Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum

• Zone 7 Legend Series | 72 Units: The Survival and Service of Officer Sean Houle

  Sean Houle is a former police officer and K9 handler who served in North Carolina for nearly a decade. In 2021, he was critically wounded in the line of duty—shot twice at point-blank range with his own service weapon. Since medically retiring, Sean has become a sought-after speaker on faith, resilience, and the lifelong commitment to service.. In this unforgettable episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator Sheryl McCollum welcomes retired Officer Sean Houle for a powerful firsthand account of survival and purpose. Sean recounts the harrowing night he was ambushed by a suspect from an earlier call—an encounter that would change his life forever. He shares the moments of chaos, the struggle to stay conscious, and the clarity that surfaced as his life hung in the balance. Together, he and Sheryl discuss the split-second decisions officers face, how department policy shapes those choices, and the unbreakable bond between handler and K9 partner. But Sean’s story doesn’t end on the pavement. During recovery, a surprising moment on a family beach trip reminds him that his calling to serve wasn’t finished—it was just taking a new shape. This episode is a profound look at duty, faith, and the quiet strength behind the badge. Show Notes: (0:00) Welcome to Zone 7 with guest Sean Houle (1:45) The traffic stop that changed everything (3:00) Familiar faces and high-risk situations (5:00) The slow roll and signs of trouble (7:30) Commands ignored, tension escalates (8:00) Following policy: use-of-force, K9 deployment, and the art of bluffing (14:00) A terminated track and what came next (15:30) Face to face again—Sean confronts Quinton Blocker (20:00) A fight inside a Toyota Corolla (23:00) Disarmed and staring down the barrel (25:00) Thoughts of family, faith, and a second chance (27:00) The second shot—and the will to survive (28:30) “I’m dying, help.” (29:15) “72 Units of Blood”: The trauma, stroke, and fight for survival (30:15) Jax, the K9 partner, and the heartbreaking malfunction (32:00) End of shift: going 10-42 for the last time (35:00) A new calling, a life saved in Myrtle Beach (40:00) “Next to creating a life, the finest thing a man can do is save one.” – Abraham Lincoln Update on the Case: In 2024, Quinton Donnell Blocker—the man who shot Officer Sean Houle—was sentenced to 55 to 72 years in prison after being convicted on multiple charges, including attempted murder. The sentencing marked a long-awaited moment of justice for Sean, his family, and his department. Thanks for listening to another episode! If you're enjoying Zone 7, head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a quick rating and review—it’s one of the best ways to support the show and help others find it. --- 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: @officialzone7podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Predators in the Shadows: Inside the Fight Against Child Predators

  Ray Dawson is a former law enforcement officer and the founder of the Invictus Project, a nonprofit organization supporting task forces investigating online crimes against children by providing funding, training, and technology. Zachary Neefe is a Special Agent with Homeland Security Investigations and a key member of a multiagency child exploitation task force in North Carolina focused on identifying and arresting child predators. Learn more at The Invictus Project Episode Description: In this episode of Zone 7, CSI Sheryl McCollum speaks with Zachary Neefe and Ray Dawson—two frontline defenders in the fight against child exploitation. They take us inside the creation of the Invictus Task Force, a groundbreaking multiagency collaboration in North Carolina that brings together Homeland Security Investigations, local law enforcement, and nonprofit partners under one roof. Zach and Ray share chilling stories from undercover chat ops, explain why today’s predators are more brazen than ever, and break down how the digital world is a breeding ground for grooming and abuse. They also discuss how victim identification, school outreach, and good old-fashioned police work are changing lives—and why parental awareness isn’t optional anymore. Show Notes: (0:00) Welcome to Zone 7 with guests Ray Dawson and Zachary Neefe (2:00) Building the Invictus Task Force: Collaboration over silos (4:00) The “new white van”: Predators in the digital space (9:00) COVID’s impact on child exploitation and online abuse (11:00) 89.4 million images—what that number really means (12:30) Culture shifts and the normalization of exploitation (14:30) Identifying victims through school visits and student disclosures (17:45) Defining a rescue: Physical extraction vs. intervention (23:30) Victim-centered interviews with offenders (25:30) Tips for parents navigating kids’ online behavior (27:30) “There is no such thing as a part-time predator” (30:00) No collateral duties: Proactive vs. reactive law enforcement (32:00) Inside the chat rooms: How quickly predators strike (34:30) “Let’s stop calling them sex offenders.” — Mike Lew Thanks for listening to another episode! If you’re liking what you hear, go on and leave us a quick rating and review over on Apple Podcasts. It helps more folks find the show—and keeps us bringing you more stories that matter. --- 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 and the founder and director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute—a collaboration between universities, students, and professionals working to advance the study and resolution of unsolved cases. Social Links: Email: [email protected] Twitter: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• Justice Without a Trial: The Kohberger Plea Deal

