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Estimated from 2 chart positions in 2 markets.
By chart position
- 🇩🇰DK · True Crime#146500 to 3K
- 🇻🇳VN · True Crime#199500 to 3K
- Per-Episode Audience
Est. listeners per new episode within ~30 days
300 to 1.8K🎙 Daily cadence·283 episodes·Last published today - Monthly Reach
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1K to 6K🇩🇰50%🇻🇳50% - Active Followers
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400 to 2.4K
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On the show
From 17 epsHost
Recent guests
Recent episodes
Stevie Bates Cold Case Review: Deleted Messages, Three Crime Scenes, and Who’s Still Not Talking
Jun 24, 2026
27m 53s
Barrel Racing Horse Stabbing Case: The Evidence, the Suspect, and the Fallout
Jun 17, 2026
28m 48s
Law Enforcement in the Wilds | Ed Newcomer & Tony Latham
Jun 10, 2026
27m 00s
Stevie Bates Made It Back to New York. Then She Vanished
Jun 3, 2026
30m 33s
Diane Whipple Case: The Fatal Dog Mauling That Changed California Law
May 27, 2026
33m 38s
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/24/26 | ![]() Stevie Bates Cold Case Review: Deleted Messages, Three Crime Scenes, and Who’s Still Not Talking | 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. | 27m 53s | ||||||
| 6/17/26 | ![]() Barrel Racing Horse Stabbing Case: The Evidence, the Suspect, and the Fallout | In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum is joined by Caroline McCollum and Huck McCollum to talk about the case involving three horses who were stabbed during a barrel racing event at South Point Casino in Las Vegas. Caroline, a longtime horse rider and criminology student, shares her perspective on what it means to compete with and care for these animals, and how the open, trusting culture of barn life can become a vulnerability. Huck, a juvenile court intake officer and former public defender investigator, explains how a case like this may move through the justice system, including mental health evaluations, prior behavior, and the role social media could play. Together, they look at the trauma this leaves on both riders and horses, the security gaps it exposes, and why animal cruelty cases raise concerns about future violence. Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl McCollum welcomes Caroline and Huck McCollum to Zone 7 and introduces the Las Vegas horse stabbing case (1:00) Three horses, Sully, Detail, and Rocket, are stabbed at South Point Casino and police quickly identify a suspect (3:15) Caroline and Huck bring their own field experience, from horse riding and juvenile court to wildlife forensic training (4:30) Inside the open, social world of competitive riding and why barn access can create security concerns (6:15) Caroline weighs in on animal cruelty as a possible red flag for deeper behavioral concerns (7:30) Huck explains why police withheld the suspect’s name and how being weeks away from turning 18 could affect the case (8:15) Mental health history, school records, prior behavior, and what juvenile court may examine (9:45) The “crush theory” and how months of messages may point to fixation before the attack (13:45) Premeditation, the suspected weapon, and the suspect’s actions after leaving the barn (16:45) Caroline explains why the placement of the wounds matters and how close the horses came to dying (19:30) The permanence of social media, including how posts, messages, and saved chats could help investigators understand the suspect’s behavior (24:45) What this case may change for barn access, event credentials, cameras, and future horse show security 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. Caroline McCollum is a criminology student, longtime horse rider, and lifelong volunteer with the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute. She has also trained with the Wildlife Forensic Academy in South Africa and volunteers with the Wildlife CSI Academy. Huck McCollum is a former public defender investigator and current juvenile court intake officer. He has trained with the Wildlife Forensic Academy in South Africa and volunteers with the Wildlife CSI Academy. 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 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 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. | 28m 48s | ||||||
| 6/10/26 | ![]() Law Enforcement in the Wilds | Ed Newcomer & Tony Latham✨ | wildlife law enforcementcold cases+4 | Ed NewcomerTony Latham | U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceIdaho Fish and Game+1 | — | wildlife crimesIdaho game wardens+4 | — | 27m 00s | |
