Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum

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Latest Episodes:

The Olympic Park Bombing Part 3 | Dana Jewell on Richard Jewell’s Life and Legacy Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

In Part 3 of the Olympic Park bombing series, Sheryl McCollum talks with Dana Jewell about her husband’s life before, during, and after the bombing. Dana shares what Richard endured during “88 days of hell,” the paranoia and betrayal that followed, and how lawsuits, illness, and media attacks shaped his final years. She remembers his love of law enforcement, the toll of nightmares, and the injustice that haunted him. Dana also reflects on Clint Eastwood’s film Richard Jewell and the lasting impact of her husband’s story.

Dana Jewell is the widow of Richard Jewell, the security guard who found the bomb at Centennial Olympic Park in 1996. Over 88 days, Richard lived under FBI suspicion and intense media scrutiny before being cleared. Dana continues to share Richard’s legacy, reminding the world of the cost of rushing to judgment.

Missed the first two episodes?

Highlights:

(0:00) Sheryl welcomes Dana Jewell and describes Richard spotting the suspicious backpack at Centennial Park
(1:45) Dana shares Richard’s “88 days of hell” under FBI suspicion and media pressure, and how it damaged his health
(5:15) “We met on a drug bust.” Dana remembers meeting Richard in Meriweather County
(14:30) The lawsuit against the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the lasting damage of headlines
(19:00) Kent Alexander approaches Dana about writing The Suspect
(24:00) Richard Jewell's illness and final days
(31:15) Dana reflects on Clint Eastwood’s film Richard Jewell
(34:45) Sheryl closes by quoting Richard Jewell: “The media can destroy lives faster than the criminal justice system can save them.”

Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports our mission to educate and investigate.

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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 co-author of the textbook Cold Case: Pathways to Justice. She is the founder and director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, a national collaboration that advances techniques for solving cold cases and assists families and law enforcement with unsolved homicides, missing persons, and kidnappings.

Social Links:

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crime Roundup | Donna Adelson Trial, Cardi B’s Testimony, and Kentucky Newborn Death Case Sep 05, 2025

Show notes

Sheryl McCollum and Joshua Schiffer dig into three high-profile legal cases making headlines this week on Crime Roundup. They break down the Donna Adelson murder-for-hire trial, where Sheryl calls out the “mob movie nonsense” as the defense scrambles to explain taped jail calls and handwritten notes.

They revisit Cardi B’s courtroom appearance, where her unfiltered language and direct delivery spark a sharp take on how juries respond when a witness owns exactly who they are. They also examine a case in Kentucky involving the death of a newborn and the legal questions still surrounding the investigation. Plus, Sheryl previews what she’s looking forward to at CrimeCon, including a live panel she’ll lead with Ed Newcomer, a special agent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and a recent Zone 7 guest.

Highlights:

(00:00) Welcome to Crime Roundup with Sheryl McCollum and Joshua Schiffer
(00:30) Cardi B returns to court, and Sheryl breaks down why her delivery works
(03:00) How attorney’s fees shape strategy in civil lawsuits
(08:00) Donna Adelson’s trial gets messy: recorded jail calls, handwritten notes, and family fallout
(16:45) Trial strategy: witness issues and what’s next for the Adelson case
(21:45) CrimeCon preview: Sheryl shares what she’s looking forward to most
(25:15) In Kentucky, the death of a newborn prompts legal questions and cautious speculation about what comes next
(27:15) Wrapping up with CrimeCon: live panels and forensic favorites

About the Hosts

Joshua Schiffer is a veteran trial attorney and one of the Southeast’s most respected legal voices. He is a founding partner at ChancoSchiffer P.C., where he has litigated high-stakes criminal, civil rights, and personal injury cases for over two decades. Known for his bold courtroom presence and ability to clearly explain complex legal issues, Schiffer is a frequent media contributor and a fearless advocate for accountability.

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 co-author of the textbook Cold Case: Pathways to Justice. She is the founder and director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, a national collaboration that advances techniques for solving cold cases and assists families and law enforcement with unsolved homicides, missing persons, and kidnappings.

🎧 Want more from Sheryl?

Catch her every Wednesday on Zone 7, where she doesn’t just talk cold cases, she works them. She is joined by fellow forensic pros and criminal justice insiders for conversations straight from active investigations. Then on Mondays, tune in to Pathology with Dr. Priya, where the physical evidence takes center stage.