  In this episode of Zone 7, CSI Sheryl McCollum brings together a powerhouse panel to unpack the news that Bryan Kohberger has agreed to plead guilty in the murders of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves. Retired NYPD Sergeant Joe Giacalone, journalist Susan Hendricks, and defense attorneys Linda Kenney Baden and Kirk Nurmi break down what this plea deal means for investigators, prosecutors, and, most importantly, the families. From the strength of the evidence to the emotional toll of avoiding trial, the panel gets real about trauma, strategy, and the search for justice. Joseph L. Giacalone is a retired NYPD sergeant, criminal justice educator, and nationally recognized expert in policing and investigations. With over 20 years on the job, he now teaches criminal investigations and appears regularly in the media to weigh in on high-profile cases. He’s also the author of two widely used textbooks. Connect with Joseph at his website and on his podcast True Crime with the Sarge. Susan Hendricks is an investigative journalist and host of Headline Crime. Known for her fearless reporting, she brings national attention to overlooked cases and failures in the justice system. She regularly covers courtroom developments and advocates for victims. Find Susan on IG @susan_hendricks or X @SusanHendricks. Linda Kenney Baden is a former prosecutor and veteran defense attorney with decades of experience in high-profile trials, including Phil Spector, Casey Anthony, and Aaron Hernandez. She contributes to Law & Crime and the Huffington Post, and co-hosts legal coverage on Justice Served TV. Connect with Linda Kenney Baden at her website and on X @KenneyBaden. Kirk Nurmi is a former criminal defense attorney, author, and speaker focused on justice reform, ethics, and personal transformation. Best known for representing Jodi Arias, he now shares his experience through writing and public speaking. Find him on Instagram @nurmiunchained_ and at kirknurmi.com. Show Notes: (0:00) Welcome to Zone 7 – Sheryl introduces the panel and the gravity of the plea deal (1:00) Joe Giacalone reflects on the investigation and law enforcement response (3:45) Susan Hendricks shares how Ethan Chapin’s family is coping with the plea deal (8:30) Linda Kenney Baden on defense optics, plea motivations, and the hidden cost of a trial (10:30) “He becomes the stalked, not the stalker” – life in prison without protective isolation (12:30) Kirk Nurmi opens up about the emotional toll of defending capital cases (16:45) What the defense may be trying to keep hidden from public view (18:15) Why the lack of answers may make this plea deal harder to accept (20:30) Behind the scenes: how mitigation packets influence plea negotiations (22:30) The ripple effect: how this case has impacted prosecutors, families, and even journalists (25:00) Kohberger’s plea may protect his family—but will he ever tell the truth? (27:45) “There is no punishment medieval enough.” – Cheryl on the impossibility of true justice (29:30) Seeking justice without a trial: how victim impact statements can still bring power (32:45) Confronting evil and searching for answers that may never come (34:30) Cheryl closes with a haunting quote from a 2011 note written by Kohberger himself Thanks for listening to another episode of Zone 7! If you’re liking what you hear, leave us a quick rating and review on Apple Podcasts. It helps more folks find the show—and keeps us bringing you more stories that matter. --- 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 and the founder and director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute—a collaboration between universities, students, and professionals working to advance the study and resolution of unsolved cases. Social Links: Email: [email protected] Twitter: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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• The Outlaw Queen: Kathryn Thorne and the Making of Machine Gun Kelly

