Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

In this week’s episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum talks with retired FBI special agent Jodene Weber about the parallels in their careers and the many times their paths nearly crossed before they officially met. Jodene reflects on the cases that shaped her years in the FBI, from piecing together the timeline of the Olympic Park bombing through crowd photographs to processing debris at the Pentagon after the 9/11 attacks. She shares what investigations of that scale demand from the people working them, and why citizen tips, careful documentation, and keen observation can make all the difference in solving a case.

References & Further Reading:
The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11 by Garrett M. Graff
The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland by Jim DeFede
The Bald-Faced Deception by Jodene Weber
Come From Away

Highlights:
(0:00) Sheryl McCollum welcomes Jodene Weber to Zone 7, and traces the overlaps in their careers
(2:45) How Nancy Drew, Patricia Cornwell, and a love of reading shaped Jodene’s investigative instincts
(4:45) Why strong writing and careful documentation can make or break a case
(8:30) Jodene’s journalism career and FBI recruitment story
(11:45) Jodene recalls joining the Olympic Park bombing investigation
(13:00) How investigators used crowd photos and the Olympic broadcast screen to build a timeline of events
(15:00) NASA image enhancement, suspect details, and the Birmingham bombing tip that helped investigators identify Eric Rudolph
(20:00) Citizen tips, false leads, and the kind of public memory that could help solve the Nancy Guthrie case
(24:00) Sheryl recalls her sister’s diverted flight to Gander, Newfoundland, and the kindness shown to stranded passengers after 9/11
(27:30) Inside the Pentagon response: fire, debris, remains, and aircraft evidence, and the emotional weight at the scene
(33:30) Jodene describes the long shifts and the exhausting rhythm of sorting through the 9/11 aftermath
(35:15) The generosity shown after 9/11 in Gander and by the volunteers who supported recovery teams
(39:30) Ongoing health issues tied to 9/11 exposure and Sheryl’s closing quote

Guest Bio:
Jodene Weber is a retired FBI agent, former journalist, author, and podcast host whose work brings together investigative experience and clear storytelling. She is the author of The Bald-Faced Deception and hosts the true crime podcast Caught In My Web.

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: [email protected]
X: @ColdCaseTips
Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum
Instagram: @officialzone7podcast
TikTok: @Sheryl.McCollum

Preorder Sheryl’s upcoming book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer’s Daughter, releasing May 12, 2026.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Breaking crime news as it happens throughout the day! Follow "Crime Alert Hourly Update" now on your favorite podcast app: https://link.chtbl.com/Crime_Alert
Here's Sydney Silvagni with some of our top stories this week:
A 21-year-old man who opened fire at a White House security checkpoint shot down by Secret Service, bystander hurt. Anna Kepner's step-brother to remain free while awaiting trial for her murder. Two young boys recovered in Mexico after their father abandoned Utah home and violated custody agreement. The teenage driver accused of killing Basketball Captain Emily Mae Smith in a drunken hit and run denies involvement in her death, cries leaving court. After three years of searching, Iowa authorities recover Jesse George's body at the rest stop where his killer works.
Stay informed, stay safe, and stay ahead with "Crime Alert Hourly Update.”
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before police arrested the Long Island serial killer suspect Rex Heuerman, who has now confessed to multiple murders, two other named serial killers plagued the same New York area. Now, many are asking if Rex Heuermann could also be the Eastbound Strangler or the Manorville Butcher. There are at least six more victims whose bodies were dismembered. Some of the body parts were found on Gilgo Beach.
Despite Heuerman's investigation, the investigation into the deaths linked to the architect continues. Three cities are now re-investigating unsolved deaths in their area looking for connections to Heuermann. Other evidence found by investigators includes, computer searches showing disturbing titles of bondage, torture and child pornography. The accused killer also drives a Chevy Avalanche described by a witness. He's caught on surveillance video buying more minutes for a burner phone. Investigators have determined a hair found on one of the victims is a DNA match to Heuermann's family.
Now, rapper and media mogul Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is producing a scripted drama series about the Gilgo Beach serial killer to air on Peacock Rex Heuermann.The scripted series is based on the 2025 true-crime docuseries The Gilgo Beach Killer: House of Secrets, which was also executive produced by 50 Cent’s G-Unit Films and Television. Will it show more murders connected to Rex Heuermann?
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Alexander brothers, Alon, Oren, and Tal, found guilty by a federal jury in Manhattan on 10 counts of sex trafficking, sexual abuse, and sexual exploitation. Now their sentencing hearing has been delayed from August to October. During the five-week trial, 11 women gave graphic testimony detailing how the brothers lured them with opulent trips and parties, where they were drugged, sexually assaulted, and sometimes recorded without their consent. Prosecutors spoke to over 60 victims. The convictions carry a maximum penalty of up to life in federal prison. Their defense team has stated they plan to appeal the verdict.
The brothers continue to face pending state criminal charges in Florida, which have been put on hold pending their federal sentencing. In addition to the criminal trials, the brothers are dealing with a multitude of civil and defamation lawsuits filed by survivors seeking accountability and damages.
Joining Nancy Grace today:
Neama Rahmani – Former Federal Prosecutor-turned-Trial Attorney; Author: “Harvard to Hashtag;” INSTAGRAM: @Neamarahmani/ X: @NeamaRahmani
Caryn L. Stark – Psychologist, Renowned TV and Radio Trauma Expert and Consultant; Instagram: carynpsych/FB: Caryn Stark Private Practice
Bill Daly – Former FBI Investigator and Forensic Photography, Security Expert
Lynn Shaw - Founder and Executive Director of Lynn’s Warriors, Host of Lynn’s Warriors on YouTube; X: @lynns_warriors Youtube: @LynnsWarriors
Christina Aguayo – National News Anchor, Salem News Channel; Facebook: @ChristinaAguayoNews, Instagram: @Christina.AguayoNe
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Kaylee Goncalves Foundation does business under the name "Murder Has a Name." It is a non-profit which provides financial support to law enforcement agencies nationwide for forensic DNA testing and investigative genetic genealogy in violent crime investigations. The murder victim's family say by removing financial barriers, the foundation can help ensure cases access to modern forensic science, capable of identifying perpetrators and delivering answers to families.
Law enforcement agencies can apply for testing funds and the public can view their work on the "Murder Has a Name" Foundation website. You can follow their ongoing campaigns and community initiatives via the official Goncalves Family Tips Facebook Page.
The public can also submit their DNA to GEDmatch for free. The family points out the more people who submit their DNA, the more cases will be solved.
Joining Nancy Grace today:
Kristi Goncalves - mother of victim Kaylee Goncalves Website: www.MurderHasAName.com
Steve Goncalves - father of victim Kaylee Goncalves Website: www.MurderHasAName.com
Chris Hansen -journalist and Host of the podcast "Have A Seat With Chris Hansen", an ambasador to the Goncalves' new foundation, Facebook:HaveASeatWithChrisHansen
Andy Kahan - Director of Victim Services and Advocacy at Crime Stoppers of Houston, ambasador to the Goncalves' new foundation: "Murder Has a Name," crime-stoppers.org,
Tracie Brocco - Executive Director of 'Murder Has A Name', website: Murderhasaname.com
Sydney Sumner - Investigative Reporter, ‘Crime Stories’

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.