📢 If you enjoyed this episode, follow Zone 7: Crime Roundup on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to help others find the show. Have a case or topic you want discussed? Email coldcase2004@gmail.com or connect with the hosts on social:

Sheryl on X: @ColdCaseTips
Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum
Joshua on X and Instagram: @lawyerschiff

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Olympic Park Bombing Part 2 | Kent Alexander on Justice and Richard Jewell Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

In Part 2 of the Olympic Park bombing series, Sheryl McCollum talks with Kent Alexander, who served as U.S. Attorney during the investigation. Alexander recalls the tense hours after the blast, the FBI and media’s rush to label Richard Jewell a suspect, and the non-target letter that cleared him. He also explains how Eric Rudolph became the focus, what investigators learned from the case, and how his book The Suspect grew into Clint Eastwood’s film Richard Jewell.

Kent Alexander served as U.S. Attorney for Northern District of Georgia during the Olympic Park bombing investigation. He is the co-author of The Suspect, the book that became the basis for Clint Eastwood’s film Richard Jewell.

To learn more about Kent Alexander, visit The Suspect

Highlights:

(0:00) Sheryl introduces guest Kent Alexander, former U.S. Attorney during the Olympic Park bombing
(2:45) The 911 call and Alexander’s first moments of the investigation
(5:30) Securing evidence and rebuilding the bomb
(8:15) Remembering victims Alice Hawthorne and Melih Uzunyol
(9:15) Media and FBI rush to judgment against Richard Jewell
(12:30) The non-target letter that cleared Richard Jewell
(17:30) Eric Rudolph emerges as the true bomber
(22:00) Alexander start writing The Suspect, documenting the case
(25:15) Understanding Eric Rudolph’s motives and methods
(30:00) Sheryl recall firsthand stories of victims and media exposure
(33:15) How The Suspect became the film Richard Jewell
(37:00) “He was a hero. What he did saved a lot of lives.” - Kent Alexander on Richard Jewell

Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports our mission to educate and investigate.

---

Social Links:

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Zone 7 Series: Aftermath — The Forensics of a School Shooting Sep 02, 2025

Show notes

Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of a recent school shooting involving children, including descriptions of trauma, autopsy procedures, and emotional reactions. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, Dr. Priya Banerjee and Sheryl McCollum respond to the devastating school shooting in Minneapolis that claimed the lives of two young students and injured many others. Speaking as both a forensic pathologist and a mother, Dr. Priya walks through the real-time impact of mass shootings, from the chaos at the scene to the procedures carried out in the morgue. She explains how that space becomes a place of both science and sorrow, and why every wound, detail, and decision plays a role in honoring the victims and supporting their families.

Highlights

(0:00) Sheryl McCollum and Dr. Priya open the episode with initial reactions to the Minneapolis school shooting
(1:30) Dr. Priya reflects on the events of that day through the eyes of both a mother and a doctor
(4:00) Chaos, triage, and the painful task of confirming a child's identity
(7:00) Why autopsies matter, even when there's no case to prosecute
(8:00) Supporting survivors while documenting a chaotic, still-active crime scene
(9:30) How emergency contact forms and school records aid in identifying victims
(10:45) The external exam: wounds, measurements, and heartbreaking details
(12:45) Photographing and documenting every wound in detail
(14:15) Motherhood and the job: how parenting reshaped their work, their lens, and their limits
(18:45) Sheryl and Dr. Priya close the episode with final thoughts on responsibility and resilience

About the Hosts

Dr. Priya Banerjee is a board-certified forensic pathologist with extensive experience in death investigation, clinical forensics, and courtroom testimony. A graduate of Johns Hopkins, she served for over a decade as Rhode Island’s state medical examiner and now runs a private forensic pathology practice. Her work includes military deaths, NSA cases, and high-profile investigations. Dr. Priya has also been featured as a forensic expert on platforms such as CrimeOnline and Crime Stories with Nancy Grace. She is a dedicated educator, animal lover, and proud mom.

Website: anchorforensicpathology.com
Twitter/X: @Autopsy_MD

Sheryl McCollum is an Emmy Award–winning CSI, a writer for CrimeOnline, and the Forensic and Crime Scene Expert for Crime Stories with Nancy Grace. She works as a CSI for a metro Atlanta Police Department and 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 (CCIRI), a nationally recognized nonprofit that brings together universities, law enforcement, and experts to help solve unsolved homicides, missing persons cases, and kidnappings.

Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com
Twitter/X: @ColdCaseTips
Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum
Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

📣If this episode resonated with you, please follow the show, share it with someone, and consider leaving us a review. Your support helps others discover the science, stories, and heart behind Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Zone 7 Series.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crime Roundup | Cardi B Lawsuit Testimony, Karen Read Case Update & A.J. Scott Verdict Aug 29, 2025

Show notes

This week on Crime Roundup, Sheryl McCollum and Joshua Schiffer tackle a courtroom moment that has everyone talking: Cardi B’s bold, unscripted testimony in a civil trial that underscores the power of authenticity on the stand. They revisit the Karen Read case, where Trooper Proctor is fighting to regain his badge despite a misconduct scandal that may have ended his creditability as a witness.

In Georgia, Trooper A.J. Scott faces the consequences of a high-speed crash that killed two teenagers, but a puzzling verdict leaves one family still searching for accountability. The episode wraps with a brief but important warning for parents, as Joshua shares a recent case involving online blackmail targeting a student.

Highlights:

(0:00) Welcome to Crime Roundup with Sheryl McCollum and Joshua Schiffer
(2:45) Cardi B takes the stand and delivers unforgettable courtroom testimony
(4:30) Hair relevance, and how not to question a celebrity witness
(6:00) Behind the curtain of civil law: contingency fees and when lawsuits go too far
(8:15) Trooper Proctor and the fallout from the Karen Read investigation
(9:30) How private texts and off-duty behavior can derail a law enforcement career
(16:15) Trooper A.J. Scott’s case: high speed crash left two dead, but only one homicide conviction follows
(20:00) Cardi B owns the stand: embracing her voice, her language, and why authenticity resonates with juries
(24:30) How attorney’s fees, not injuries, can drive strategy in civil trials
(29:00) A quick warning for parents: how a student was targeted by online blackmail

About the Hosts

🎧 Want more from Sheryl?

Sheryl on X: @ColdCaseTips
Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum
Joshua on X and Instagram: @lawyerschiff

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Olympic Park Bombing Part 1 | Eyewitness Account with Irv Brandt Aug 27, 2025

Show notes

In this first episode of a multi-part Zone 7 series on the 1996 Olympic Park bombing, CSI Sheryl McCollum talks with her longtime colleague Irv Brandt, a former Atlanta police officer and U.S. marshal.

Brandt was on duty when the bomb exploded in Centennial Park. He recalls pulling the injured to safety, protecting bomb evidence, and witnessing the moment security guard Richard Jewell went from hero to suspect. The investigation later led to Eric Rudolph, a domestic terrorist tied to multiple bombings.

Listeners will learn how frontline officers responded in the first minutes and what lessons still guide law enforcement today. Irv Brandt is a retired U.S. Marshal, a former Atlanta police officer, and a U.S. Navy veteran. He served as attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Jamaica and worked with Interpol and the Department of Justice, investigating cases in more than 50 countries.

He is the author of the Jack Solo crime fiction series and has appeared on America’s Most Wanted, Escape to Vegas, and Crime Stories with Nancy Grace.

To learn more about Irv Brandt, find him on X @JackSoloAuthor

Highlights:

(0:00) Sheryl opens the Olympic Park Bombing series with guest Irv Brandt
(2:45) A 911 caller warns: “There's a bomb in Centennial Park. You have 30 minutes.”
(3:00) The bomb explodes, injuring 111 and killing two in the Olympic crowd
(7:15) Policing Atlanta's violent Zone 3 and building frontline experience
(12:15) Securing VIP gates and athletes inside Centennial Park
(14:45) “I thought the building exploded.” Irv describes the blast
(16:30) Pulling injured agents to safety and guarding bomb evidence
(21:45) Watching Richard Jewell shift from hero to suspect
(27:30) Reconstructing the pipe bomb from nails, a battery, and an alarm clock
(31:15) Launching the search for Eric Rudolph, later tied to more bombings
(32:00) Appearing on global news as the bombing coverage unfolds
(38:30) Applying lessons on teamwork in mass-casualty response
(40:15) Closing with a quote from Irv’s book Solo Shot: Curse of the Blue Stone

Enjoying Zone 7 ? Leave a rating and review. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports our mission to educate and investigate.

---

Social Links:

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Zone 7 Series: Anatomy of an Autopsy Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

Content Warning: This episode contains graphic descriptions of internal autopsy procedures, causes of death, and discussions of trauma, drug use, and infectious diseases. Listener discretion is advised.

