Today, Nancy Grace and Sheryl McCollum discuss the recent federal charges against Luigi Mangione, including the potential for the death penalty. They explain Judge Luther Alverson's judicial practices, the low jail count expectations, and Nancy's career journey. Nancy and Sheryl shift the conversation to societal reactions to crime, referencing comparisons to Eric Rudolph and Robin Hood and the effects of media representation. Lastly, they discuss holiday plans and traditions.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup   

• (0:10) Sheryl starts CRU with Luigi Mangione's federal charge

• (0:45) Nancy explains Judge Luther Alverson's judicial practices and his jail counts 

• (4:00) Nancy Grace's career journey 

• (10:00) Mangione's case and public perception 

• (12:00) Details from Mangione’s spiral notebook 

• (17:00) Questioning the back problem - suspicious activities

• (22:00) Eric Rudolph and mental health debates 

• (26:30) “You can’t compare him to Robin Hood without admitting he’s the killer.”

• (29:00) Sheryl and Nancy finish CRU with holiday traditions

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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.mccollum

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On February 13, 2017, teenage friends Liberty German and Abigail Williams went for a walk near Delphi, Indiana, but never returned home. The next day, their bodies were found in a clearing, victims of a brutal murder. Liberty recorded a blurry video of the man approaching them in her final moments, capturing his gruff command: “Down the hill.” The haunting clues sparked public obsession and rampant speculation online, while investigators explored every lead. Despite years of effort, the case remained unsolved, leaving a community searching for answers.

Guest Bio and Links:

Susan Hendricks is a renowned journalist from HLN, podcaster, and author. Áine Cain is a journalist and co-host of Murder Sheet. Kevin Greenlee is an attorney and co-host of Murder Sheet.

Resources: 

Murder Sheet Podcast

Shadow of the Bridge: The Delphi Murders and the Dark Side of the American Heartland By Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee 

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, is joined by journalists Susan Hendricks, Áine Cain, and attorney Kevin Greenlee as they share their powerful experiences from the Delphi trial. They primarily highlight moments of camaraderie, the emotional toll of witnessing evidence, and the struggles of maintaining accuracy amidst misinformation. Áine and Kevin discuss their dynamic approach to covering the trial, while Susan shares personal anecdotes that emphasize the human connection forged through this shared experience. They also reflect on the remarkable grace of the victims’ families and the resilience required to endure the trial's grueling schedule and rules.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum  

• (0:15) Sheryl introduces guests, Áine Cain, Kevin Greenlee, and returning guest, Susan Hendricks to the listeners

• (1:00) Reminiscing the experience of the true crime community

• (2:30) Courtroom experiences and observations

• (3:45) Behind the scenes with journalists

• (6:00) Áine and Kevin share their teamwork strategy

• (14:00) Susan recounts humorous moments waiting outside

• (15:00) Áine describes journaling under pressure

• (23:00) Condemning sensationalism and misinformation

• (28:00) The failures in the defense strategies 

• (30:00) Legal stunts used in court

• (31:30) Jury questions impress Sheryl with their sophistication

• (35:00) Áine and Kevin reflect on their favorite parts of Delphi

• (41:00) Áine speaks about the emotional toll of the crime scene evidence

• (44:00) Journalistic challenges and accuracy

• 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: @officialzone7podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today Nancy Grace and Sheryl McCollum discuss the latest on the Luigi Mangione case. They explain the legal nuances of the charges against him, the premeditation and intent behind his actions, and the implications of his crimes on victims and society. Nancy and Sheryl also examine broader issues, such as the public's controversial support of Mangione, the legal distinctions between murder charges, and the growing concern over ghost guns. 

