In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, sits down with Georgia criminal defense and injury attorney, Joshua Schiffer. Together they discuss his journey into law, perspectives on caring for clients, achieving work-life balance, insights on jury communication, and analysis of current cases like Delphi and Natalie Holloway. They explore effective trial strategies, mental health factors in criminal justice, and the importance of vulnerability and connection in legal proceedings. 

Guest Bio and Links:

Joshua Schiffer is an attorney providing legal services covering Criminal Defense, Personal Injury. Listeners can learn more about Joshua Sschiffer at his website: https://chancoschiffer.com/

Show Notes: 
[0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum
[2:30] Sheryl introduces guest, Joshua Schiffer to the listeners  
[4:00] Joshua's experience with the American legal system
[8:30] Importance of empathy in legal arguments
[12:00] “Caring is contagious.” 
[17:00] Recidivism within the legal system  
[19:00] Question: What is going on in Delphi?  
[27:55] Contempt of court
[35:45] Joshua's views on justice and advocacy
[37:30] “As a peacemaker, the lawyer has the superior opportunity of being a good man.” -A.L

---

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.  

You can connect and learn more about Sheryl’s work by visiting the CCIRI website https://coldcasecrimes.org

Social Links:
Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com
Twitter: @ColdCaseTips
Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, sits down with Georgia criminal defense and injury attorney, Joshua Schiffer. Together they discuss his journey into law, perspectives on caring for clients, achieving work-life balance, insights on jury communication, and analysis of current cases like Delphi and Natalie Holloway. They explore effective trial strategies, mental health factors in criminal justice, and the importance of vulnerability and connection in legal proceedings. 
Guest Bio and Links:
Joshua Schiffer is an attorney providing legal services covering Criminal Defense, Personal Injury. Listeners can learn more about Joshua Sschiffer at his website: <a href="https://chancoschiffer.com/">https://chancoschiffer.com/</a> 
Show Notes: 
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">[0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum</li>
<li aria-level="1">[2:30] Sheryl introduces guest, Joshua Schiffer to the listeners  </li>
<li aria-level="1">[4:00] Joshua's experience with the American legal system</li>
<li aria-level="1">[8:30] Importance of empathy in legal arguments</li>
<li aria-level="1">[12:00] “Caring is contagious.” </li>
<li aria-level="1">[17:00] Recidivism within the legal system  </li>
<li aria-level="1">[19:00] Question: What is going on in Delphi?  </li>
<li aria-level="1">[27:55] Contempt of court</li>
<li aria-level="1">[35:45] Joshua's views on justice and advocacy</li>
<li aria-level="1">[37:30] “As a peacemaker, the lawyer has the superior opportunity of being a good man.” -A.L</li>
</ul>
---
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.  
You can connect and learn more about Sheryl’s work by visiting the CCIRI website <a href="https://coldcasecrimes.org">https://coldcasecrimes.org</a>
Social Links:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Email: <a href="mailto:coldcase2004@gmail.com">coldcase2004@gmail.com</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Twitter: <a href="https://mobile.twitter.com/coldcasetips">@ColdCaseTips</a></li>
<li aria-level="1">Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sheryl.mccollum/">@sheryl.mccollum</a></li>
</ul>

Work a cold case alongside investigator Sheryl “Mac” McCollum, Director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute. Every week, Sheryl dives into her cold case files alongside accomplished guests to look for clues into unsolved murders, missing people, and more. This ain’t just a podcast but a war room. Sheryl opens her cold case files, her heart and her little black book! You will quickly realize Zone 7 is not a place but a lifestyle!

Work a cold case alongside investigator Sheryl “Mac” McCollum, Director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute. Every week, Sheryl dives into her cold case files alongside accomplished guests to look for clues into unsolved murders, missing people, and more. This ain’t just a podcast but a war room. Sheryl opens her cold case files, her heart and her little black book! You will quickly realize Zone 7 is not a place but a lifestyle!

Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum

In the Courtroom with Joshua Schiffer | Unveiling the Heart of Criminal Defense

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/dd12c13d-4fd0-4229-9027-b0eb0109c008/transcript

In this week’s episode of "Zone 7," Sheryl McCollum talks with author and investigative reporter Casey Sherman about the murder of his aunt, Mary Sullivan, long believed to be the final victim of the Boston Strangler, and the lasting impact her murder had on his family.

Casey explains why his family has long questioned the official story, pointing to evidence that, in his view, complicates what many people think they know about the case.

Their conversation touches on DNA analysis, missing confession tapes, and alternate suspects that Casey believes raise serious questions about Albert DeSalvo’s role in the murders.

