Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum

In this follow-up episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum is joined by retired NYPD detectives Tom Smith and Dan Murphy of Gold Shields to take an investigative look at the unresolved case of Stevie Bates. After revisiting Stevie’s 2012 disappearance and the 2020 discovery of her remains in Glendale, Queens, Sheryl, Tom, and Dan discuss the key questions that remain. They examine why the deleted Facebook messages raise red flags, the legal issues surrounding a squatted property, and why the discovery of Stevie’s remains, wrapped in a blanket and disposed of five feet below ground, points to someone who knew her, knew the area, and likely had help. They also urge anyone with information, no matter how small it may seem, to come forward and help bring resolution to the case and justice for Stevie. Missed Part One? For more background on Stevie Bates’ life, disappearance, and her family’s perspective, listen to the first episode with Stevie’s cousin, Isis Jannierre: Stevie Bates Made It Back to New York. Then She Vanished Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl McCollum recaps Stevie Bates’ 2012 disappearance, her last known sighting, and the eight-year gap before her remains were found (3:45) Why unresolved cases can be especially frustrating when key investigative opportunities may have been missed (4:45) Why a warrant likely wasn’t even required for the squatted property, and what that missed window could have meant (6:00) The importance of conducting face-to-face interviews, doing street work, and reading reactions (7:15) Dan’s starting point: the boyfriend, the gap in Stevie’s timeline, and retracing her last known steps (9:00) Stevie’s relationship history, financial patterns, and the question of motive (12:45) Three crime scenes: Where Stevie was killed, how she was moved, and where her remains were found (14:15) Why working around a person of interest beats confronting them directly (16:15) Sources, leverage, and who in his circle may know more than they’ve shared (17:30) Wrapped in a blanket, buried five feet down: what the recovery scene says about planning, knowledge of the area, and who may have helped (23:00) A cold case where a long-term undercover placement finally drew out the statements investigators needed “to bring to conclusion” (25:00) Tom and Dan speak directly to anyone with information and call for a fresh NYPD cold case review Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire. Dan Murphy is a retired NYPD detective sergeant with extensive experience in homicide, major case investigations, and counterterrorism. He co-hosts the Gold Shields podcast and previously served as Chief Security Officer for U.S. Bancorp. Tom Smith is a retired NYPD detective, 2024 National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame inductee, and co-host of the Gold Shields podcast. Over 30 years with the NYPD, he worked in patrol, narcotics, robbery investigations, and the FBI/NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force. Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a metro Atlanta police department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than four decades of experience, she hasworked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing. Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023. Social Links: Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com X: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast TikTok: @Sheryl.McCollum Sheryl’s new book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer’s Daughter, is available now wherever books are sold.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her home, investigators were quickly faced with blood evidence and ransom claims that did not align with standard abduction patterns. In this episode of "Zone 7," Sheryl McCollum, retired NYPD homicide detectives Dan Murphy and Tom Smith, and forensic pathologist Dr. Priya Banerjee assess why blood at the scene, a prolonged presence inside the home, and Nancy’s medical vulnerabilities undermine the ransom narrative. The panel also examines investigative decisions and evidence handling that may shape accountability. For those looking to stay informed as the situation develops, additional coverage and updates can be found on "Crime Stories with Nancy Grace." Enjoying "Zone 7"? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire. Guest Bios 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. Dan Murphy is a retired NYPD Detective-Sergeant with extensive experience in homicide, major case investigations, and counterterrorism. During his career, he served in units including the Major Case Squad and the FBI/NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force. Since retiring from law enforcement, Dan has served as Chief Security officer for U.S. Bancorp, co-authored, "Workplace Safety: Establishing an Effective Violence Prevention Program," and co-hosts the podcast, "Gold Shields." Tom Smith is a retired NYPD detective and 2024 National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame inductee. Over 30 years of service, he worked in patrol, narcotics, and robbery investigations and spent 17 years working with the FBI/NYPD on the Joint Terrorism Task Force, including an overseas deployment to Afghanistan. Tom co-hosts the podcast "Gold Shields," lectures on criminal justice and terrorism, and provides investigative commentary for national media outlets. About the Host Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a Metro Atlanta Police Department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than 4 decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing. Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur, and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for "CSI: Atlanta" and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023. Social Links: • Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com • Twitter: @149Zone7 • Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum • Instagram: @officialzone7podcast Preorder Sheryl’s upcoming book, "Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Lessons in Life, Justice, and Joy from a Forensic Scientist," releasing May 2026 from Simon and Schuster. Highlights: • (0:00) Sheryl McCollum welcomes listeners, introduces the Nancy Guthrie case, and brings in Dan Murphy, Tom Smith, and Dr. Priya Banerjee • (1:30) Savannah Guthrie’s early silence and why not using her platform immediately raised concern • (2:15) Blood at the scene, smashed cameras, and why this should have been treated as an abduction from the start • (4:15) Interior crime scenes, early release, and how evidence integrity can be compromised • (4:45) Dr. Priya Banerjee on age, blood thinners, cardiac disease, and stress-related death • (7:15) The 41-minute timeline inside the home and why it defies kidnapping patterns • (8:30) Delayed ransom demands, media involvement, and why the timing doesn’t track • (12:15) Lights left on inside the house and behavior inconsistent with covert abduction • (13:30) Bitcoin ransom logic and why mixed-payment demands raise red flags • (14:15) A robbery-gone-wrong scenario and what happens if the victim recognizes the offenders • (16:15) Chronic pain, medication dependency, and why prolonged captivity is medically unlikely • (19:00) Family video statements, proof-of-life questions, and linguistics shifts investigators