In this episode, Dr. Priya and Sheryl McCollum go beneath the skin to examine what internal findings reveal about how someone lived and what ultimately caused their death. From the first incision to the final look at the neck, Dr. Priya walks through each step of the internal autopsy, showing how the lungs, liver, stomach contents and brain tissue all contribute to a complete forensic picture. It's an unfiltered look at the science behind suspicious deaths and the small but critical findings that can change the course of a case. Whether it's an undiagnosed disease or unexpected toxins, nothing gets past a thorough autopsy.

Highlights

(0:00) Welcome to Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Zone 7 Series
(0:30) Honoring the legacy of Judge Frank Caprio
(3:00) Making the first cut: the Y-incision and what it reveals
(6:30) The process of removing weighing and inspecting organs
(8:30) Clues in the lungs: smoking damage, silent infections, and signs of COVID
(10:30) Why every case includes drug testing, no matter the age
(11:30) What stomach contents can us about timing and intent
(12:45) Reading the liver and spleen for signs of alcohol hepatitis in cancer
(16:00) STDs beneath the surface: infections that quietly destroy
(18:00) Detecting undiagnosed disease and hidden internal trauma
(23:00) Inside the brain: swelling, strokes, and oxygen-starved tissue
(25:15) The final step of the autopsy: what the neck can reveal

About the Hosts

Website: anchorforensicpathology.com
Twitter/X: @Autopsy_MD

Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com
Twitter/X: @ColdCaseTips
Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum
Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

📣If you liked this episode, don’t keep it to yourself! Follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave us a review. Your feedback helps others discover the science, the stories, and the search for truth that define Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Zone 7 Series

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Crime Roundup | Kentucky Judge Scandal & Kohberger’s Prison Claims Aug 22, 2025

Show notes

This week on Crime Roundup, Sheryl McCollum and Joshua Schiffer dive into an explosive scandal out of rural Kentucky, where the murder of Judge Kevin Mullins has exposed a hidden world of courthouse corruption, sex-for-favors, and alleged misconduct at nearly every level of the local justice system. With reports of mirrored ceilings, sex parties, and jailhouse encounters involving law enforcement and officials, the hosts examine how deep the cover-up may run and what accountability looks like. They then turn to Bryan Kohberger, who has filed harassment complaints from inside a maximum-security prison. Sheryl and Joshua break down what those complaints reveal about prison power dynamics, the threat of extortion, and the likelihood of long-term solitary confinement.

Highlights:

(0:00) Welcome to Crime Roundup with Sheryl McCollum and Joshua Schiffer
(0:30) “The jail was a brothel.” Sheryl and Joshua set the stage for a story of scandal, power, and fallout
(1:00) Judge Kevin Mullins’ murder and the web of corruption unraveling in small-town Kentucky
(2:45) Sex-for-favors, law enforcement swingers, and an “open secret” exposed
(6:30) The fallout: who knew, who looked away, and why federal intervention may be necessary
(9:30) Bryan Kohberger files prison harassment complaints and faces the realities of life behind bars
(11:00) Maximum-security dynamics: power, protection, and life under constant threat
(12:00) Why solitary confinement may be Kohberger’s only option and how his mindset could make it worse
(15:00) Some cases are off-limits for now. Sheryl and Joshua explain why respecting the system comes first

About the Hosts

🎧 Want more from Sheryl?

Catch her every Wednesday on Zone 7, where she doesn’t just talk cold cases, she works them. She’s joined by fellow forensic pros and criminal justice insiders for conversations straight from active investigations. Then on Mondays, tune in to Pathology with Dr. Priya, where the physical evidence takes center stage.

📢 If you enjoyed this episode, follow Crime Roundup on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to help others find the show. Have a case suggestion? Email coldcase2004@gmail.com or connect with the hosts on social:

Sheryl on X: @ColdCaseTips
Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum
Joshua on X & Instagram: @lawyerschiff

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Serial Killer’s Apprentice: Revisiting Wayne Henley Jr. Case and Dean Corll Aug 20, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Zone 7, CSI Sheryl McCollum welcomes back Dr. Katherine Ramsland and Tracy Ullman to discuss the release of their documentary The Serial Killer’s Apprentice. This two-hour film revisits the chilling case of Elmer Wayne Henley Jr. and Dean Corll, blending archival footage, exclusive interviews, and rare audio recordings.

