Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum iHeartPodcasts

Nancy and Sheryl open today’s CRU by discussing the importance of crime scene visits in prosecutorial work. Nancy recounts a memorable case involving a young boy murdered over a drug debt. Sheryl shares her experiences walking crime scenes with Nancy, highlighting the importance of understanding the full context of a crime. Nancy and Sheryl shift to the tragic case of Laralee Spear, abducted and murdered in 1994. They discuss the details of her case, the challenges faced in solving it, and the ongoing efforts to bring her killer to justice.
Call the Major Case Unit at 386-254-1537 or email ColdCaseUnitTips@volusiasheriff.gov if you have any tips on the Laralee Spear case. 
Show Notes:
(0:00) Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup    (0:10) Today’s topic is the importance of crime scene visits  (5:45) A recap of the Laralee Spear case (9:30) Sheryl details the crime scene where Laralee Spear was murdered  (12:00) Theories about the murderer’s familiarity with the area  (17:20) Don’t Be A Victim   (23:10) Crime Stories with Nancy Grace   (24:00) The significance of touch DNA evidence  (28:00) Closing thoughts  ---
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.

Kimber Gist is a former Corporal at Berkeley County Sheriff's Office, SC. Kimber is currently working in DC. Listeners can learn more about at website, socials
Resources:  
In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, sits down with former Corporal Kimber Gist to recount the night of February 26, 2016, when her routine patrol turned into a life-or-death situation. While conducting a business check, Kimber was ambushed and shot multiple times. Despite severe injuries, she managed to defend herself and call for help, showcasing incredible bravery and presence of mind. Kimber discusses the events leading up to the ambush, the immediate aftermath, and the overwhelming support from her law enforcement community. 
Show Notes:
(0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum   (1:00) Sheryl introduces guest, former Corporal Berkeley County South Carolina Deputy, Kimber Gist to the listeners (3:30) Kimber leads into the life-changing story of February 26, 2016 (6:40) The moment Kimber notices the suspicious vehicle (9:50) Details of confronting the occupants of the vehicle (16:45) The ambush begins (21:00) Kimber fights back despite severe injuries (27:50) “County 144 has been shot. Can y'all send people to the food line?” (30:30) Arrival of backup and Kimber's transport to the hospital (33:30) The overwhelming support from the law enforcement community (36:30) Sheryl praises Kimber's resilience and composure (43:28) “I knew she was going to be something great. From the day she was born.” -D.G  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.

Nancy Grace and Sheryl McCollum debate the controversial Karen Read case in today's CRU. They examine the evidence, question the credibility of witnesses, and discuss the potential outcomes of the trial. Nancy and Sheryl highlight the procedural failures of the investigation, the intense public opinion, and the emotional toll on all parties involved. Ultimately Nancy and Sheryl leave the audience with potential outcomes of the trial. Did Karen murder John O’Keefe? Is this a police cover-up?
Show Notes:
(0:00) Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup    (1:00) Sheryl and Nancy discuss the public reactions to Karen Read’s case  (5:00) Discussion on the state's evidence and witness credibility (7:30) Nancy’s opinion on the case  (9:30) Sheryl argues lead investigators toughness and credibility (10:45) Integrity of the prosecutor (16:45) Determining the truth     (22:00) Discussion on the potential outcomes of the trial (27:00) Thoughts on Jennifer McCabe  (34:00) Closing thoughts ---
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.

On January 19, 2001, Athens-Clarke County firefighters found Tara Baker's body responding to a fire at her Athens apartment. The investigation determined that the fire was intentionally set, and investigators spent over two decades seeking answers in the case.
Guest Bio and Links:
Cameron Jay is a true crime junkie whose fascination with the subject comes from the heart- crime is personal. Having a second cousin who was murdered and a best friend killed at the hands of a distracted driver, Cameron believes in advocating for justice and seeking answers for all. Cameron obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from the University of West Georgia in May of 2024. Cameron is the host of Classic City Crime Podcast
Listeners can learn more about Cameron Jay at his website, and on IG @classiccitycrime
In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, discusses the resolution of a 23-year-old cold case involving law student Tara Baker from Athens, Georgia. Joined by Cameron Jay, the host of the Classic City Crime Podcast, they dive into the investigation, the advocacy efforts, and the legislative impact of House Bill 88. Cameron also shares the perseverance of Tara's family, the power of community, and the technological advancements that led to solving this case.
Show Notes:
(0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum   (0:15) Sheryl gives a brief background of the case of Tara Baker (3:00) Sheryl introduces guest, Cameron Jay and his role in advocating for Tara's case  (6:00) Cameron Jay's connection to true crime and his motivation to start podcasting  (8:00) House Bill 88 (11:30) Cold Case Accountability Act (17:15) “You know, justice might be delayed sometimes, my friend, but it's still going to be right on time when it comes knocking.” (20:00) Sheryl and Cameron discuss the possibilities behind how Tara’s case was solved (27:00) A gift of gratitude  (36:10) “I am Tara's mother. I always will be Tara's mother.”  -Virginia Baker. 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 CRU, Nancy Grace and Sheryl McCollum examine the latest developments in the case of Rex Heuermann, the alleged Long Island Serial Killer. New evidence has surfaced linking Heuermann to additional victims, including a detailed playbook that outlines his methods for capturing and disposing of his victims. The hosts discuss the evolution of Heuermann's modus operandi and compare it to other notorious killers like Ted Bundy. 
Show Notes:
(0:00) Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup    (0:10) Sheryl gives the latest on the Long Island Serial Killer case  (1:00) Nancy discusses new evidence  (3:45) Comparison to Ted Bundy's methods  (5:20) Speculation on additional burial sites (8:00) Nancy discusses the sexual pleasure L.I.S.K sought after (15:00) Impact on Heuermann's family (19:00) Nancy and Sheryl discuss speculations about the killing process (22:30) Sheryl reminisces from crime con 2024 ---
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.

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:
Detective Cordell LeMay with the Volusia County Sheriff's Office, has 14 years of experience, including 11 as a detective. He holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a professional certificate in profiling from the University of Central Florida. 
In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, sits down for a part two series with Detective Cordell Lemay to discuss the unsolved case of Laralee Spear, a 15-year-old high school student from DeLand, Florida, who was tragically murdered in 1994. Detective LeMay details the events of that day, the investigation's progress, and the current focus on finding new leads through DNA evidence. They discuss the importance of community involvement and the $50,000 reward for information leading to the case's resolution.
Call the Major Case Unit at 386-254-1537 or email ColdCaseUnitTips@volusiasheriff.gov if you have any tips on the Laralee Spear case.
Resources:
Who Killed Laralee Spear? 50K Reward and 30 Years Later with Sheriff Michael Chitwood 
Show Notes:
(0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum   (2:00) Sheryl introduces guest, Cordell Lemay to the listeners  (3:00) Overview of Laralee Spear's Case (6:00) The crime scene and initial investigation (12:30) The search for suspects (17:30) Community involvement and call to action (20:30) “The easiest secrets to keep is the secret only one person knows about because you don't got other people that can rat you out. But even if it's just one person, I firmly believe over 30 years somebody had to get this off their chest to somebody.” -C.L (23:00) Detective LeMay's commitment (30:25) “Even when a case wasn't mine if I thought I could contribute, whether with my forensics expertise or investigative doggedness. I always found a way to insert myself.” -P.H Thanks for listening to another episode! If you’re loving the show and want to help grow the show, please head over to iTunes and leave a rating and review!  ---
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.