Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum iHeartPodcasts

On April 25, 1994, 15-year-old Laralee Spear was abducted, shot, and killed after she stepped off her school bus outside DeLand, FL. Her murder has never been solved. A $50,000 reward is available for the tip that leads detectives to the killer.

Guest Bio and Links:

Sheriff Michael J. Chitwood is a second-generation law enforcement officer with a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice. Sheriff Chitwood was elected Sheriff of Volusia County in August 2016 sworn in Jan. 3, 2017, and re-elected without opposition in August 2020.  

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, sits down with Sheriff Michael Chitwood to cover the unresolved case of Lauralee Spear, a young girl brutally murdered in 1994. Sheriff Chitwood details the investigative efforts and ongoing commitment to solving this case, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and modern forensic advancements. 

Call the Major Case Unit at 386-254-1537 or email ColdCaseUnitTips@volusiasheriff.gov if you have any tips on the Lauralee Spear case. 

Show Notes:


(0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum.  
(0:30) Sheryl introduces Sheriff Michael Chitwood to the listeners
(3:00) The Lauralee Spear cold case
(5:30) Initial investigation and findings
(8:00) Details of creating the suspect pool 
(14:00) Role of the original detectives 
(16:30) Challenges in the investigation 
(19:30) $50,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case
(21:00) Call the Major Case Unit at 386-254-1537 or email ColdCaseUnitTips@volusiasheriff.gov to help
(21:40) “I am not afraid. I got a gun. I want to shoot back. Let's see how much balls you got and come and get me.” -S.M.C
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! 

---

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.  

Social Links:


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

Instagram: @officialzone7podcast
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s CRU, Sheryl McCollum and Nancy Grace discuss the gruesome details regarding the Kansas moms, Veronica Butler and Jilian Kelley, whose bodies were found in a chest freezer buried in a cow pasture. They discuss the chilling details, suspect behaviors, and the meticulous investigation that followed.

Show Notes:


(0:00) Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup with a ‘toast to crown royal’    
(2:00) Crime Stories with Nancy Grace - Watch For Free on Merit Street Media 
(2:50) Latest on Kansas moms - bodies found in a chest freezer 
(7:00) Analysis of suspects' behavior before and after the crime
(11:00) Evidence used is discussed 
(20:30) Possible stereotypes during trial 
(25:00) “That was not hot blood.  They were not angry in the moment about custody of a child. They weren't angry. They were cool, calculated, cold when they dug that hole when they got that freezer chest and put it down in there. To put these two mothers leaving six children behind with a life sentence of life without mommy.”

---

Nancy Grace is an outspoken, tireless advocate for victims’ rights and one of television's most respected legal analysts. Nancy Grace had a perfect conviction record during her decade as a prosecutor. She is the founder and publisher of CrimeOnline.com, a crime- fighting digital platform that investigates breaking crime news, spreads awareness of missing people and shines a light on cold cases. 

In addition, Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, a daily show hosted by Grace, airs on SIRIUS XM’s Triumph Channel 111 and is downloadable as a podcast on all audio platforms - https://www.crimeonline.com/

Connect with Nancy: 

X: @nancygrace

Instagram: @thenancygrace

Facebook: @nancygrace

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. 

Connect with Sheryl:

Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com

X: @ColdCaseTips

Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karen Read, 43, of Mansfield, is accused of second-degree murder and other charges. The prosecution says she hit her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe, with her vehicle outside of a home in Canton during a snowstorm on Jan. 29, 2022, following a night of drinking. 

Guest Bio and Links:

Judge Ashley Wilcott is a nationally recognized Child Welfare Law Specialist and Juvenile Court Judge with over 20 years of experience as a trial attorney and child welfare specialist. Her life’s work revolves around passionately advocating for and striving to improve the lives of children at risk and youth in the foster care system.

Joshua Schiffer is an attorney providing legal services covering Criminal Defense, Personal Injury. Listeners can learn more about Joshua Schiffer at his website 

Resources:

Listen to previous episodes on The Karen Read Murder Trial:

The Karen Read Murder Trial: Killer or Cover Up Murder with Joshua Schiffer  

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, Judge Ashley Wilcott, and Joshua Schiffer continue to weigh in on the latest Karen Read trial details. Sheryl draws parallels to the infamous Casey Anthony trial. Together, they explore various theories surrounding the case, the intense public and media scrutiny, and the strategic legal maneuvers at play.

Show Notes:


(0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum  
(0:30) Sheryl compares the Karen Read trial to the Casey Anthony trial 
(1:57) “It don't matter what you think or what you feel or what you believe. The only thing that matters is what you can prove.”
(2:25) What is a buffer zone? 
(2:30) Both Judge Ashley Wilcott and Joshua Schiffer weigh in 
(4:00) “There's one woman, she has a shirt on that says ‘free Karen Reed’, but she's holding a poster that says ‘justice for John O'Keefe’. I feel for her. I get it. It almost can't be both. -Sheryl Mac
(8:00) The role of federal investigations
(9:00) Analysis of John O'Keefe's relationships with his peers
(10:00) Pre and post-police funeral behavior
(13:00) Impact of Proctor's testimony 
(14:30) Speculation on the defense's potential witnesses 
(22:00) “If you want to recast it, this is cops lying against cops about cops” -Joshua Schiffer 
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! 

