86 episodes

Work a cold case alongside investigator Sheryl “Mac” McCollum, Director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute. Every week, Sheryl dives into her cold case files alongside accomplished guests to look for clues into unsolved murders, missing people, and more. This ain’t just a podcast but a war room. Sheryl opens her cold case files, her heart and her little black book! You will quickly realize Zone 7 is not a place but a lifestyle!

Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum iHeartPodcasts

    • True Crime
    • 4.8 • 541 Ratings

Work a cold case alongside investigator Sheryl “Mac” McCollum, Director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute. Every week, Sheryl dives into her cold case files alongside accomplished guests to look for clues into unsolved murders, missing people, and more. This ain’t just a podcast but a war room. Sheryl opens her cold case files, her heart and her little black book! You will quickly realize Zone 7 is not a place but a lifestyle!

    To Execute or Not | The Financial, Moral, and Emotional Weight of the Death Penalty with Kirk Nurmi

    To Execute or Not | The Financial, Moral, and Emotional Weight of the Death Penalty with Kirk Nurmi

    Chad Daybell is charged with the murders of 7-year-old Joshua "JJ" Vallow, Tylee Ryan, last seen when she was 16, and his previous wife Tammy Daybell, who died of asphyxiation the year before. Lori Vallow was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for her role in her children's deaths. She was convicted of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder in the deaths of both children and received an additional 10-year prison sentence on a grand theft charge.

    Guest Bio and Links:

    Kirk Nurmi became infamous while serving as lead counsel for Jodi Arias. Today, as a former criminal defense attorney, he is thrilled that his legal career is a thing of the past. He has found a new level of joy working as a writer, speaker, and life coach whose new mission is to help others find a new level of joy.

    Resources:  

    In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, talks with former criminal defense attorney, Kirk Nurmi about the unique perspectives of the American criminal justice system; specifically the death penalty. Kirk breaks down the complexities of a death penalty defense using the high-profile case of Lori Vallow and Chad Daybell as a backdrop. They explore the legal and moral dilemmas faced by jurors and public defenders and the enduring challenges of a deeply polarizing topic. 

    Could you look someone in the eye and say, ‘I think you should die’…?

    Show Notes:


    (0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum.  
    (1:00) Sheryl introduces guest, Kirk Nurmi to Zone 7
    (5:45) Brief background of Chad Daybell and Lori Vallow case 
    (9:00) Death penalty considerations
    (13:10) “We can talk about the death penalty, people can listen to it, but you think about that when, if you're in that jury box, And you're looking at that person, and you've kind of seen them for months, and you see their family, their family might be behind them, their kids, their spouse, etc. And you, as a juror, have to look at that person and say, I think you should die…”
    (14:30) Mitigation and psychological profiling
    (22:00) Process of death penalty 
    (27:00) Factors that determine the death penalty being on the table 
    (30:30) Polarization of the death penalty 
    (32:00) The magnitude of a death penalty case 
    (35:30) “I was personally opposed to the death penalty. And yet, I think I've probably asked for the death penalty more than most people in the United States.” -Janet Reno
    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.

    • 36 min
    5.3.24 CRU with Nancy Grace: Suzanne Morphew's Death Ruled A Homicide

    5.3.24 CRU with Nancy Grace: Suzanne Morphew's Death Ruled A Homicide

    Sheryl McCollum and Nancy Grace dive into the Suzanne Morphew case, providing their insights and opinions on the evidence and potential suspects. Although Barry Morphew has not been named a suspect or person of interest, Nancy Grace explains why the evidence points towards him. The autopsy results revealed that Suzanne had been shot with animal tranquilizers, and a tranquilizer cap was found in the Morphew's dryer. Barry had initially suggested that Suzanne went out for a bike ride and was possibly eaten by a mountain lion, but this theory is highly unlikely. The investigation and legal proceedings are ongoing.

    Today Nancy and Sheryl discuss these topics in today’s crime round-up:


    Latest on Suzanne Morphew's disappearance - death has been determined a homicide 
    New Jersey father Christopher Gregor is accused of killing his 6-year-old son Corey Micciolo

    Show Notes:


    [0:00] Welcome! Sheryl introduces this week’s crime roundup   
    [0:30] The latest on Suzanne Morphew's disappearance  
    [1:30] The mountain lion theory  
    [5:30] Details of the crime scene in Suzanne’s home 
    [10:00] Personal stories from Nancy
    [14:00] Barry's lack of emotional reaction when Suzanne was missing
    [15:00] Analyzing other evidence like Suzanne's clothes
    [20:00] Lamenting failures to protect children from abusive situations
    [20:30] Christopher Gregor to face murder charges after his six-year-old son died in 2021 from 'chronic abuse'

    ---

    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.

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

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

    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. She has pleaded not guilty.

    Guest Bio and Links:

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

    In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, sits down with defense attorney, Joshua Schiffer to discuss the latest on the Karen Read trial. Together, they dissect  the mysterious death of Officer John O'Keefe, featuring detailed discussions on the legal, interpersonal, and investigative angles that make this case a puzzler for law enforcement and the community of Canton, Massachusetts.

