In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, sits down with Forensic Pathologist, Dr. Priya Banerjee. Sheryl and Dr. Banerjee dive into the fascinating world of forensic pathology, breaking down the difference between cause and manner of death, spotting different types of wounds, and figuring out whether a death was a homicide, suicide, accident, or natural cause. Dr. Banerjee opens up about her journey, some unforgettable cases she's worked on, and how teamwork is instrumental in cracking tough cases.

Dr. Priya Banerjee is a forensic pathologist with over 3000 autopsies and significant experience in high-profile cases, including the wrongful death of Breonna Taylor. Educated at the University of Pennsylvania and Johns Hopkins, she is an adjunct professor at Boston University School of Medicine.

Listeners can learn more about Dr. Priya Banerjee on X @Autopsy_MD

Show Notes:

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

• (00:30) Sheryl introduces Dr. Priya Banerjee to Zone 7

• (03:00) The impact of cold cases

• (05:30) Dr. Banerjee's impressive credentials

• (06:30) Path to Becoming a Forensic Pathologist

• (12:00) The role of a Medical Examiner

• (16:30) Explaining cause vs. manner of death

• (20:00) Challenges of undetermined cases

• (24:00) Memorable and impactful cases

• (30:00) The value of relationships in Forensics

• (33:00)  ”We have 62 counties in New York state and each has its own system of death investigation.” -M.B

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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