Guest Bio

Casey Sherman is a New York Times bestselling-author and investigative reporter known for revisiting major crimes and historic tragedies.

He is the author of  "A Rose for Mary," which examines the murder of his aunt, Mary Sullivan, and the lingering questions surrounding the Boston Strangler case.

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 case include, in part, The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, and Tupac Shakur. McCollum’s work on 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

X: @zone7squad

Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

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.

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 with the DNA dispute at the center of the Boston Strangler case

(1:30) Sheryl welcomes Casey Sherman and explains why his work has changed how she views the case

(7:15) Casey explains how Mary Sullivan’s murder shaped his family for generations and why his mother never accepted the official story

(9:15) The missing confession tapes and the details that convinced Casey the official story didn’t hold up

(11:30) Missing evidence, stolen case materials, and the long-term damage they can do to a major investigation

(14:00) The DNA evidence Case says pointed to a prime suspect from 1964 and how that lead eventually took him to a golf course in northern New England

(16:30) Why Casey believes the Boston Strangler case was not the work of one man and that similar killings stretched across multiple states

(19:30) How sensational crime coverage in the 1960s may have helped shape false confessions

(21:15) Casey’s theory that George Nassar may have helped feed DeSalvo information and why DeSalvo was never charged with the murders he confessed to

(24:15) Casey on the pressure surrounding the case and why he believes too many important questions are still unanswered

(27:45) F. Lee Bailey’s role in the case and the unlikely friendship that followed years later

(31:30) The importance of revisiting evidence and challenging the accepted story



 

In this week&rsquo;s episode of "Zone 7," Sheryl McCollum talks with author and investigative reporter&nbsp;Casey Sherman about the murder of his aunt, Mary Sullivan, long believed to be the final victim&nbsp;of the Boston Strangler, and the lasting impact her murder had on his family.
Casey explains&nbsp;why his family has long questioned the official story, pointing to evidence that, in his view,&nbsp;complicates what many people think they know about the case.
Their conversation touches on DNA analysis, missing confession tapes, and alternate suspects that Casey believes raise serious questions about Albert DeSalvo&rsquo;s role in the murders.
Guest Bio
Casey Sherman is a New York Times bestselling-author and investigative reporter known for revisiting major crimes and historic tragedies.
He is the author of &nbsp;"<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rose-Mary-Hunt-Boston-Strangler/dp/155553578X">A Rose for Mary</a>," which examines the murder of his aunt, Mary Sullivan, and the lingering questions surrounding the Boston Strangler case.
About the Host&nbsp;
Sheryl &ldquo;Mac&rdquo; McCollum&nbsp;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,&nbsp;The Last 24/361, which&nbsp;integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing.
Her work on high-profile case include, in part, The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, and Tupac Shakur. McCollum&rsquo;s work on the Moore&rsquo;s Ford Bridge lynching led to her Emmy Award for &ldquo;CSI: Atlanta&rdquo; and induction&nbsp;into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023.
Social Links:
Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com
X: @zone7squad
Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum
Instagram: @officialzone7podcast
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.
Preorder Sheryl&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Swans-Dont-Swim-in-a-Sewer/Sheryl-Mac-McCollum/9798895652824">upcoming book</a>, "Swans Don&rsquo;t Swim in a Sewer: Lessons in Life, Justice, and Joy from a Forensic Scientist," releasing May 2026 from Simon and Schuster.
&nbsp;
Highlights:
(0:00) Sheryl McCollum opens with the DNA dispute at the center of the Boston&nbsp;Strangler case
(1:30) Sheryl welcomes Casey Sherman and explains why his work has changed how&nbsp;she views the case
(7:15) Casey explains how Mary Sullivan&rsquo;s murder shaped his family for generations and&nbsp;why his mother never accepted the official story
(9:15) The missing confession tapes and the details that convinced Casey the official&nbsp;story didn&rsquo;t hold up
(11:30) Missing evidence, stolen case materials, and the long-term damage they can do&nbsp;to a major investigation
(14:00) The DNA evidence Case says pointed to a prime suspect from 1964 and how&nbsp;that lead eventually took him to a golf course in northern New England
(16:30) Why Casey believes the Boston Strangler case was not the work of one man and&nbsp;that similar killings stretched across multiple states
(19:30) How sensational crime coverage in the 1960s may have helped shape false&nbsp;confessions
(21:15) Casey&rsquo;s theory that George Nassar may have helped feed DeSalvo information&nbsp;and why DeSalvo was never charged with the murders he confessed to
(24:15) Casey on the pressure surrounding the case and why he believes too many&nbsp;important questions are still unanswered
(27:45) F. Lee Bailey&rsquo;s role in the case and the unlikely friendship that followed years&nbsp;later
(31:30) The importance of revisiting evidence and challenging the accepted story 
&nbsp;

Inside the Boston Strangler Case: Casey Sherman on Mary Sullivan, Albert DeSalvo, and What Still Does Not Add Up

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/bccf46ba-df82-4b2f-a7e7-b41601237e3b/transcript

After weeks of testimony and a defense case that ended without a single witness, the jury in the Kouri Richins trial returned a guilty verdict in the death of Eric Richins.

