Joseph L. Giacalone is a retired NYPD sergeant, criminal justice educator, and nationally recognized expert in policing and investigations. With over 20 years of frontline experience, he now teaches criminal investigations and appears regularly in the media to discuss high-profile cases and law enforcement issues. He is also the author of two widely used textbooks in the field.

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 thoughtful and fearless reporting, she brings national attention to overlooked cases and justice system breakdowns.

Listeners can learn more about Susan on IG @susan_hendricks, on X @susanhendricks, and on Headline Crime

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, welcomes back Susan Hendricks and Joe Giacalone to break down the second trial of Karen Read and y’all, it’s a mess. They lay out how John O’Keeffe deserved better, pointing to sloppy police work, mishandled evidence, and a justice system that’s falling apart. They break down the courtroom testimony that doesnt hold up, highlight signs of investigative bias, and considers how divided public opinion has become. Lastly, with the second trial underway, they raise the hard questions: Can this case be fairly tried? And what does it say about the larger issues inside the criminal justice system?

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum
• (0:10) Sheryl brings Joe Giacalone and Susan Hendricks back on Zone 7
• (0:30) Today’s discussion - Karen Read retrial
• (1:30) Prosecution's weaknesses and overreach
• (5:00) The missing documentation and police failures
• (9:00) Town tensions, brotherhood, and silence
• (13:30) Dysfunction and conspiracy - the system itself on trial
• (19:00) Jen McCabe's testimony and trial dynamics
• (21:30) Medical examiner's findings and reasonable doubt
• (25:00) Confirmation bias and jury considerations
• (31:00) Predictions and final thoughts
• (34:00)  ”I hit him, I hit him, I hit him.”
• 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.

A Special Agent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for over 20 years, Ed worked in Los Angeles and a variety of international posts before retiring in 2022. During his career, he conducted many high-profile international wildlife trafficking investigations involving every continent, including Antarctica, and is known for bringing down some of our planet's most notorious wildlife criminals. He is a recipient of the Humane Law Enforcement Award from the Humane Society of the United States and a record six Law Enforcement Awards from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles.

Listeners can learn more about Ed Newcomer on his podcast - Nature’s Secret Service, and on LinkedIn @EdNewcomer

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, sits down with Ed Newcomer, a retired special agent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service who spent over 20 years chasing down criminals most folks don’t even know exist. From bug smugglers to black market fish dealers, Ed’s seen it all, and y’all, he’s worked cases across a variety of continents, even Antarctica. The duo dig into some of his biggest cases, like the takedown of a notorious insect trafficker, Yoshi Kojima, and an undercover sting that exposed a major fish smuggling ring moving endangered Asian arowanas. Ed opens up about the real dangers behind wildlife crime, why these cases matter, and how they connect to other threats like human trafficking and organized crime.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum
• (2:00) Sheryl welcomes guest, Ed Newcomer to Zone 7
• (2:30) Ed's undercover work and challenges
• (3:00) The bug emporium heist
• (5:00) Becoming a wildlife cop
• (8:00) The case of Yoshi Kojima
• (14:00) Building the undercover persona
• (21:00) Taking advantage of communities and $10k butterflies
• (27:00) Gaining Yoshi’s trust
• (34:00) Ed uses awkward advances and undercover finesse
• (35:30) The arrest and aftermath of
• (37:30) The connection between wildlife and human trafficking
• (38:00)  ”Investigation is investigation, and crime is crime. This isn't directly what you're referring to, a lot of times once a smuggler has the systems in the roots in place, they will engage in other types of crimes.”
• (38:30) The fish smuggling case
• (43:00) How fish become evidence and crime currency
• (46:00) Operation RTG begins
• (50:00) The cost of Asian arowanas and setting up buyers
• (55:00) A deliver bust in broad daylight
• (1:01:00) Aftermath of case and final thoughts
• (1:04:00)  ”My dad worked for the Fish and Wildlife Service, and he worked for the Department of the Interior, you know, like the federal government. And consequently, I spent a lot of time outdoors in my life. I even became the voice of Smokey the Bear.” -Sam Elliot
• 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.