    Show Notes:


    [0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum  
    [0:30] Sheryl welcomes back defense attourney, Joshual Schiffer to the show
    [0:45] Joshua gives a background of the Karen Read and Joshual O’Keefe case 
    [3:00] Details of the incident night
    [7:00] The puzzling cause of death
    [14:30] Examination of legal implications and potential defenses in the case
    [26:00] The Feds, the local police and many unanswered questions
    [32:00] Community reaction and media coverage
    [44:30] “The death car, as the newspapers called it,  didn't stop.  It came out of the gathering darkness, wavered tragically for a moment,  and then disappeared around the next bend.”  -F.S.F
    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.

    • 45 min
    4.26.24 CRU with Nancy Grace: Fifth God's Misfits Member Charged with Murdering Veronica Butler and Jillian Kelley

    4.26.24 CRU with Nancy Grace: Fifth God's Misfits Member Charged with Murdering Veronica Butler and Jillian Kelley

    Today Nancy and Sheryl go deep into the disturbing case of two young Kansas mothers who were kidnapped, bludgeoned to death, and buried in a 10-foot pit on April 17th - the same day one of the victim's children had a birthday. The alleged mastermind is Tiffany Adams, the children's grandmother linked to the "God's Misfits" cult. Five people were arrested, including a man named Paul Grice who has confessed. 

    Show Notes:


    00:00 Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup   
    01:00 Paul Grice - fifth suspect in Oklahoma murders arrested and charged 
    02:00 Watch Merit Plus for Free - https://www.meritplus.com/home
    05:00 The 10-foot grave and evidence details 
    13:00 M'Naghten rules - defense of insanity 

    ---

    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.

    • 14 min
    Breaking the Recidivism Cycle with Creative Sentencing | Judge Glenda Hatchett

    Breaking the Recidivism Cycle with Creative Sentencing | Judge Glenda Hatchett

    Judge Glenda Hatchett is an American television personality, lawyer, and judge who is the star of the former court show, Judge Hatchett and current day The Verdict with Judge Hatchett, and founding partner at the national law firm, The Hatchett Firm. 

    Listeners can learn more about Judge Glenda Hatchett at her website ​​https://smstrial.com/glenda-hatchett/ and on IG @thejudgehatchett

    Resources:

    Dare to Take Charge: How to Live Your Life on Purpose

    Say What You Mean and Mean What You Say!: Saving Your Child from a Troubled World 

    In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, sits down with the remarkable Judge Glenda Hatchett to discuss her transformative journey through the justice system, emphasizing her role in juvenile court. Judge Hatchett shares powerful stories of her innovative approach to juvenile cases, focusing on rehabilitation over incarceration through creative sentencing, community programs, and personal mentorship. She advocates passionately for investing in youth development to break generational cycles of crime.

    Show Notes:


    [0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum.  
    [2:00] Sheryl introduces guest, Judge Glenda Hatchett to the listeners 
    [6:00] The story of "Gator" 
    [12:45] “Your past doesn’t have to define your future.”
    [13:30] Getting recidivism rates down to single digits
    [16:00] The influence of community programs on juvenile offenders
    [20:00] Costs of incarceration vs. education
    [24:00] Working with schools and families 
    [29:00] The story of "Miss Hattie"
    [31:00] Judge Hatchett's current law practice
    [38:00] “It's so easy to get in the juvenile justice system and so hard to get out.”
    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.

    • 38 min
    4.19.24 CRU with Nancy Grace: ‘Galileo Defense’, Idaho Murders & Oklahoma Custody Killings

    4.19.24 CRU with Nancy Grace: ‘Galileo Defense’, Idaho Murders & Oklahoma Custody Killings

    Today Nancy and Sheryl discuss these topics in today’s crime round-up:


    Bryan Kohberger's "Galileo Defense" 
    The Shocking Oklahoma Custody Killings - four arrested, bitter In-Laws and lost grandchildren 

    Show Notes:


    [0:00] Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup   
    [0:20] Watch Merit Plus for Free - https://www.meritplus.com/home  
    [1:00] Nancy discusses cloud coverage on the night of the Idaho murders 
    [5:30] Mother-in-law dynamics in Oklahoma murder cases 
    [10:00] “Nobody’s talking about the preacher’s wife.”

    ---

    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.

    • 13 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
541 Ratings

541 Ratings

NSBPTC ,

#1

This is the best podcast not just in True Crime but all podcast. Sheryl McCollum has the storytelling ability, career, training, and experience to give us the whole case. She is the best.

ivarosmth ,

Mac!

There is no one who grabs my attention with first word of a podcast like Mac. From the first smooth tone of the raspy deep south velvet I hooked. She is smart, funny and a great friend.

PThom726 ,

Smart Southern Women

Thank you “Mac” for bringing your extensive experience, knowledge and compassion to a true crime podcast. Absolutely one of the best, and my favorite. Thank you and Nancy Grace both for helping to improve the image of Southern Women. I love that many of your guests are women in law enforcement. My great niece is a criminal justice/psych major in her Junior year, and I couldn’t be more proud. We are from the neighboring state of SC, and are so excited to have such amazing women representing the Deep South in such a positive and vital way. 🙏🏼

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