notice • (21:00) Reactionary law enforcement activity and repeated returns to the scene • (24:30) Pacemakers, Apple Watch connectivity, and what technology may still reveal • (28:30) Leadership optics, media interference, and the impact of active investigations • (36:45) Reward amounts, chain of custody concerns, and courtroom implications • (41:30) Final thoughts from the panel on recovery efforts, investigative outlook, accountability, and why Sheryl believes it was never about the money   https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Swans-Dont-Swim-in-a-Sewer/Sheryl-Mac-McCollum/9798895652824    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In broad daylight on October 19, 2025, thieves dressed as construction workers targeted the Louvre and vanished with $100 million in royal jewels in about eight minutes. In this episode of "Zone 7," Sheryl McCollum is joined by former jewel thief Bryan Sobolewski to lay out exactly how a heist like this gets pulled off, what mistakes crews make when the clock is ticking, and why modern forensics can turn a “perfect” job into an evidence trail. Sobolewski then shares his own history, the losses, and long-term consequences, and why he now speaks publicly to warn others away from choosing a life of crime. Enjoying "Zone 7"? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire. Guest Bio: Bryan Sobolewski is a former jewel thief who speaks publicly about robbery methods, prevention, and the real-world consequences of criminal conviction. He has appeared on Fox's reality series "The Snake," and on "America's Most Wanted." Sobolewski is also a comedian and personal trainer, and previously hosted the "Family Jewels" podcast and authored the book "Family Jewels." About the Host Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for the Metro Atlanta Police Department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than four decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing. Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur. Her work on the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching led to her Emmy Award for "CSI: Atlanta" and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023. Social Links: • Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com • X: @149zone7 • Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum • Instagram: @officialzone7podcast Preorder Sheryl’s upcoming book, "Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Lessons in Life, Justice, and Joy from a Forensic Scientist," releasing May 2026 from Simon and Schuster.   Highlights: • (0:00) Sheryl McCollum recounts the Louvre entry point, the freight truck with extended ladder, missing jewels, and why “construction work” is the perfect disguise in a crowded tourist environment • (2:45) Sheryl brings in former jewel thief Bryan Sobolewski to talk about the heist • (4:45) The ladder truck problem: sourcing it, driving it, and the traceability thieves cannot erase • (7:15) The moped getaway and why Paris geography favors two wheels • (8:15) Uninsured jewels and what security should have anticipated • (10:00) How fast cases move when the thieves leave obvious evidence behind • (12:15) Flight attempts, the hired-crew theory, and how the organizer can remain invisible • (16:15) DNA, fingerprints, and trace evidence • (19:15) The gear left behind and why serial numbers and rentals make a heist crew traceable • (24:00) Bryan’s New England backdrop, mob proximity, and “street rules” • (27:45) Bryan recounts his father and brother dying on the same night and the questions he is left to live with • (30:15) Why display cases are harder to break than people think, and how reinforced glass slows thieves down • (40:30) Bryan reflects on the long-term cost of crime, what accountability looks like after prison,    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Human trafficking investigations rarely look like abduction stories, and the biggest failures often start with a single mistake: mislabeling the victim. In this Hall of Fame Series installment of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum is joined by Maurice Edwards, a 2023 National Law Enforcement Officer Hall of Fame inductee. Together, they clarify what trafficking looks like in the United States, explain why prosecutors and victim advocates belong in the earliest stages of an investigation, and challenge the language and assumptions that can derail a case. Sheryl and Maurice emphasize a victim-first standard: when a child is being bought and sold, the work begins with protection and recovery. Highlights: • (0:00) Sheryl McCollum introduces Maurice Edwards and his career in missing-child and child sex trafficking investigations • (2:15) Maurice’s current role supporting child sex trafficking investigations at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children • (3:45) What drew Maurice to trafficking work through missing-child cases and pattern recognition • (6:45) The first trafficking case, first convictions, and the task force model that followed • (9:00) Why prosecutors must be embedded early to build cases that survive court • (11:00) Legal precision at the scene, and why Sheryl insists a teamwork mindset makes cases stronger • (13:45) Misconceptions that derail trafficking cases and why language shapes how  victims are treated • (18:45) The cases that stay with Maurice: child deaths, coercion, and forced substance abuse tied to exploitation • (21:25) Carrying the work home: Maurice on emotional boundaries and staying steady in child sex-crime investigations • (28:30) Technology’s role in trafficking and the investigative reality of criminals adapting to new tools • (32:15) Practical ways the public can support prevention and a victim-first response • (33:15) The comparison that exposes the double standard in how minors are treated in commercial sex settings • (38:00) Closing reflections on service, humility, and credit not being the goal Guest Bio: Maurice Edwards is a law enforcement leader specializing in child sex-trafficking investigations and missing and endangered child recoveries. He is currently a supervisor with the Child Sex Trafficking Team at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, supporting agencies with analytical support, operational planning, training, and investigative awareness. He has received multiple professional honors, including the Polaris Star Award, Florida Intelligence Law Enforcement Officer of the Year, the Frederick Douglass Human Trafficking Award, and 2023 induction into the National Law Enforcement Officer Hall of Fame. Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire. Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a Metro Atlanta Police Department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than 4 decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing. Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023. Social Links: • Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com • Twitter: @ColdCaseTips • Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum • Instagram: @officialzone7podcast Preorder Sheryl’s upcoming book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Lessons in Life, Justice, and Joy from a Forensic Scientist, releasing May 2026 from Simon and Schuster. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Swans-Dont-Swim-in-a-Sewer/Sheryl-Mac-McCollum/9798895652824  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.