Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum
Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum

Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum

iHeartPodcasts and CrimeOnline

Overview
Episodes

Details

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!

Recent Episodes

2.21.25 CRU with Nancy Grace: Idaho Judge Denies DNA Suppression in Kohberger Case - Here’s Why!
FEB 21, 2025
2.21.25 CRU with Nancy Grace: Idaho Judge Denies DNA Suppression in Kohberger Case - Here’s Why!

Today, Nancy Grace and Sheryl McCollum dive into a major ruling in the Bryan Kohberger case, where the Idaho judge shut down multiple defense attempts to block key evidence - including DNA, cell phone data, and surveillance footage. Nancy gives a breakdown of the legal principles such as abandonment theory, the Fourth Amendment, and legal privilege so the public can better understand.. Nancy and Sheryl also discuss the latest heartbreaking stories of Hayden Manis, whose family only recently realized he’s been missing for five years, and Oakley Carlson, a little girl failed by the foster care system. 

Show Notes:

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.

play-circle
26 MIN
15 Shootouts, 219 Medals, and the NYPD’s Toughest Detective, Ralph Friedman
FEB 19, 2025
15 Shootouts, 219 Medals, and the NYPD’s Toughest Detective, Ralph Friedman

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, sits down with retired detective Ralph Friedman, a legendary figure in law enforcement with over 2,000 arrests and 15 shootouts to his name. Ralph shares his unexpected journey into the police force and his experiences in the infamous 41st precinct, known as "Fort Apache." Ralph describes the undercover operations using taxi cabs and milk trucks to a life-threatening shootout in a darkened apartment. He also shares the wisdom gained from life-or-death encounters, the lessons that changed police protocol forever.

Ralph Friedman is the most decorated detective in NYPD history, with 2,000 arrests and 219 medals to his name. He is the author of Street Warrior: The True Story of NYPD’s Most Decorated Detective and the Era That Created Him and was featured in the television series Street Justice: The Bronx.

Listeners can learn more about Ralph Friedman at his website, on IG @bronxstreetwarrior

Street Justice: The Bronx

Street Warrior: The True Story of NYPD’s Most Decorated Detective and the Era That Created Him


Show Notes:

  • (0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum  
  • (0:10) Sheryl introduces guest, retired N.Y.P.D detective Ralph Freeman
  • (2:00) How a spontaneous decision led to a legendary career
  • (4:00) Ralph’s first encounter with a police officer shooting
  • (6:00) A detective’s death changes police protocol forever
  • (7:00) Using taxis, milk trucks, and even a Harley to catch criminals
  • (12:30) The brotherhood of the NYPD
  • (16:00) Saving a partner’s life
  • (17:00) ”The other side of the coin is that, if you're taking a life, you're definitely saving at least one life.” 
  • (19:30) Near-death encounters 
  • (22:00) Unexpected career-ending incident
  • (24:30) The most gangster thing detective Ralph ever did 
  • (25:45) A gun deal turns into a deadly rooftop shootout
  • (31:00) “ The rush is worth the risk.” -R.Freeman’s back tattoo
  • 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:

Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

play-circle
31 MIN
2.14.25 CRU with Nancy Grace: Mystery DNA in the Kohberger Case - What That Could Mean For The Defense
FEB 14, 2025
2.14.25 CRU with Nancy Grace: Mystery DNA in the Kohberger Case - What That Could Mean For The Defense

Today Nancy Grace and Sheryl McCollum open CRU with a heartfelt tribute to their friend and colleague, Dave Mack, following the loss of his wife, LaDonna. Despite his grief, Mack’s dedication to his work shines through. Nancy and Sheryl then dive into the latest developments in the Bryan Kohberger case, unpacking the discovery of two unidentified male DNA samples and what they could mean for the defense. They also revisit the case of Ellen Greenberg, a teacher whose suspicious death was ruled a suicide.