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup   

• (0:10) Sheryl introduces the updates on the Luigi Mangione case

• (1:00) Public reaction and outrage 

• (3:00) Legal breakdown of murder 1 vs. murder 2 

• (8:00) Human trafficking and poaching routes

• (9:30) Evidence and investigation details 

• (14:00) Connection to past infamous cases

• (17:00) Family impact and emotional toll 

• (23:30) Ghost guns and legal implications 

• (30:00) Personal reflections 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: [email protected]

X: @ColdCaseTips

Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In March 8th, 1990, an unidentified homicide victim was discovered at West Point Lake, Georgia, and remains unidentified to this day.

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, talks with Clay Brant about an unidentified homicide victim discovered at West Point Lake in 1990. They discuss the victim's distinctive tattoos, a unique belt buckle, a commemorative ring from the Missouri Pacific Railroad, and other personal effects. Sheryl and Clay also discuss trackng the victim’s identity through DNA testing, media outreach, and historical labor records. Last but not least, they encourage listeners to take part in the effort to help, highlighting the critical role of media and community involvement in solving cold cases.

Guest Bio and Links:

Clay Bryant is a retired chief of police, author, and cold case expert with decades of experience in law enforcement. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, Clay has solved numerous high-profile cases, bringing closure to families and communities. 

Clay is the author of three books:

The Cold Case Murder of Fred Wilkerson: Untangling the Black Widow's Web in West Georgia

Solving the West Georgia Murder of Gwendolyn Moore: A Cry From the Well

Solving the Murder of Vieng Phovixay: Evil Dwells in West Georgia (True Crime)

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum  

• (0:10) Sheryl introduces the 1990 case

• (0:30) Sheryl welcomes returning guest, Clay Brant to the listeners

• (2:00) Distinctive tattoos and their significance

• (5:00) Investigative leads and challenges

• (8:30) Potential connections and theories

• (11:45) Efforts to identify the victim

• (14:30) Call for Zone 7 listeners 

• (23:05) “For me, jewelry is a way of keeping memories alive.” -LC

• 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: @officialzone7podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on CRU, Nancy Grace and Sheryl McCollum dive deep into the shocking murder of Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, who was killed while attending a conference in New York City. They discuss the latest details of the case, including the unique choice of weapon—a whale rod with a silencer, the killer's odd behavior, and the engraved shell casings with the words 'deny,' 'defend,' and 'depose.' Nancy and Sheryl also discuss potential motives tied to the insurance industry and the suspect's methodical, yet flawed, execution of the crime.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup   

• (0:10) Brief background of the murder of United Healthcare CEO 

• (0:30) Unique weapon used 

• (4:30) Analyzing the killer's behavior 

• (8:00) Comparison to Eric Rudolph’s methods 

• (11:30) The killer's trail and mistakes 

• (15:00) Public reaction to the murder 

• (19:30) The evidence of the crime 

• (23:00) Flaws within the healthcare system

• (29:00) Reflections on family and personal life 

---

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.mccollum

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aphrodite Jones is a New York Times best-selling author who dissects bizarre murder cases and brings readers into the heart of crime. She is also the host of the hit TV show True Crime with Aphrodite Jones, which airs on Investigation Discovery and is available on Amazon Prime. Listeners can learn more about Aphrodite at her website: aphroditejones.com/, or on X @Aphrodite_Jones 

Resources:  

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, talks with renowned true crime author and TV personality Aphrodite Jones to discuss the impact Hollywood dramatizations have on the public perception of true crime cases. Sheryl and Aphrodite discuss infamous cases like the Menendez brothers and Michael Peterson, scrutinizing how factual distortions in cinematic portrayals influence public opinion. They dive into the differences between documentaries and dramatizations, focusing on the new evidence that can reshape our understanding of these cases. They also touch on the broader implications of misleading narratives in true crime media and appeal for a more truthful representation of victim and perpetrator lives.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum  

• (0:10) Sheryl welcomes Aphrodite Jones back to Zone 7

• (2:30) The Menendez case - public perception vs. reality

• (6:50) “It's incredible to me that people watch a series and then jump to reasoning and theories about what could have or should have happened, and want to argue about it.”

