on searches and a part of running a canine that may go unseen.

Show Notes:

[0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum. If you missed part one or two of Melissa Wolfenbarger’s case check those out here: Melissa Wolfenbarger: Norma and Tina Patton | Part 1, Melissa Wolfenbarger: Karyn Greer | Part 2
[2:28] Sheryl gives a brief background of guest, Trace Sargent. Trace is one of the nation's leading K9 handlers who specializes in search, rescue, and recovery missions.
[6:27] Trace details the early days of getting involved with training dogs, and animals of all types.
[16:22] “I always put people before politics and principles before policies.” T.S
[18:59] Sheryl gives a layout of the search party team for Melissa and the introduction to Trace, her dogs on the search, and the environment they experienced in Georgia
[21:32] Question: Why would it be important to have two dogs or more on a search such as Melissa’s?
[21:56] Natalie Holloway Case
[25:26] Trace explains how dogs are trained to find scents
[32:09] A part of running a canine that most people don’t see
[37:50] “Trust your dog.” -T.P
[38:02] 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.

---

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.

Melissa Wolfenbarger: Karyn Greer | Part 2 Mar 01, 2023

Show notes

On this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum, a Crime Scene Investigator, is joined by news anchor for WBS Channel 2 news, Karyn Greer. They comb through the details surrounding Melissa’s case and discuss in length the importance that media has in cases such as Melissa’s. Karyn also discusses her experience of what it’s like to follow a case for such a length of time.

Show Notes:

[0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum. If you missed part one episode of Melissa Wolfenbarger’s case check it out here: Melissa Wolfenbarger: Norma and Tina Patton | Part 1
[2:00] Sheryl introduces the news anchor for WBS Channel 2 news, Karyn Greer to the listeners
[5:00] Question: Seeing as though you have covered this case for quite some time, do you have a method for when witnesses or people want to be interviewed? Can you tell us what that looks like?
[8:08] “But something really incredible happened when the assistant district attorney got on the scene. What was that?...”
[8:45] Question: When Adrian love stood where the skull was found and saw its proximity to where the husband worked, What was her reaction?
[12:12] The media can do things law enforcement just can't do, and one of those things is that they can reach a ton of people with one episode
[20:19] Everyone remembers Scott Peterson
[21:16] Question: Have you ever seen a case like this before in your career?
[24:11] Crime Con
[29:04] “Always remember these stories belong to the families. All we can do for them, and the loved ones they've lost is to tell the story. It's for their families. And when the teleprompter keeps rolling, just speak from the heart.”
[29:30] Tune in next week when Sheryl is joined by canine search and rescue expert, Trace Sargent
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.

Melissa Wolfenbarger : Norma and Tina Patton | Part 1 Feb 22, 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.

On this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum, a Crime Scene Investigator, is joined by Norma Patton, Melissa's mother, and Tina Patton, Melissa's sister, to discuss Melissa's life and the complex investigation to identify her remains. The conversation explores the details surrounding Melissa's case and sheds light on the challenges faced by law enforcement in identifying the victim and the killer.

Show Notes:

[0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum.
[1:00] The introduction to the case - Sheryl describes an intricate and complex case. Various
[7:30] Norma, who is Melissa's mother, and Tina, who is Melissa's sister, are introduced
[10:00] Tina was approached by Melissa's father at her workplace and asked about Melissa's whereabouts, which made her realize the seriousness of the situation
[12:30] Despite marital problems, would Melissa ever leave her two children?
[13:30] Melissa’s Father, Carl Patton is arrested for 5 murders that occurred in 1973. Norma helped Carl dispose of the bodies
[16:00] The unknown skull is identified… as Melissa Walfenberger. Mother of two small children, dead at 21 years old
[17:00] A primary suspect? Melissa’s husband, Christopher Wolfenbarger
[21:30] How the death of Carl's daughter altered his perspective on the murders he committed
[24:00] Melissa did not have a history of causing problems, but it is believed that her husband played a role in her becoming entangled in trouble.
[26:00] Going to the location of where Melissa’s skull was found; her husband’s workplace.
[29:00] “She told me ‘my husband is in jail for murder and I was on probation cuz I helped him dispose of bodies.’ Now, I don't know about y'all, but that was an unusual start of a conversation for me.”
[34:00] As evidence accumulates, a case against Melissa's husband starts to take shape. The circumstantial evidence, coupled with his behavior after Melissa's disappearance, points to him as a potential suspect.
[37:00] “Melissa didn't deserve what she got. She did not deserve, you know, however she died.”
[37:30] “Thank you Sheryl, and I certainly appreciate everything that you've done cuz we wouldn't [...] have gotten this far without you. You had just as much to do with all of this and getting, getting us to the right people that could actually do something.”
[39:00] One of the striking aspects of this case, which even Sheryl has not encountered before, is that a killer has become a crime victim. Carl Patton, Melissa's father, still writes to Sheryl from prison.
[40:00] Next week on the show, we will be joined by Karen Greer, a renowned television personality in Atlanta.
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.