| 6/3/26 | ![]() Stevie Bates Made It Back to New York. Then She Vanished✨ | disappearanceinvestigation+4 | Isis Jannierre | Hunter College | New YorkPittsburgh+2 | Stevie Batesdisappearance+8 | — | 30m 33s | |
| 5/27/26 | ![]() Diane Whipple Case: The Fatal Dog Mauling That Changed California Law✨ | dog maulinglegal responsibility+5 | Aphrodite Jones | Dog O’ WarAryan Brotherhood | San FranciscoPacific Heights+1 | Diane Whippledog mauling+5 | — | 33m 38s | |
| 5/20/26 | ![]() The Heart Behind the Badge: Eric McCants on Leadership and Service✨ | leadershipcommunity policing+3 | Eric McCants | — | — | leadershipcommunity policing+5 | — | 26m 42s | |
| 5/13/26 | ![]() Ashley Willcott on Child Advocacy, Courtroom Transparency, and Honoring Captain Dr. Duanne Thompson✨ | child advocacycourtroom transparency+4 | Ashley Willcott | Court TVLaw & Crime+1 | DelphiAtlanta | child welfarelegal system+5 | — | 38m 30s | |
| 5/6/26 | ![]() Nancy Guthrie Case: We Need to Start Fresh✨ | Nancy Guthrie caseevidence analysis+5 | — | iHeartPodcastsCrimeOnline | — | Nancy Guthriecrime scene+5 | — | 16m 27s | |
| 4/29/26 | ![]() Matt Johnson's Courtroom Coverage: A Look at America's Most Complex Criminal Trials✨ | courtroom coveragehigh-profile criminal cases+4 | Matt Johnson | — | Delphi | courtroom testimonyjury reactions+6 | — | 31m 41s | |
| 4/22/26 | ![]() When Two Investigators’ Paths Cross: Olympic Park Bombing, 9/11, and the Power of Public Tips✨ | FBI investigationspublic tips+4 | Jodene Weber | The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland+1 | — | FBIinvestigation+8 | — | 42m 53s | |
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| 4/15/26 | ![]() Legend Series: Julie Grant on Prosecution, Victims’ Rights, and Justice✨ | prosecutionvictims' rights+4 | Julie Grant | — | — | prosecutionvictims' rights+5 | — | 37m 35s | |
| 4/8/26 | ![]() DNA 101: Understanding Forensic DNA Evidence with Lab Director Suzanna Ryan✨ | forensic DNA evidenceDNA analysis+5 | Suzanna Ryan | FBICODIS | — | forensic DNADNA evidence+6 | — | 33m 42s | |
| 4/1/26 | ![]() The Art of Listening: Detective Mike Alcazar on Hostage Negotiation✨ | hostage negotiationlaw enforcement+4 | Mike Alcazar | NYPD | — | hostage negotiationNYPD+6 | — | 38m 42s | |
| 3/25/26 | ![]() Inside the Boston Strangler Case: Casey Sherman on Mary Sullivan, Albert DeSalvo, and What Still Does Not Add Up✨ | Boston Stranglertrue crime+3 | Casey Sherman | iHeartPodcastsCrimeOnline | — | Boston StranglerMary Sullivan+6 | — | 34m 06s | |
| 3/18/26 | ![]() Inside the Case Against Kouri Richins: Nate Eaton on the Evidence Behind the Guilty Verdict✨ | Kouri Richins trialguilty verdict+3 | Nate Eaton | Dateline NBCEastIdahoNews.com+1 | — | Kouri RichinsEric Richins+3 | — | 34m 06s | |
| 3/11/26 | ![]() The Nancy Guthrie Investigation: Joe Giacalone on Early Errors and What Should Happen Next✨ | investigationcold cases+3 | Joe Giacalone | NYPDThe Criminal Investigative Function: A Guide for New Investigators+1 | — | Nancy Guthrieinvestigative failures+3 | — | 39m 09s | |
| 3/4/26 | ![]() The Derwin Brown Assassination: Dale Cardwell on Corruption, Retaliation, and Murder in DeKalb County✨ | corruptionmurder+3 | Dale Cardwell | DeKalb County Sheriff’s OfficeTrustDALE+3 | — | Derwin BrownDale Cardwell+6 | — | 35m 41s | |
| 2/27/26 | ![]() Crime Roundup: Inside the Zone 7 Live 10-8 Event at Manuel’s Tavern, and the 10-8 Tour Roadmap✨ | true crimelegal storytelling+4 | Joshua SchifferFranz Borghardt | Trial Lawyers College | Manuel’s TavernNorth Carolina+1 | 10-8 Tourcrime roundup+5 | — | 40m 26s | |
| 2/23/26 | ![]() Nancy Guthrie Disappearance: Blood Evidence, Surveillance Video, and Why a Ransom Claim is Not Tracking✨ | disappearanceblood evidence+5 | Tom Smith | NYPDFBI+2 | — | Nancy Guthriedisappearance+5 | — | 1h 00m 09s | |
| 2/18/26 | ![]() Long Island Serial Killer | Trial Clock Starts Now: Rex Heuermann Headed to Court | When a judge declared that Rex Heuermann’s trial would begin after Labor Day “come hell or high water,” the Long Island Serial Killer case entered a decisive new phase. In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum is joined by journalist Laura Ingle for a boots-on-the-ground update of the Long Island Serial Killer investigation. They examine the sweeping defense omnibus motion, the ongoing fight over DNA evidence, and what prosecutors are expected to file ahead of the March 3 and March 17 court dates. They also analyze the arrest of Andrew Dykes in the 1997 murder of Tanya Jackson, known as “Peaches,” and discuss whether that development introduces meaningful, reasonable doubt for Heuermann’s defense. From a recovered planning document to burner phones and questions of who knew what, their conversation centers on evidence, legal strategy, and whether this case is headed for trial or moving toward a plea deal. Guest Bio: Laura Ingle is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and the host of "The Ingle Edit," a YouTube series and podcast dedicated to re-examining unsolved cases through on-scene reporting and firsthand interviews. As a longtime network correspondent, she has covered many of America’s most notorious crime stories and continues to champion cold-case investigations. Learn more about the case and view Laura’s on-scene reporting on The Ingle Edit. 