---

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.  

Social Links:



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



Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karen Read, 43, of Mansfield, is accused of second-degree murder and other charges. The prosecution says she hit her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe, with her vehicle outside of a home in Canton during a snowstorm on Jan. 29, 2022, following a night of drinking. 

Guest Bio and Links:

Judge Ashley Wilcott is a nationally recognized Child Welfare Law Specialist and Juvenile Court Judge with over 20 years of experience as a trial attorney and child welfare specialist. Her life’s work revolves around passionately advocating for and striving to improve the lives of children at risk and youth in the foster care system.

Joshua Schiffer is an attorney providing legal services covering Criminal Defense, Personal Injury. Listeners can learn more about Joshua Schiffer at his website 

Resources:

Listen to previous episodes on The Karen Read Murder Trial:

The Karen Read Murder Trial: Killer or Cover Up Murder with Joshua Schiffer  

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, sits down with esteemed guests Judge Ashley Wilcott and defense attorney Joshua Schiffer. The panel dissects the latest on the Karen Read trial, which includes: the questionable witness testimonies, evidence, potential cover-ups, the unprecedented media involvement, and the intensity of the public's reaction to the trial. 

Show Notes:


(0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum  
(0:15) Background on Karen Reed and John O'Keefe  
(1:25) Sherly introduces guest, Judge Ashely Wilcott and returning guest Joshua Schiffer to the listeners 
(5:00) The intensity of community engagement during this trial 
(8:00) Discussion of evidence at the scene of the crime 
(15:00) “I'm interested for them to get into the personal relationships. Every one of these witnesses has been evasive and or just outright lie about how well they do or do not know the other people involved.” -Joshua Schiffer
(16:00) Questionable witnesses 
(20:00) Closing thoughts - “Can the case be saved for the Commonwealth?”
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! 

---

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.  

Social Links:



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



Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

 
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode of the CRU, Sheryl McCollum and Nancy Grace dive into the case of Kouri Richins, a mother who was arrested for the murder of her husband. The two discuss the details of the case, including the prenup, the assets, and the secret bank accounts that Kouri opened. They also talk about the Valentine's Day incident, in which Kouri’s husband almost died from anaphylactic shock, and the texts that Kouri sent and deleted. The medical examiner said that Kouri’s husband died from five times the lethal dose of fentanyl, and it is believed that she gave him a Moscow Mule laced with the drug.

Tune into Zone 7 with Dr. Joni Johnston as she and Sheryl dissect the book that Kouri wrote following the death of her husband: Are you with me? Dr. Joni Johnston Weighs in Between the Lines: Crime, Confession, and Literature

Show Notes:


(0:00) Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup   
(5:00) Watch Nancy Grace on Merit Street Media 
(5:30) History of Kouri Richins  
(8:00)  The first attempt on Eric's life
(10:40) The Valentine's Day incident
(16:25) Kouri’s sent a letter to her mother - suborning perjury
(22:30) Speculations around Kouri Richins book 

---

Nancy Grace is an outspoken, tireless advocate for victims’ rights and one of television's most respected legal analysts. Nancy Grace had a perfect conviction record during her decade as a prosecutor. She is the founder and publisher of CrimeOnline.com, a crime- fighting digital platform that investigates breaking crime news, spreads awareness of missing people and shines a light on cold cases. 

In addition, Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, a daily show hosted by Grace, airs on SIRIUS XM’s Triumph Channel 111 and is downloadable as a podcast on all audio platforms - https://www.crimeonline.com/

Connect with Nancy: 

X: @nancygrace

Instagram: @thenancygrace

Facebook: @nancygrace

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. 

Connect with Sheryl:

Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com

X: @149Zone7

Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guest Bio and Links:Joe Scott Morgan is a former death investigator, forensic professor at Jacksonville State University, and author. Joe is also the host of Body Bags with Joe Scott Morgan.

Joseph Giacalone is a retired NYPD sergeant, author, and adjunct professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Joseph is also the host of True Crime with Sarge.

Lisa Ribacoff is a New York licensed private investigator and polygraph examiner, known for her expertise in handling sensitive cases.

Resources:  

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, Sheryl discusses the profound impact that traumatic cases have on first responders. Sheryl is joined by Joe Scott Morgan, Joseph Giacalone, and Lisa Ribacoff for a part II series. They discuss personal anecdotes that underscore the intense pressures and occasional absurdities encountered by those in the field. From confronting death daily to dealing with the aftermath of trauma, they all share how they've used dark humor as a vital outlet for emotional release and trauma bonding.  

This content may include explicit material. Listener discretion is advised.

Show Notes:


(0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum  
(0:30) Laura Ingle’s dedication to journalism 
(1:50) Laura's ethical decision during a sensitive moment
(8:30) Sheryl recounts a terrifying yet humorous encounter
(15:00) Joe's encounter with a bizarre death celebration 
(22:00) “We could always count on you to say something inappropriate at the right time.” 
(24:00) Lisa shares a story of a polygraph test gone hysterically absurd 
(33:30) “If a bank robber takes over the lens of a surveillance camera, that's M. O. If he then feels the need to tear his clothes off and dance naked in front of that same camera, that's signature.” 
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! 

---

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.  

Social Links:


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

Instagram: @officialzone7podcast
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.