In this week’s episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum talks with investigative reporter Nate Eaton, who has been in court following the testimony, key witnesses, and the evidence surrounding Eric's death.

Together, they discuss the prosecution's theory of motive, the evidence tied to money and deception, the Valentine's Day attempted-poisoning allegation, and the courtroom testimony that steadily tightened the case.

Sheryl then provides a final trial update after the verdict, focusing on what the defense did not address and what the guilty verdict implies about the case.

Guest Bio

Nate Eaton is an award-winning journalist, Dateline NBC contributor, and co-founder of EastIdahoNews.com. He is known for his investigative reporting, courtroom coverage, and years of experience covering major criminal cases and breaking news.

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 include, in part, The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, and Tupac Shakur. Her work on 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

X: @zone7squad

Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

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.

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 welcomes Nate Eaton for a courtroom-level look at the Kouri Richins trial

(2:30) Why Robert Josh Grossman’s testimony stood out as one of the strangest and most revealing moments in court

(4:00) Eric Richins’ death, the 911 call, and autopsy findings pointing toward fentanyl poisoning

(5:00) Life insurance questions, trust issues, and millions in debt

(7:15) The children’s grief book and why it still leaves people feeling unsettled

(9:15) How testimony from the alleged dealer and the house cleaner helped prosecutors build their fentanyl theory

(10:45) The Valentine's Day sandwich allegation and why prosecutors pointed to it as an earlier attempted poisoning

(13:45) Internet searches about fentanyl, prison, and life insurance payouts add to the prosecution’s theory on intent

(15:00) A forged $250,000 HELOC, hidden financial decisions, and contact with a divorce attorney show a marriage in decline

(21:00) The scope of Kouri’s financial collapse and apparent lack of remorse

(27:45) Money-themed memes found on Kouri’s phone just hours after Eric's death

(30:45) Final update: Sheryl reacts to the finals days of the trial and the guilty verdict



 

After weeks of testimony and a defense case that ended without a single witness, the jury in the Kouri Richins trial returned a guilty verdict in the death of Eric Richins.
In this week&rsquo;s episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum talks with investigative reporter Nate Eaton, who has been in court following the testimony, key witnesses, and the evidence surrounding Eric's death.
Together, they discuss the prosecution's theory of motive, the evidence tied to money and deception, the Valentine's Day attempted-poisoning allegation, and the courtroom testimony that steadily tightened the case.
Sheryl then provides a final trial update after the verdict, focusing on what the defense did not address and what the guilty verdict implies about the case.
Guest Bio
Nate Eaton is an award-winning journalist, Dateline NBC contributor, and co-founder of&nbsp;EastIdahoNews.com. He is known for his investigative reporting, courtroom coverage, and years&nbsp;of experience covering major criminal cases and breaking news.
About the Host&nbsp;
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 include, in part, The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, and Tupac Shakur. Her work on the Moore&rsquo;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
X: @zone7squad
Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum
Instagram: @officialzone7podcast
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.
Preorder Sheryl&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Swans-Dont-Swim-in-a-Sewer/Sheryl-Mac-McCollum/9798895652824">upcoming book</a>, "Swans Don&rsquo;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 welcomes Nate Eaton for a courtroom-level look at the Kouri&nbsp;Richins trial
(2:30) Why Robert Josh Grossman&rsquo;s testimony stood out as one of the strangest and&nbsp;most revealing moments in court
(4:00) Eric Richins&rsquo; death, the 911 call, and autopsy findings pointing toward fentanyl&nbsp;poisoning
(5:00) Life insurance questions, trust issues, and millions in debt
(7:15) The children&rsquo;s grief book and why it still leaves people feeling unsettled
(9:15) How testimony from the alleged dealer and the house cleaner helped prosecutors&nbsp;build their fentanyl theory
(10:45) The Valentine's Day sandwich allegation and why prosecutors pointed to it as an&nbsp;earlier attempted poisoning
(13:45) Internet searches about fentanyl, prison, and life insurance payouts add to the&nbsp;prosecution&rsquo;s theory on intent
(15:00) A forged $250,000 HELOC, hidden financial decisions, and contact with a&nbsp;divorce attorney show a marriage in decline
(21:00) The scope of Kouri&rsquo;s financial collapse and apparent lack of remorse
(27:45) Money-themed memes found on Kouri&rsquo;s phone just hours after Eric's death
(30:45) Final update: Sheryl reacts to the finals days of the trial and the guilty verdict 
&nbsp;

