After seven years, the murders of Russell Dermond, 88,  and his 87-year-old wife Shirley, remain unsolved. Friends go to check on the couple days after the Dermonds do not show up for a planned Kentucky Derby party. The headless body of Russell Dermond is found in the garage. Police say there is no forced entry to the home, nor is the house ransacked. Shirley Dermond's body is found 5 miles away, murdered, and floating in a lake. Her body has been weighted down by cement blocks. Today on Body Bags, forensics expert and professor Joseph Scott Morgan explains what possible evidence may have been left behind.

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After seven years, the murders of Russell Dermond, 88,&nbsp; and his 87-year-old wife Shirley, remain unsolved. Friends go to check on the couple days after the Dermonds do not show up for a planned Kentucky Derby party. The headless body of Russell Dermond is found in the garage. Police say there is no forced entry to the home, nor is the house ransacked. Shirley Dermond's body is found 5 miles away, murdered, and floating in a lake. Her body has been weighted down by cement blocks. Today on Body Bags, forensics expert and professor Joseph Scott Morgan explains what possible evidence may have been left behind.
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Nancy Grace dives deep into the day’s most shocking crimes and asks the tough questions in her new daily podcast – Crime Stories with Nancy Grace. Nancy Grace had a perfect conviction record during her decade as a prosecutor and used her TV show to find missing people, fugitives on the run and unseen clues. Now, she will use the power of her huge social media following and the immediacy of the internet to deliver daily bombshells!

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Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Nancy Grace dives deep into the day’s most shocking crimes and asks the tough questions in her new daily podcast – Crime Stories with Nancy Grace. Nancy Grace had a perfect conviction record during her decade as a prosecutor and used her TV show to find missing people, fugitives on the run and unseen clues. Now, she will use the power of her huge social media following and the immediacy of the internet to deliver daily bombshells!

Theme Music: Audio Network

Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan: The Terrible Deaths of Russell and Shirley Dermond

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/e60ecb01-dcfa-49ae-9fc7-aeae015fa387/transcript

Elizabeth Short was an American woman found nude, murdered in Los Angeles, California, in 1947.

She became known as the "Black Dahlia." The case was highly publicized due to its gruesome nature, and remains unsolved.

The Zodiac killer, pseudonym of an unidentified serial killer, murdered at least five people in the San Francisco Bay Area over the span of about nine months. He claimed in letters to have killed 37 people, but he was never identified.

A new book suggests a conclusion, a connection between the death of the "Black Dahlia" and The Zodiac killer.  Alex Baber, Director at 'Cold Case Consultants of America'  says he's used AI and his code breaking skills to crack the Zodiac Killer's letter.

The Zodiac Killer and Black Dahlia killer are the same.

Joining Nancy Grace today:
Alex Baber - Director at 'Cold Case Consultants of America'
Neama Rahmani - Former Federal Prosecutor-turned-trial Attorney; Author: “Harvard to Hashtag;" INSTAGRAM: @Neamarahmani; X: @NeamaRahmani
Dr. Angela Arnold - Psychiatrist, Atlanta GA. Expert in the Treatment of Pregnant/Postpartum Women, Former Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Obstetrics and Gynecology: Emory University, Former Medical Director of The Psychiatric Ob-Gyn Clinic at Grady Memorial Hospital
Sheryl McCollum - Cold Case Investigative Research Institute Founder, ColdCaseCrimes.org, Host of podcast: Zone 7 --  and Author of a new book: "Swans Don't Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer's Daughter;" X: @149zone7
Joseph Scott Morgan - Professor of Forensics: Jacksonville State University, Author of "Blood Beneath My Feet," and Host: "Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan;" X @JoScottForensic, Instagram @JoScottForensic
Rachel Sharp - Crime Reporter from DailyMail.com
Sydney Sumner - Investigative Reporter, ‘Crime Stories’