  Chris Enss is a New York Times bestselling author, historian, and private investigator known for her extensive work chronicling the lives of women in the American West. With more than 20 books to her name, she specializes in uncovering the truth behind legends—whether lawmen, gunslingers, or the women often written out of the narrative. Her latest book, Meet the Kellys: The True Story of Machine Gun Kelly and His Moll Kathryn Thorne, is available now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, KensingtonBooks.com, and bookstores everywhere. In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator Sheryl McCollum sits down with bestselling author and private investigator Chris Enss to dig into the real story of Kathryn Thorne—the woman who didn’t just stand beside Machine Gun Kelly but helped build his legend. They discuss Kathryn’s sharp mind, bold choices, how she planned a headline-making kidnapping, and even called J. Edgar Hoover herself. Sheryl and Chris also explore the early days of the FBI, the origin of the term “G-Man,” and how the courtroom became Kathryn’s stage. Learn more about Chris Enss at chrisenss.com or follow her on Instagram @chrisenssauthor. Show Notes: (0:00) Welcome to Zone 7 with guest Chris Enss (1:30) The Kellys vs. Bonnie and Clyde (3:00) Ground-level research and historical truth (6:05) According to Kate and the untold story of Doc Holliday (10:50) Kathryn Thorne was all about what she wanted (14:30) Turning Machine Gun Kelly into a myth (16:45) Charm, privilege, and the making of an outlaw (22:00) The kidnapping of Charles Urschel (25:30) Lindbergh Law and the FBI’s rise to power (29:30) The double kidnapping and the G-Man legend (33:00) Kathryn Thorne plays the victim (36:00) Silk in the courtroom and a spotlight on the stand (38:30) Getting what she wanted, even as questions remain (40:30) “I wish he had left the dog” – Little Steve Stevens Thanks for listening to another episode! If you're enjoying Zone 7, head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a quick rating and review—it’s one of the best ways to support the show and help others find it. --- 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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• Karen Read Retrial | Panel Unpacks the Case That Shattered Public Trust

  In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, brings together a powerhouse panel including Susan Hendricks, Joshua Schiffer, Dani after Dark, and Kirk Nurmi to break down the second trial of Karen Read, and it’s more than just a courtroom drama. They unpack how the defense pivoted from conspiracy to collision, why the prosecution’s own reenactment may have backfired, and how key testimony created more questions than answers. The group doesn’t shy away from the messy truth, pointing to public mistrust, missing evidence, and a system that feels off balance. From social media outrage to jury psychology, they explore why this case has gripped the nation and how it might end. Guest Bio and Links: Susan Hendricks is an investigative journalist and host of Headline Crime. Known for her thoughtful and fearless reporting, she brings national attention to overlooked cases and failures in the justice system. Connect with Susan on Instagram @susan_hendricks, on X @susanhendricks, and on Headline Crime. Joshua Schiffer is a nationally recognized criminal defense attorney and regular Court TV contributor, known for his sharp legal analysis and strategic insight into high-profile cases. Connect with Joshua on Instagram @lawyerschiff and on X @lawyerschiff. Dani is a legal content creator and host of Dani After Dark, known for her insightful, accessible analysis of high-profile criminal trials and her growing presence in the true crime community. Connect with Dani on Instagram @dani_after_dark or follow her on YouTube at @DaniAfterDark. Kirk Nurmi is a former criminal defense attorney, author, and speaker who now shares his expertise on justice, ethics, and personal transformation. Learn more about Kirk on Instagram @nurmiunchained_ and at kirknurmi.com. Show Notes: (0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with crime scene investigator, Sheryl McCollum (0:30) Sheryl introduces the panel: Susan Hendricks, Joshua Schiffer, Dani after Dark, and Kirk Nurmi (1:00) First impressions on closing arguments (4:30) How attorney demeanor influences the jury’s mindset (6:30) The hoodie, X-rays, and the Commonwealth’s missteps (9:30) “I can’t unsee what I saw” (11:30) What it’s like at ground zero: the buffer zone and beyond (13:00) The power of a clean, simple defense when the state fumbles the case (18:00) From guilty at first glance to not so sure (20:00) Can you convict without blood, tissue, or a chain of custody? (24:00) When justice feels unfinished and no one gets the truth (30:00) Finding grace in a divided conversation (33:00) Verdict watch: the panel’s predictions (34:30) How many times can you try the same person and still call it justice? --- 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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