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Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum

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Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum
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  • From Junkie to Judge: The Unlikely Path to the Bench
    Guest Bio and Links: Mary Beth O'Connor is a federal administrative law judge and the author of "From Junkie to Judge." She is a writer, speaker, trainer, and recovery advocate. Mary Beth’s journey from addiction to the bench is a powerful story of resilience and triumph over trauma. Listeners can learn more about Mary Beth O’Connor at her website, or check out her book: From Junkie to Judge: One Woman's Triumph Over Trauma and Addiction In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, sits down with retired Judge, Mary Beth O’Connor whom opens up about her extraordinary path from a painful, abusive childhood to years of meth addiction, and ultimately, to finding sobriety and rising to become a federal judge. Mary Beth shares candidly about being introduced to drugs at a young age and how that set the stage for a 15-year struggle with addiction. She reflects on the turning points in her life, the strength it took to begin her recovery, and how she used a blend of academic insight and emotional support to rebuild. Show Notes: (0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum (0:15) Sheryl welcomes guest, retired judge, Mary Beth O’Connor (1:00) Early life struggles - a childhood of abuse and trauma (2:30) Positive school experiences (4:00) Violence beyond the home - sexual assault and relationships (7:30) Crafting a path to sobriety (9:00) “I always viewed myself as the decision maker, but also as a decision maker whose job was to keep her ears open, you know, and not just reject anything out of hand.” (12:30) The road to law school (14:30) Becoming a federal judge (15:00) A spark of idea - to write a memoir (19:00) Reflections on drug courts and recovery (22:30) Maintaining sobriety and relationships (30:45)  ”Sometimes you can only find heaven by slowly backing away from hell.” -C.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: [email protected] Twitter: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  • 5.02.25 CRU with Nancy Grace: Stabbed 20 Times: Ellen Greenberg’s Case, a Changed Ruling, and Sean Combs Rejected Plea
    Podcast Title: 5.02.25 CRU with Nancy Grace: Stabbed 20 Times: Ellen Greenberg’s Case, a Changed Ruling, and Sean Combs Rejected Plea Today, Nancy Grace and Sheryl McCollum expose what they call one of the most disturbing miscarriages of justice in recent memory. Nancy details the tragic case of Ellen Greenberg, a young teacher found with 20 stab wounds, including 10 in her back; yet authorities labeled her death a suicide.The duo calls for the medical examiner to come forward following the pressure to change the opinion. Nancy and Sheryl discuss the parental lawsuits, alleged manipulation of medical findings, and secret meetings involving state officials. Last but not least, Nancy and Sheryl give the latest on the Sean Combs, a.k.a Diddy case. Following a rejected plea, they break down what trial stands to look like starting May 5th, 2025. Nancy’s book: What Happened to Ellen?: An American Miscarriage of Justice is available now. All proceeds will go to  National Center Missing Exploited Children - NCMC Show Notes: (0:00) Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup (0:10) Latest in the courts (0:30) The Ellen Greenberg case (4:00) Nancy breaks down the legal injustice in the Ellen Greenberg case (4:45) The role of the medical examiner (6:00) Writing the book - twice, to gain awareness in Ellen’s case (7:30) Public awareness and media advocacy (11:00) The secret meeting and immunity (13:00) Medical examiner reverses ruling in Ellen Greenberg’s death (14:00) The New England serial killer (17:30) “Swans don’t swim in sewers.” (19:00) FOIA challenges (21:00) Sean Combs a.k.a Diddy rejects the plea deal (23:30) Sean Combs trial starts May 5th,2025 (25:30) Predictions of the trial start (27:00) “C’s get degrees.” (27:30) Final 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: [email protected] X: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  • The Vigilante Sheriff: Inside Victor Hill’s Fall and Rise
    Guest Bio and Links: Victor Hill is the former Sheriff of Clayton County, Georgia, known for his tough-on-crime policies and bold leadership style. Despite facing multiple legal challenges, Hill remains a vocal critic of politicized justice and a passionate advocate for reform within the criminal justice system. He is the author of The Vigilante Sheriff and co-host of a podcast with his brother. Vigilante Sheriff: The Truth about Corrupt Prosecutors Weaponizing the Legal System Resources: In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum sits down with Victor Hill, former Sheriff of Clayton County, Georgia, for a powerful and personal Zone 7 episode. They look back on some unforgettable moments from Hill’s career, like a high-stakes bank robbery, and explore how his early love for Batman shaped his approach to justice. Hill opens up about his time as Clayton County Sheriff, the tough decisions he made, the legal