Solving the Murder of Fred Wilkinson | Chief Clay Bryant Part 2 Feb 15, 2023

Show notes

In November of 1987, 49-year-old Fred Wilkerson, a truck driver, last seen on Thanksgiving night, vanished. Fred's car was found a month later in the Atlanta airport's parking lot with two uncashed checks in the car. Years later, Fred’s remains were found in ex-girlfriend, Connie Quedens well.

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, talks with Clay Bryant as they discuss the case of 49-year-old Fred Wilkerson who vanished in November, 1987. Clay lays out the glaring red flags in Fred's case that went unnoticed years prior, the reason Fred’s son wanted the case further investigated, and what led to Connie’s guilty verdict.

Show Notes:

[0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum. Sheryl gives an introduction of Criminal Investigator, Clay Bryant to the listeners
[3:00] Solving the West Georgia Murder of Gwendolyn Moore | Chief Clay Bryant Part 1
[3:30] Criminal Investigator, Clay Bryant details out the second case he’s solved involving a well
[7:10] 49-year-old Fred Wilkerson was a truck driver that vanished in November of 1987
[8:59] Sheryl and Clay go over some glaring red flags during the disappearance of Fred Wilkerson
[10:54] A break in Fred’s case
[13:48] “[Clay] became an expert in solvability factors. He would look at what he had and instantly know what he needed to push that case into the endzone. Clay's gift is being able to talk to people and pull information out of them that nobody's ever heard. To stack that information into this pyramid of justice, he does it better than anybody.”
[22:16] Clay details out the trial and evidence in the court
[28:20] “The truth will always come to light.”
[28:50] Next week on Zone 7, we will be discussing the unsolved case of 21-year-old Melissa Wolfenbarger
[29:15] 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, and 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.

---

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.

Solving the West Georgia Murder of Gwendolyn Moore | Chief Clay Bryant Part 1 Feb 08, 2023

Show notes

On the morning of August 3rd, 1970, Gwendolyn Moore was hoisted out of a dry well just outside of Hogansville, Georgia. Chief Officer Buddy Bryant was at the scene along with then-fifteen-year-old, Clay Bryant. The case was deemed an accident… until thirty years later.

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, talks with Clay Bryant. Clay has been recognized as one of the most prolific cold case investigators in the United States. Sheryl and Clay discuss Clay's childhood, growing up in the front seat of his father's police car, and following his footsteps into law enforcement. Clay discusses how old politics can get in the way of solving a case, and how he solved the cold case of Gwendolyn Moore; one of the longest-standing spousal abuse cases Clay has ever seen. Clay also discusses the importance of new technology for solving crimes, and the undeniable value of needing officers to be a part of the community.

Show Notes:

[0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum. Sheryl gives an introduction of Criminal Investigator, Clay Bryant to the listeners
[5:55] “Even the worst people have some good in them and the best people have some bad in them.”
[6:01] Question: Clay, can you tell us about your dad, Chief Buddy Bryant?
[10:05] In 1970, Gwendolyn Moore was found on the morning of Aug 3rd in a well adjacent to the house she had lived in…
[13:29] “This was the longest-standing case of spousal abuse I’ve ever seen.”
[16:51] Murder in Coweta County
[25:14] Question: Can you tell us how you started connecting the dots toward prosecution for the murder of Gwendolyn?
[33:36] Lo and behold, we had our case
[37:07] Solving the West Georgia Murder of Gwendolyn Moore: A Cry From the Well By Clay Bryant
[39:57] “He said ‘the downfall of policing was the day they put air conditioning in the patrol car.’ I looked at him, I said, daddy, ‘you've lost your mind. What are you talking about?’ He said, son, ‘that day... it became comfortable to isolate yourself from the people that you need most to be in contact with and to serve.”
[41:29] “When you enter a crime scene, don't focus on things. Take in the whole location. Sit there, smell, and taste the air. Then, let your subconscious do the math and go with your gut feeling.”
[41:52] 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, and 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.