• (7:30) New pieces of evidence for a potential new sentencing 

• (10:00) Reflections of All He Wanted 

• (14:00) The Case of Brandon Teena  

• (15:00) Opinions on the title - “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story” 

• (18:30) Aphrodite reads elements of Erik Menendez's letter

• (24:30) Dissecting the scenes in Monsters and the incest claim

• (27:00) The Staircase - Michael Peterson's case

• (34:00) The owl theory and its absurdity

• (41:00) Harmful impact of online conspiracies

• (46:10) “A half-truth is a lie.” -L.M.R

• 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: @officialzone7podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today Nancy and Sheryl take CRU to the kitchen, and on flight this Thanksgiving to bring the latest updates on Sean Combs a.k.a Diddy’s legal battle, focusing on allegations of sexual assault and rape. Sheryl and Nancy cover the controversial bond hearings, Combs' alleged attempts to intimidate witnesses while in jail, and his legal team's various arguments to secure his release, including claims of racial motivation and comparisons to presidential immunity. They express concern over the implications of Combs potentially being granted bail and the message it sends to victims.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup   

• (1:00) Latest on the Diddy's allegations

• (2:30) Allegations of Sean Combs intimidating witnesses behind bars

• (3:00) Predictions of skipping bond

• (4:00) Nancy explains what a rich man’s justice looks like

• (8:00) Violations and intimidating victims 

• (12:00) Judge's deliberation and bond concerns

• (16:30) Thanksgiving plans and closing 

---

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.mccollum

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Derman Murders are the unsolved killings of Russell and Shirley Dermond in Putnam County, Georgia in May 2014. On May 6, 2014, Russell's decapitated body was found in the garage of his Lake Oconee home. He was 88 years old. Over a week later, Shirley's body was found floating in Lake Oconee. She was 87 years old and had been weighted down with concrete blocks. As of April 2024, the murders remain unsolved and Russell's head has not been found. The FBI is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the killer or killers.

Guest Bio and Links:

Alice LaCour is a native Texan, a Yale Law School graduate, and a mean fiddler player. (She’s been known to go down to Georgia). In another life, she was a dancer, but now the courtroom is her stage. When she’s not lawyering she’s hanging with her husband and wrangling her three adorable children.

Brett Talley is a Southern gentleman who loves abandoned buildings, long walks on haunted beaches, and Cthluhu plushies. His saintly wife tolerates him, while his little girl and son hang on his every word–and love the podcast theme.

Listeners can learn more about The Prosecutors Podcast at their website, on IG @prosecutorspod

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, welcomes Brett and Alice from The Prosecutors Podcast to dive into the perplexing double homicide of Russell and Shirley Dermond in Lake Oconee, Georgia. Sheryl, Alice, and Brett cover various aspects of the case including the idyllic setting, Russell and Shirley’s background, the brutal nature of the crime, and the intriguing yet cruel methods employed by the killer. With insights from legal experts and firsthand involvement, they explore different theories, investigate motives, and emphasize the critical role of DNA evidence and genetic genealogy in bringing this case closer to resolution.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum  

• (0:15) Sheryl welcomes Brett and Alice from The Prosecutors Podcast

• (2:30) Brief background of the Dermond murders 

• (4:30) Details of the crime scene in Putnam County, Georgia

• (5:00) Analysis of Shirley’s body being found in the lake 

• (6:00) The brutality and peculiarities of the crime

• (10:30) Theories of mistaken identity and cartel involvement

• (14:00) Speculation on why Shirley might have been the target

• (16:30) Timeline and investigation insights

• (23:00) Importance of the boat in the crime's execution

• (27:00) Theories and intricacies of the crime scene

• (27:30) The lake and docking the boat

• (35:30) Revisiting the son’s tragic murder

• (42:00) Genetic genealogy technologies 

• (50:00) Final reflections on the case's solvability

• Thanks for listening to another episode! If you love 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, a 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.