Elizabeth Short was an American woman found nude, murdered in Los Angeles, California, in 1947.
She became known as the "Black Dahlia." The case was highly publicized due to its gruesome nature, and remains unsolved.
The Zodiac killer, pseudonym of an unidentified serial killer, murdered at least five people in the San Francisco Bay Area over the span of about nine months. He claimed in letters to have killed 37 people, but he was never identified.
A new book suggests a conclusion, a connection between the death of the "Black Dahlia" and The Zodiac killer. &nbsp;Alex Baber, Director at '<a href="https://cccoa.us/about-us/" data-linkindex="9" data-auth="NotApplicable">Cold Case Consultants of America</a>'&nbsp; says he's used AI and his code breaking skills to crack the Zodiac Killer's letter.
The Zodiac Killer and Black Dahlia killer are the same.
Joining Nancy Grace today:
<ul>
<li>Alex Baber - Director at '<a href="https://cccoa.us/about-us/" data-linkindex="9" data-auth="NotApplicable">Cold Case Consultants of America</a>'</li>
<li>Neama Rahmani - Former Federal Prosecutor-turned-trial Attorney; Author: &ldquo;Harvard to Hashtag;" INSTAGRAM: @Neamarahmani; X: @NeamaRahmani</li>
<li>Dr. Angela&nbsp;Arnold - Psychiatrist, Atlanta GA. Expert in the Treatment of Pregnant/Postpartum Women, Former Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Obstetrics and Gynecology: Emory University, Former Medical Director of The Psychiatric Ob-Gyn Clinic at Grady Memorial Hospital</li>
<li><a href="http://ColdCaseCrimes.org">Sheryl McCollum</a> - Cold Case Investigative Research Institute Founder, ColdCaseCrimes.org, Host of podcast: Zone 7 --&nbsp; and Author of a new book: "Swans Don't Swim in a Sewer: Solving the Cold Case of the Flint River Killer's Daughter;" X: @149zone7</li>
<li><a href="https://www.jsu.edu/criminaljustice/morgan-joseph.html">Joseph Scott Morgan</a> - Professor of Forensics: Jacksonville State University, Author of "Blood Beneath My Feet," and Host: "Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan;" X @JoScottForensic, Instagram @JoScottForensic</li>
<li>Rachel Sharp - Crime Reporter from DailyMail.com</li>
<li>Sydney Sumner - Investigative Reporter, &lsquo;Crime Stories&rsquo;</li>
</ul>

ZODIAC SERIAL KILLER CASE CRACKED? LINKED TO DISMEMBERED ACTRESS? 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/f2f2c67a-61d2-4c76-8039-b3de01106ba9/transcript

A friend of R&B artist D4vd was apprehended in Montana after authorities reported that he failed to show up as a witness in a homicide case in Los Angeles involving the death of a teen girl Celeste Rivas. 

A friend of R&amp;B artist D4vd was apprehended in Montana after authorities reported that he failed to show up as a witness in a homicide case in Los Angeles involving the death of a teen girl Celeste Rivas.&nbsp;

Friend of Singer D4VD Arrested  After Failing to Appear as Grand Jury Witness in  Celeste Rivas Case | Crime Alert 6AM 01.26.26

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/8342a0e6-b0d1-4b72-acec-b3de0046b0d7/transcript

Nearly four decades after the Colonial Parkway murders first shocked Virginia, new DNA links have expanded the known scope of the case while raising questions about investigative accountability.

In this episode of "Zone 7," Sheryl McCollum is joined by Bill Thomas, whose sister Cathy Thomas was one of the original victims, and Kristin Dilley, his long-time investigative partner and co-host of the podcast, "Mind Over Murder."

They walk through the latest DNA identifications tied to Alan Wade Wilmer Sr., the procedural barriers that keep his profile out of CODIS, and the growing divide between state-level momentum and federal inaction.

Their discussion centers on what happens when evidence advances while communication and action stall.

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.

Guest Bios:

Bill Thomas is a victim advocate and the brother of Cathy Thomas, one of the original victims of the Colonial Parkway murders. For nearly four decades, he has worked with law enforcement, forensic experts, and journalists to seek answers in his sister’s case and accountability for all affected families. Bill is co-host of the podcast, "Mind Over Murder," where he focuses on cold cases, investigative transparency, and the systemic challenges families face in long-term homicide investigations.

Kristin Dilley is a true crime podcaster, researcher, writer, and teacher based in Williamsburg, Virginia. Kristin has worked alongside Bill Thomas for more than seven years and is the co-host of "Mind Over Murder," where she examines cold cases with an emphasis on evidence, patterns, and victim-centered accountability.

About the Host

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: coldcase2004@gmail.com

• Twitter: @149zone7

• Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

• Instagram: @officialzone7podcast



Preorder Sheryl’s upcoming book, "Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Lessons in Life, Justice, and Joy from a Forensic Scientist," releasing May 2026 from Simon and Schuster.