---

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.

New Evidence in Brittany Phillips Unsolved Murder Feb 01, 2023

Show notes

18-year-old Brittany Phillips is last seen on September 27, 2004. Just before 10 p.m., she dropped the friend off at home and then drove to her own apartment on 65th Street. The following day, Tulsa Police find Brittany raped and murdered in her Tulsa apartment. In 2019, DNA led to a possible suspect. That person was cleared.

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, brings Dr. Maggie Zingman, the mother of Brittany Phillips back onto Zone 7. They discuss the latest evidence discovery in Brittany’s case - a letter mailed after Brittany’s tentative death timeline. This changes the timeline of the case and gives even more reason to reinterview friends and suspects, re analyze all evidence and dna in Brittany’s unsolved murder.

ANYONE with ANY information about the murder of Brittany Phillips murder or latest evidence contact the Tulsa Police Department Homicide Unit at 918-596-9135

Show Notes:

[0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum. Sheryl speaks of new evidence in Brittany’s case
[0:15] Caravan to Catch the Killer: Dr. Maggie Zingman’s Devotion to her Daughter
[4:03] Sheryl welcomes Dr. Maggie Zingman, the mother of Brittany to Zone 7 back to Zone 7 to speak on behalf of the new evidence discovered
[11:00] “If I mailed something for someone, and she was murdered four days later or three days later. I'm sure as hell gonna remember it.”
[15:14] Sheryl breaks down Brittany’s autopsy report
[19:57] Reasons the case needs a completely new start
[20:29] Letter leads to a new timeline in Brittany’s murder
[20:48] If you have any information about the letter that is new evidence in Brittanys unsolved case, please contact the Tulsa Police Department Homicide Unit at 918-596-9135
[25:04] “Do not give up. Leave no stone unturned. Look for signs of loved ones, but don't look hard. They'll show up when you're not expecting it.” -S.L
[25:34] Next week on Zone 7 Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum will talk with Clay Bryant
[26:06] 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! 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, and 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.

Caravan to Catch the Killer: Dr. Maggie Zingman’s Devotion to her Daughter Jan 25, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, talks with Dr. Maggie Zingman, the mother of Brittany Phillips. They discuss what Brittany was like as a young adult, what events led up to the night of the gruesome murder, the benefits and setbacks of DNA involvement, and ultimately the reasons why this case needs to be started over completely.

Show Notes:

[0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum. Sheryl introduces Brittany’s case to the listeners
[3:09] This case took place in Tulsa, Oklahoma on September 27, 2004. Brittany was 18 years old when police found her in her apartment dead
[4:18] The little doorway connected Britt's apartment with other apartments
[7:05] Sheryl introduces guest, Dr. Maggie Zingman, the mother of Brittany to Zone 7
[8:08] Question: Can you tell us about when you got the knock at the door from the police?
[10:46] Parabon explained
[12:04] Question: You know, he's a white guy with blue eyes and blonde hair, and a few freckles. What do you do with that composite?
[13:36] Dr. Maggie Zingman’s Vehicle
[15:52] Question: What does your local law enforcement think about your caravan and justice?
[20:57] “We got a direct hit, and he is not our killer.”
[26:25] Let’s walk through the crime… Step by step
[30:34] Question: How many interviews do you think you’ve done with media?
[34:24] Suspects in the case
[40:29] Question: Can you tell the listeners what happened to you between Montana and Wyoming?
[44:59] If you have any information about Sept. 27-Sept. 30th, 2004, murder of Brittany Phillips, contact the Tulsa Police Department Homicide Unit at 918-596-9135
[45:23] “Work on things that keep you up at night. be the change every single day. Never give up and know that one day your work will be the answer in the change in someone else's life.” -Dr. Christine Middleman
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.