Today Nancy Grace and Sheryl McCollum dissect the incredible testimony of Cassie Ventura in the case of Sean Diddy Combs. The duo take listeners inside the courtroom, explaining how victim testimony works and why it’s so hard for prosecutors to prove abuse - especially when power, money, and influence are at play. Sheryl explains why Cassie Ventura’s hotel video is a “money tree” for the case - legal gold when it comes to proving the power dynamics and abuse. They explain what happens when a victim has to live under the intense control of an abusive partner - and how that control becomes a tumultuous abuse cycle. Nancy shares her own experience of this power play in the legal system to give the example of how a person in the situation of a power play has to weigh the choices of exposure. Last but not least, Nancy celebrates a proud parenting moment - her twins becoming Eagle Scouts.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup
• (0:30) A star witness was born - Cassie Ventura takes the stand
• (2:00) Nancy breaks down victim behavior in abusive relationships
• (4:00) Why victims stay - power, fear, and livelihood
• (6:00) Nancy shares her personal experience dealing with harrassment
• (8:00) What Happened to Ellen?: An American Miscarriage of Justice
• (9:00) The hotel assault - bribery and blackmail
• (13:00) Corroboration and the “money tree” video evidence
• (15:30) Nancy shares her twins have officially become Eagle Scouts
• (20:00) 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: coldcase2004@gmail.com

X: @ColdCaseTips

Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Connecticut River Valley serial killer is believed to be responsible for a string of brutal murders that occurred between 1978 and 1988 across the wooded border region of New Hampshire and Vermont. The killer targeted at least seven women, many of whom were young and found stabbed to death in remote areas.

Guest Bio and Links:

Jane Boroski Co-Owner and the Host of Invisible Tears. She is an advocate for mental health, PTSD Awareness and healing. She is the only known survivor of the CT River Valley Serial Killer and is on a mission to help and heal others by sharing her experiences and having a platform to allow others to do the same.

Amanda Bedard is Co-Owner, Co-Host, Producer and Editor of Invisible Tears. She pulls on her Life Coaching and Trauma Certification experience to help advocate for mental health, truth and healing, in practice and through the podcast. Amanda is also a certified Reiki Master and heals clients through energy work.

Drew Bedard is Co-Owner, Co-Host, Producer and Researcher of Invisible Tears. A Life-long passion of his is true-crime and researching serial killers and cases, most likely stemming from knowing Jane his entire life. As the glue that holds the team together, he is passionate about having a platform for Jane and others to speak their truth.

Listeners can learn more about Invisible Tears Podcast at their website

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum sits down with Jane Boroski, the only known survivor of the Connecticut River Valley serial killer. Attacked while seven months pregnant and left for dead after 27 stab wounds, Jane recounts the unthinkable night of her assault and the slow, painful road to healing. Amanda and Drew Bedard, Jane’s closest allies and collaborators on the Invisible Tears podcast also join the conversation. Together, they reflect how trauma, PTSD, and survivor’s guilt shaped Jane’s life, and how advocacy became her path to meaning.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum
• (0:30) Sheryl welcomes guests, Jane Boroski, and Amanda and Drew Bedard to Zone 7
• (2:00) The fatal night in 1988
• (5:00) Jane describes the struggle, fighting back, and fleeing
• (6:00)  ”And so I'm driving down the road and next thing I know, I'm right behind him…he's right in front of me.” - Jane describing her escape
• (10:30) Reiki - how energy healing works
• (13:30) Drew shares how Invisible Tears Podcast was born from a conversation
• (19:00) Understanding PTSD in survivors
• (22:00) Amanda discusses the responsibility of hosting a trauma-focused show
• (22:30) The team reflects on burnout, boundaries, and honoring survivor anniversaries
• (28:00) Giving voice to the voiceless
• (30:00) Raising awareness for unsolved cases
• (39:00) The possibility of a new composite remade
• (41:00) Coalition for the missing and murdered
• (46:00) “ I was seven months pregnant. I was stabbed 27 times, but not one to my baby.” - Jane Boroski
• 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.

Nancy Grace and Sheryl McCollum dissect the legal complexities and cultural reverberations of the Sean "Diddy" Combs case.

They discuss how media narratives, witness credibility, and the magnetic pull of celebrity can influence a jury’s perception—regardless of the facts. They unpack how victim stories are often distorted or dismissed and explore the deeply personal, often painful reasons many survivors stay silent for years before finding the strength to speak out

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup
• (0:30) Happy Mother’s day weekend
• (3:00) Sean Combs…a.k.a Diddy has plead not guilty
• (6:00) Biggest obstacles for Diddy
• (7:30) Diddy's charges and public perception
• (8:00) Charisma in the courtroom
• (10:00) Defense tactics and likeability bias
• (13:00) Questioning victims - why didn’t they speak sooner?
• (15:00) Cassie Ventura’s video
• (19:00) Defining consent and power imbalances
• (20:00) Voir Dire - jury selection strategies explained
• (22:00) Open vs. silent strikes
• (22:30) Prediction of how long Diddy trial will last

---

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.

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: coldcase2004@gmail.com
• Twitter: @ColdCaseTips
• Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: coldcase2004@gmail.com

X: @ColdCaseTips

Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: coldcase2004@gmail.com
• Twitter: @ColdCaseTips
• Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.