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 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 include The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, and 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 • 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 Laura Ingle and introduces the latest developments in the Long Island Serial Killer case • (1:00) The Gilgo Beach timeline: from Shannan Gilbert’s 911 call to the initial body discoveries • (3:15) Memorial benches along Ocean Parkway and what the geographic landscape reveals about the case • (5:00) Rex Heuermann’s January 13 court appearance and the 175+ page defense omnibus motion • (8:00) The DNA battle: mitochondrial testing, genetic genealogy, and the hair evidence tied to Sandra Costilla • (10:30) Judge’s declaration: trial will begin after Labor Day “come hell or high water” • (11:15) Andrew Dykes arrested in the 1997 murder of Tanya Denise Jackson (“Peaches”) and what it could mean for the baby • (15:45) Why there are still no charges in Tatiana Marie Dykes’ death and why her remains’ proximity to Valerie Mack matters • (20:30) Why separate mother and child: DNA, dumping-ground logic, and what investigators still cannot place in the timeline • (22:15) Devices, weapons, and the locked vault: what investigators found and what’s still unknown • (24:15) The house and the basement: searches, “workshop” claims, and the importance of the location • (25:00) Planning document and surveillance awareness: traffic cameras, tactics, and intent • (28:15) The “window” theory: family travel timeline and why prosecutors say they line up • (29:15) Asa and the divorce question: blindsided or strategic? • (31:30) How the defense uses the “Peaches” arrest to argue reasonable doubt • (34:00) Outro: The Ingle Edit and Sheryl’s closing quote See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | 34m 44s | ||||||
| 2/10/26 | ![]() Nancy Guthrie Missing: Blood, Bitcoin, and a Story That Doesn’t Add Up | 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. | 50m 05s | ||||||
| 2/4/26 | ![]() A Missing Teen and a High-Profile Arrest: The Evidence, Silence, and Selective Claims with Guest Lauren Conlin | An active investigation into the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez has left the public with a timeline, a Tesla, and an extensive list of unanswered questions. In this episode of "Zone 7," Sheryl McCollum is joined by journalist Lauren Conlin to review what has been said publicly about Celeste’s initial classification as a runaway, her connections to older individuals, and why the continued absence of a named person of interest raises concern. They also turn to the arrest of actor/director Timothy Busfield and discuss what can and cannot be concluded from selective “evidence” releases, how credibility gets weaponized in public, and why child abuse allegations demand careful, methodical evaluation rather than internet verdicts. Guest Bio Lauren Conlin is a New York-based journalist covering true crime and high-profile investigations. She contributes reporting to Los Angeles Magazine, hosts investigative podcasts, and appears as a legal and crime commentator on platforms including Court TV, Fox News, and "Crime Stories with Nancy Grace." 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 includes, in part, 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 • 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. 