 

Highlights:

• (0:00) Sheryl McCollum opens Zone 7by addressing stalled accountability in long- running cold cases

• (0:45) Bill Thomas and Kristin Dilley return to Zone 7 and reflect on their investigative partnership

• (2:00) Bill remembers his sister Cathy Thomas, her Naval Academy legacy, her character, and her friend Rebecca Ann Dowski

• (5:15) How advocacy and podcasting have helped families move forward on the Colonial Parkway murders

• (9:15) The January 2024 public announcement linking Allen Wade Wilmer Sr. to multiple victims

• (10:15) The confirmed DNA connection to Laurie Ann Powell

• (13:15) Why Wilmer’s DNA is not in CODIS despite evidence of sexual assault

• (17:00) Federal communication failures and the limits of victim services updates

• (19:15) The contrast between FBI silence and Virginia State Police persistence

• (22:45) Whether Cathy Thomas’s case is closer to resolution and what emerging patterns suggest

• (25:15) Evidence handling failures and the long-term consequences for families

• (33:15) Closing reflections on persistence, accountability, and the cost of waiting decades for answers



 

Nearly four decades after the Colonial Parkway murders first shocked Virginia, new DNA links&nbsp;have expanded the known scope of the case while raising questions about investigative&nbsp;accountability.
In this episode of "Zone 7," Sheryl McCollum is joined by Bill Thomas, whose sister Cathy Thomas was one of the original victims, and Kristin Dilley, his long-time investigative partner and co-host of the podcast, "Mind Over Murder."
They walk through the latest DNA identifications tied to Alan Wade Wilmer Sr., the procedural barriers that keep his profile out of CODIS, and the growing divide between state-level momentum and federal inaction.
Their discussion centers on what happens when evidence advances while communication and action stall.
Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review where you listen to podcasts. Your feedback helps&nbsp;others find the show and supports the mission to educate, engage, and inspire.
Guest Bios:
Bill Thomas is a victim advocate and the brother of Cathy Thomas, one of the original victims of the Colonial Parkway murders. For nearly four decades, he has worked with law enforcement, forensic experts, and journalists to seek answers in his sister&rsquo;s case and accountability for all affected families. Bill is co-host of the podcast, "Mind Over Murder," where he focuses on cold cases, investigative transparency, and the systemic challenges families face in long-term homicide investigations.
Kristin Dilley is a true crime podcaster, researcher, writer, and teacher based in Williamsburg, Virginia. Kristin has worked alongside Bill Thomas for more than seven years and is the co-host of "Mind Over Murder," where she examines cold cases with an emphasis on evidence, patterns, and victim-centered accountability.
About the Host
Sheryl &ldquo;Mac&rdquo; McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a Metro Atlanta Police&nbsp;Department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners&nbsp;with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than 4 decades of experience, she has&nbsp;worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which&nbsp;integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing.
Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore&rsquo;s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her Emmy Award for "CSI: Atlanta" and induction into the National Law&nbsp;Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023. 
Social Links:
&bull; Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com
&bull; Twitter: @149zone7
&bull; Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum
&bull; Instagram: @officialzone7podcast 
Preorder Sheryl&rsquo;s upcoming book, "<a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Swans-Dont-Swim-in-a-Sewer/Sheryl-Mac-McCollum/9798895652824">Swans Don&rsquo;t Swim in a Sewer: Lessons in Life, </a>Justice, and Joy from a Forensic Scientist," releasing May 2026 from Simon and Schuster.
&nbsp;
Highlights:
&bull; (0:00) Sheryl McCollum opens Zone 7by addressing stalled accountability in long-&nbsp;running cold cases
&bull; (0:45) Bill Thomas and Kristin Dilley return to Zone 7 and reflect on their investigative&nbsp;partnership
&bull; (2:00) Bill remembers his sister Cathy Thomas, her Naval Academy legacy, her&nbsp;character, and her friend Rebecca Ann Dowski
&bull; (5:15) How advocacy and podcasting have helped families move forward on the Colonial&nbsp;Parkway murders
&bull; (9:15) The January 2024 public announcement linking Allen Wade Wilmer Sr. to multiple&nbsp;victims
&bull; (10:15) The confirmed DNA connection to Laurie Ann Powell
&bull; (13:15) Why Wilmer&rsquo;s DNA is not in CODIS despite evidence of sexual assault
&bull; (17:00) Federal communication failures and the limits of victim services updates
&bull; (19:15) The contrast between FBI silence and Virginia State Police persistence
&bull; (22:45) Whether Cathy Thomas&rsquo;s case is closer to resolution and what emerging&nbsp;patterns suggest
&bull; (25:15) Evidence handling failures and the long-term consequences for families
&bull; (33:15) Closing reflections on persistence, accountability, and the cost of waiting&nbsp;decades for answers 
&nbsp;

Colonial Parkway Murders Update_ New DNA Links and the CODIS Question

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/4cc15cc1-2889-4b4b-a2a4-b3dd003cb734/transcript

Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan: The Terrible Deaths of Russell and Shirley Dermond

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