Twenty-six-year-old Jose Antonio Ibarra, an illegal immigrant, was arrested after police identified him as a suspect in the tragic murder of college student Laken Riley, who was killed while jogging on the University of Georgia campus in February. Riley was found dead with signs of blunt force trauma and asphyxiation.

Today, Sheryl McCollum and Nancy Grace discuss the recent conviction of Jose Antonio Ibarra for the brutal murder of Laken Riley in Athens, Georgia. They reflect on the courtroom proceedings, the lack of remorse from Lbarra, and the heart-wrenching impact statements from Laken's family and friends. Nancy shares her personal experience with loss and the long-term effects of dealing with the murder of a loved one. This episode will close with an 18-minutes of silence in honor of Laken's fight for her life.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup   

• (0:20) Justice served - conviction of Laken Riley's Killer 

• (1:00) Emotional impact the trial had on the family 

• (4:00) Nancy shares personal reflections  

• (6:00) “Her friends and family have a life sentence.” 

• (9:00) Discussion on the term “Peeping Tom” and its trivialization of crimes

• (12:00) Concerns about the sufficiency of the life without parole sentence

• (14:00) Reflections on grief and moving forward

• (15:45) Eighteen minutes of silence in Laken’s memory 

• (34:30) Thank you for listening!

---

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.mccollum

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

*The names in this case discussion have been changed to protect the investigation's integrity.

Guest Bio and Links:

Clay Bryant is a retired chief of police, author, and cold case expert with decades of experience in law enforcement. Known for his meticulous attention to detail, Clay has solved numerous high-profile cases, bringing closure to families and communities. 

Clay is the author of three books:

The Cold Case Murder of Fred Wilkerson: Untangling the Black Widow's Web in West Georgia

Solving the West Georgia Murder of Gwendolyn Moore: A Cry From the Well

Solving the Murder of Vieng Phovixay: Evil Dwells in West Georgia (True Crime)

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum and returning guest, Clay Bryant dive into the gruesome case of a victim, whose dismembered body was found in a burning black bag in December 2007. Clay uncovers the investigation's unique challenges, including the victim's posthumous identity theft perpetrated by the suspect, who assumed her benefits and life. The victim’s identity remained a mystery until 2023 when advances in DNA technology and ancestry databases provided a breakthrough.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum  
• (0:15) A brief background of the case discussed  
• (0:35) Sheryl introduces guest, Clay Bryant back to Zone 7
• (3:30) Identifying the victim
• (5:00) The adoption connection 
• (7:00) Identity theft and fraud 
• (8:00) Tracking the imposter/suspect 
• (16:30) Evidence of dismemberment in the apartment
• (19:00) Arrest made on the suspect 
• (21:00) Ongoing investigations and collaborations
• (29:30) “Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore, it's upon the logic rather than the crime that you should dwell.” -A.C.D
• 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: @officialzone7podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today Nancy Grace and Sheryl McCollum critique the developments of the Laken Riley murder trial in Athens, Georgia. Nancy and Sheryl focus on the defense's controversial decision to opt for a bench trial rather than a jury trial. They cover the prosecution's compelling evidence, including DNA and video footage, emotional testimonies, and a 911 call capturing the victim's final moments. They also dive into the implications of pre-existing knowledge that a judge would have versus a jury, the emotional toll on the victim's family, and the broader political and social issues at play.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup   
• (0:10) Sheryl introduces The Laken Riley trial 
• (0:25) The decision for a bench trial 
• (3:00) Prosecution's emotional opening statements
• (4:30) Evidence breakdown: DNA, fingerprints, and surveillance footage 
• (11:30) Prosecution's strong case
• (12:45) Defense lawyer’s strategy in questioning the evidence 
• (14:00) The defense’s claim of “circumstantial” evidence 
• (18:00) 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: [email protected]

X: @ColdCaseTips

Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.