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. Highlights: • (0:00) Sheryl McCollum opens the episode on the death of Celeste Hernandez and why the case is “driving her crazy” • (1:30) Lauren Conlin’s case status framing: no official person of interest, grand jury activity, and what “imminent indictment” does and does not mean • (3:00) Celeste’s runaway classification, age, and how early labels can shape urgency, resources, and risk • (7:15) Behavior after the discovery: canceled tour, transferred home ownership, legal strategy, and public silence • (10:00) Publicity economics: spikes in streams/downloads and the reality of scandal- driven attention • (15:15) Homicide indicator vs. Evidentiary barriers when decomposition complicates cause-of-death determinations • (17:45) Tesla cameras, event data, and why Sheryl expects a digital trail around movement and access • (21:45) Why runaway youth are at elevated risk and how dependency becomes leverage for exploitation • (27:00) Timothy Busfield: prior allegations and the optics of how he presented himself • (29:15) The alleged history patterns, witness context, and credibility disputes around the parents • (33:00) “Tickling to me does not absolve you from being a pervert.” • (36:00) Predatory access: why being near adults does not guarantee safety and how abuse can occur quickly and covertly • (39:15) Sheryl and Lauren address recantation, selective interview clips, and why child abuse cases require restraint, context, and patience before judgmentSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | 42m 40s | ||||||
| 1/28/26 | ![]() Louvre Royal Jewels Heist: How Thieves Pulled Off an Eight-Minute Museum Hit | 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. | 45m 21s | ||||||
| 1/21/26 | ![]() New Claims Suggest the Black Dahlia and Zodiac Murders Are Connected | The LAPD’s most famous cold case, the Black Dahlia, has haunted headlines for generations, and a renewed wave of speculation now argues she was killed by the same person who later called himself the Zodiac. In this episode of "Zone 7," Sheryl McCollum is joined by forensic pathologist Dr. Priya Banerjee and forensic psychologist Dr. Joni Johnston to put that theory to the test. They argue Elizabeth Short’s murder reads as intimate and rage-driven, marked by postmortem mutilation and staging, while the Zodiac attacks appear cold and more mission-oriented, closer to an execution than a personal assault. They also clarify the difference between modus operandi and psychological signature, explain why signatures do not just “cool off” over decades, and urge civilians and investigators alike to test assumptions, scrutinize claims, and bring in smarter minds when the facts demand it. Guest Bios: Dr. Priya Banerjee is a board-certified forensic pathologist with extensive experience in death investigation, clinical forensics, and courtroom testimony. A John’s Hopkins graduate, she served for over a decade as Rhode Island’s state medical examiner and now leads a private forensic pathology practice. Dr. Joni Johnston is a forensic psychologist, private investigator, and crime writer. Her work includes prison and parole settings, court-related forensic services, workplace misconduct investigations, parole evaluations for mentally disordered offenders, and expert testimony in criminal and civil cases. 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: X: @149Zone7 Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com 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. 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 frames the Black Dahlia and Zodiac question, and why “same killer” theories require disciplined testing • (1:15) The Zodiac’s moniker, symbols, and ciphers as behavioral evidence through public messaging • (2:45) Dr. Joni Johnston on why the Black Dahlia reads as personal, targeted violence rather than opportunistic killing • (4:15) Modus operandi versus signature behavior, and where true crime narratives often blur the line • (5:45) Antemortem versus postmortem behavior, and how that distinction changes scene interpretation • (7:00) Why signature tends to remain stable over time, even when method or opportunity shifts • (8:00) What autopsy findings and scene details can suggest about intent • (15:00) Facial carving as humiliation, defacement, and control, and what that suggests about motive • (18:15) Tattoo removal and insertion framed as symbolic degradation • (20:15) Escalation narratives and control needs, testing patterns against a “same offender” theory • (27:00) BTK comparison, and why taunting and offender messaging are not unique identifiers • (31:45) Timeline gaps and intent differences as evidence against a single-offender theory • (33:00) Closing quote and final takeaway on evidence, teamwork, and disciplined disagreement See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | 33m 33s | ||||||
| 1/14/26 | ![]() The Zone 7 Hall of Fame! Maurice Edwards on Fighting Human Trafficking: The Victim-First Approach | 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. | 39m 09s | ||||||
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