battles he fought, and the 18 months he spent in federal prison. Through it all, he found a way to keep learning, keep growing, and keep showing up for people, even from behind prison walls. Show Notes: (0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum (0:30) Sheryl welcomes guest, Victor Hill to Zone 7 (1:00) The memorable bank robbery (2:30) The significance of the Batman challenge coin (4:30)  ”You know, murder is the ultimate theft. It's a theft of which there can be no restitution.” (7:00) The sheriff's election and assassination of Derwin Brown on Dec. 15, 2000 (12:30) The indictment and media portrayal (15:00) Indictments, grand juries & lawfare tactics (21:30) Facing a 37-count RICO indictment (24:00) Political indictments and election timing (25:00) Understanding the RICO charges (29:00) Thoughts on community policing - real talk from the front lines (34:00) The misunderstanding of officer demeanor & crime control (40:30) Federal prison - brotherhood, books, and becoming the student (43:00) “If you send sheep to a lion’s den, they’ll be devoured. If you send a lion - it’s a brotherhood.” (49:00) “ Save yourself. You don't owe these people anymore. You've given them everything.” -Catwoman, Batman, Dark Knight Rises 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: [email protected] Twitter: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  • 4.25.25 CRU with Nancy Grace: What Happened to Ellen? An American Miscarriage of Justice
    Today, Nancy Grace and Sheryl McCollum discuss the tragic death of Ellen Greenberg, a first-grade teacher whose death was ruled a suicide despite evidence pointing to murder. Grace breaks down major red flags, including troubling forensic details and mistakes made by Philadelphia police. The duo also discuss the Bryan Kohberger case, where the defense plans to use autism as part of its legal strategy and what that could mean for the trial. Nancy’s book: What Happened to Ellen?: An American Miscarriage of Justice is available now. All proceeds will go to  National Center for Missing and Exploited Children - NCMC Show Notes: (0:00) Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup (1:00) The autism defense in court - The Bryan Kohberger (5:30) The Ellen Greenberg case (9:30) Ellen’s final day (15:00) The closed-door meeting (17:30) Politics, immunity, and the missing video (22:00) 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: [email protected] X: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  • How One Search Rewrote the Role of a Coroner: With Guest Karla Deese
    Guest Bio and Links: Karla Knight Deese is the elected coroner of Lancaster County, SC, and founder of the first-ever Mounted Response Unit within a coroner’s office. A certified medicolegal death investigator and educator, she’s changed laws, pioneered team-based approaches, and turned rescue horses into federally protected deputies. Karla has proved how “what’s old is new again”. Connect with Karla Knight Deese on LinkedIn @Karla Deese, D-ABMDI Resources: In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, is joined by Karla Knight Deese, the coroner of Lancaster County, South Carolina, who made history by creating the first-ever Mounted Response Unit in a coroner’s office. Karla explains how a difficult river search led to the idea, how rescue horses were trained and sworn in as deputies, and how they now help find both missing people and the deceased. She also talks about how her work helps shape public health policy and how she handles one of the toughest parts of the job: delivering death notifications. Karla has proved how “what’s old is new again”, and why horses, dogs, medics, and compassion all belong on the front lines of forensic work. Show Notes: (0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum (0:10) Sheryl welcomes guest, and Chief Coroner, Karla Knight Deese (3:00) The tragedy that sparked the movement (5:00) Why horses can go where humans can’t (11:00)  ”Our team is built of horses who are rescued. Now they're being trained to use in rescue missions, so their work is definitely not done, and their worth is now highlighted exponentially through our group.” (13:30) Why federal protection for horses matters (16:00) Karla’s path to becoming a Coroner (23:00) Impactful cases that change law and public health (27:00) Using death data to save lives (30:00) The emotional toll of death notifications (41:30) “ There are a few who envy me. They wanna know what they have to do to get my job to be who I am. It's only death. How hard can it be? They say, here I silently reply. Take it all. Every festering remnant of the people no one cared about in life, much less death. All the broken children who will never know that I grieved for them, take it all. Just leave me my car key so I can get home permanently. Somebody else can listen to the bullshit. Death loves dispute. He never shuts up.”  -Joseph Scott Morgan 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: [email protected] Twitter: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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About Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum

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!
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