Dr. Ramsland and Ullman share behind-the-scenes insights on producing the documentary. They reveal what has surfaced since the book’s release, and why this case, rooted in grooming, complicity, and trafficking, continues to offer powerful lessons today.

Resources:

Zone 7 Part IThe Serial Killer's Apprentice | The Story of Elmer Wayne Henley Jr.
Zone 7 Part II How to Prevent Young People From Falling Victim to Predatory Criminals
The Serial Killer's Apprentice
How to Catch a Killer
The Mind of a Murderer: A Glimpse into the Darkest Corners of the Human Psyche, from a Leading Forensic Psychiatrist
John Wayne Gacy: Devil in Disguise
The Serial Killer’s Apprentice documentary is now streaming on HBO Max
(Originally aired on Investigation Discovery (ID) on August 17, 2025)

Highlights:

(0:00) Sheryl kicks off Zone 7 with Dr. Katherine Ramsland and Tracy Ullman, introducing The Serial Killer’s Apprentice documentary
(2:00) How the documentary expands on the book with new interviews, archival footage, and Henley’s own voice
(4:00) Condensing the sprawling Dean Corll case into a two-hour film without losing depth
(8:45) “Corll picked two adolescent boys to do his dirty work for him.” – Dr. Ramsland on how predators groom children into crimes
(11:00) The purpose of the documentary: helping parents, teachers, and kids recognize signs of grooming and recruitment
(12:45) The Devil’s Den murders and how predators hide in plain sight
(17:15) Henley’s cries for help that were ignored, and how the film reframes him as both victim and accomplice
(22:15) Tracy Ullman urges viewers to move beyond the old “fixed villain” narrative, while Henley confronts the reality of being part of a trafficking network and how it reshaped his view of guilt and remorse
(32:00) Henley’s evolving understanding of his role, his remorse, and why the full truth behind these crimes may still be unfolding
(36:45) Sheryl closes with a quote from A Darker Shade of Magic: “Some people steal to stay alive. Some people steal to feel alive.”

Thanks for tuning in to Zone 7. If you are enjoying the podcast, please leave a rating and review. Your support helps us continue to educate, investigate, and advocate.

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Dr. Katherine Ramsland is a professor of forensic psychology at DeSales University and the author of numerous books and articles. Her works include How to Catch a Killer, The Mind of a Murderer, and The Serial Killer’s Apprentice. She is also a frequent contributor to crime documentaries and television shows, where she shares her expertise on serial killers, criminal behavior, and the psychology of predators.

Tracy Ullman is a writer, producer, and investigative journalist who specializes in true crime storytelling and victim advocacy. She co-authored The Serial Killer’s Apprentice with Dr. Katherine Ramsland and has conducted research into John Wayne Gacy and sex trafficking networks. She also served as an executive producer on The Serial Killer’s Apprentice documentary, helping bring new perspective to the story of Elmer Wayne Henley Jr. And Dean Corll.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Zone 7 Series: Jewelry, Tattoos, and the Stories They Tell Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

A skeleton in the woods. A decade-old missing persons case. No clothing, no wallet—just scattered bones, a handgun, and one unusual clue: a custom brass belt buckle engraved with an eagle. It was the one thing friends and family could describe without hesitation, and it was all Dr. Priya Banerjee needed to confirm an identity and bring long-awaited closure.

In this episode, Dr. Priya Banerjee joins Sheryl McCollum to explore how jewelry, tattoos, piercings, and other personal effects can crack a case wide open. From thin gold chains to infrared-revealed tattoos, shotgun-damaged accessories to telling purse contents, Dr. Priya recounts cases proving that meticulous documentation isn’t just procedure—it’s often the key to solving cases.

Highlights

(0:00) "Dead men do tell tales.” —the investigative value of jewelry, piercings, and tattoos
(1:45) Purse contents: receipts, bus passes, and the kind of intel you can’t Google
(4:00) The thin gold chain that confirmed an identity
(5:30) Belt buckles don’t lie: solving a decade-old missing persons case
(9:00) A John Doe’s everyday markers: custom belt buckle, company ring, 70s tattoos
(10:30) Tattoos and piercings that shout “this is who I am”—from faith and hometown pride to game-day loyalties
(17:30) Medical examiners and law enforcement: the investigative dream team

About the Hosts

Website: anchorforensicpathology.com
Twitter/X: @Autopsy_MD

Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com
Twitter/X: @ColdCaseTips
Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum
Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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