When you purchase a copy of What Happened to Ellen?: An American Miscarriage of Justice all proceeds is going to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children - NCMEC

Show Notes:

  • (0:00) Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup   
  • (0:10) Sheryl and Nancy honor LaDonna Mack 
  • (5:00) Latest on Bryan Kohberger case - two mystery DNA samples
  • (7:00) Unidentified male DNA samples - a glove found outside, another on a banister inside 
  • (10:00) The controversy over demolishing the crime scene 
  • (14:00) The defense’s strategy to creating doubt
  • (18:30) Ellen Greenberg case 
  • (21:00) What Happened to Ellen?: An American Miscarriage of Justice
  • (26:00) Valentine’s plans and 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.

play-circle
29 MIN
The 2016 Indiana Arson That Took Four Young Lives — Remains Unsolved
FEB 12, 2025
The 2016 Indiana Arson That Took Four Young Lives — Remains Unsolved

On November 21, 2016, a deadly house fire in Flora, Indiana, claimed the lives of four young sisters; Kerriele McDonald (7), Keyara Phillips (9) Keyana Davis (11), Kionnie Welch (5) who were trapped in their upstairs bedroom as flames engulfed the home. Within a few months of the fire, police had determined the fire was caused by arson. But eight years after the fire, the fire-starter hasn’t been caught.

Guest Bio and Links:

Captain Nicholle Brock is a highly experienced firefighter and paramedic with over 25 years in the Atlanta Fire Department. As an arson expert, active shooter instructor, and forensic fire investigator, she specializes in uncovering the truth behind fire-related crimes. She is also a certified drone pilot and Georgia Emergency Manager, using advanced technology to assist in investigations.

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, talks with Captain Nicholle Brock, a veteran firefighter with over 25 years of experience, to discuss the heartwrenching 2016 house fire in Indiana that took the lives of four young sisters. Nicholle and Sheryl discuss the investigative missteps, a mother’s fight for justice, and unsettling allegations of corruption. They break down the challenges of fire investigations, the emotional toll on first responders, and why this case remains unresolved while pushing for the answers these girls deserve. 

The Indiana State Fire Marshal has offered a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible for the fire. If you know anything, call 1-800-382-4628.

Show Notes:

  • (0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum  
  • (0:10) Sheryl welcomes guest, Nicholle
  • (5:00) Background of the Flora Indiana house fire
  • (10:00) The evidence surrounding the arson ruling 
  • (15:00) Inconsistencies in the investigation
  • (20:00) The insurance policies on the house
  • (23:00) Indiana withholding records 
  • (28:00) Key pieces of the evidence lost or contaminated?
  • (34:20)  ”We continue on. We're gonna continue  just like we have been. I know it's not what people want to hear. But we're going to continue. And I really believe that one day we will know.” -Doug Carter
  • 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:

Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

play-circle
34 MIN
2.7.25 CRU with Nancy Grace: Richard Allen’s Last-Ditch Defense & Diddy’s Legal Storm Amid a Medical Outcry
FEB 7, 2025
2.7.25 CRU with Nancy Grace: Richard Allen’s Last-Ditch Defense & Diddy’s Legal Storm Amid a Medical Outcry

In today’s CRU with Nancy Grace and Sheryl McCollum, Sheryl starts with a congratulations in order for her son, Huck McCollum, who has transitioned from his position as a public defender’s office investigator to a juvenile court intake officer. Nancy breaks down the latest developments in the Richard Allen trial, including the defense’s push for a new trial and the controversial claim that Ron Logan, a deceased individual, is the real culprit in the Delphi Murders. Nancy and Sheryl explain what’s to come in the Sean Diddy case, including the latest arson and kidnapping allegations, and the suspicious timing of Diddy’s sudden knee injury. In closing, they share what to pay attention to in the trial and what could happen if Diddy waves his right to remain silent.  

Show Notes:

  • (0:00) Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup   
  • (0:10) Sheryl starts off CRU with news about Huck McCollum’s new role 
  • (2:30) “He believes people deserve a second chance, and that’s exactly what juvenile justice is about.” 
  • (5:00) Richard Allen latest - defense attempt to secure a new trial 
  • (6:45) Ron Logan's alleged confession 
  • (10:30) Debunking defense claims 
  • (15:00) Diddy - The expanding legal case 
  • (16:00) The suspicious timing of Diddy’s knee injury
  • (20:00) Will Diddy testify? - If so, what happens 
  • (21:00) The possibility of jury tampering in Diddy’s upcoming trial 

---

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.

play-circle
23 MIN