Inside the Case Against Kouri Richins: Nate Eaton on the Evidence Behind the Guilty Verdict

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/257533a2-7958-469a-8f60-b41000d91718/transcript

When an 84-year-old woman vanishes from her home in the middle of the night, leaving behind signs of blood and a struggle, every early decision investigators make is critical.

Retired NYPD sergeant Joe Giacalone returns to Zone 7 to talk with Sheryl McCollum about the Nancy Guthrie investigation and the mistakes they believe set the case back from the start.

Together, they walk through the investigative failures, why the ransom note narrative never rang true, and the steps investigators can still take to regain traction.

Guest Bio

Joe Giacalone is a retired NYPD sergeant and former commanding officer of the Bronx Cold Case Squad. He serves as an adjunct professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and is the author of, "The Criminal Investigative Function: A Guide for New Investigators and The Cold Case Handbook."

Giacalone also hosts True Crime with the Sarge and is a frequent media commentator on criminal investigations.

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 case include, in part, The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, and Tupac Shakur. McCollum's work on 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

X: @zone7squad

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.

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

Highlights:

(0:00) Sheryl McCollum introduces Joe Giacalone and frames the Nancy Guthrie investigation as a real-time lesson in investigative breakdowns

(3:30) Why Nancy Guthrie’s case should have been treated as a homicide or kidnapping from day one

(4:15) Why full scene lock down, a command post, and a strict crime scene log should have been prioritized immediately

(5:30) Why uncontrolled foot traffic, outside workers, and a scattered “egg hunt” search approach can create long-term problems for investigators and future prosecution

(7:15) Nancy’s age, health, and the blood evidence on scene make a voluntary disappearance difficult to believe

(9:45) Joe and Sheryl discuss the decision to release the house and why they believe that hurt the case

(12:15) Media management failures, public optics, and the confusion created by inconsistent messaging

(17:00) Proactive steps that could still generate leads and how holding Annie Guthrie’s car fueled unnecessary suspicion

(20:15) The dangers of publicly naming persons of interest too early in an active investigation

(24:00) Morale, leadership, and why command staff should be supplying resources and backing investigators

(38:00) Final message to officials in charge: put aside conflict, align with the FBI, and get the investigation back on track



 

When an 84-year-old woman vanishes from her home in the middle of the night, leaving behind&nbsp;signs of blood and a struggle, every early decision investigators make is critical.
Retired NYPD&nbsp;sergeant Joe Giacalone returns to Zone 7 to talk with Sheryl McCollum about the Nancy Guthrie&nbsp;investigation and the mistakes they believe set the case back from the start.
Together, they walk through the investigative failures, why the ransom note narrative never rang true, and the steps investigators can still take to regain traction.
Guest Bio
Joe Giacalone is a retired NYPD sergeant and former commanding officer of the Bronx Cold Case Squad. He serves as an adjunct professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and is the author of, "The Criminal Investigative Function: A Guide for New Investigators and The Cold Case Handbook."
Giacalone also hosts True Crime with the Sarge and is a frequent media commentator on criminal investigations.
About the Host&nbsp;
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 case include, in part, The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, and Tupac Shakur. McCollum's work on the Moore&rsquo;s Ford Bridge lynching led to her Emmy Award for "CSI: Atlanta" and induction&nbsp;into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023.
Social Links:
Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com
X: @zone7squad
Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum
Instagram: @officialzone7podcast
Preorder Sheryl&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Swans-Dont-Swim-in-a-Sewer/Sheryl-Mac-McCollum/9798895652824">upcoming book</a>, "Swans Don&rsquo;t Swim in a Sewer: Lessons in Life, Justice, and Joy from a Forensic Scientist," releasing May 2026 from Simon and Schuster.
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
Highlights:
(0:00) Sheryl McCollum introduces Joe Giacalone and frames the Nancy Guthrie&nbsp;investigation as a real-time lesson in investigative breakdowns
(3:30) Why Nancy Guthrie&rsquo;s case should have been treated as a homicide or kidnapping&nbsp;from day one
(4:15) Why full scene lock down, a command post, and a strict crime scene log should&nbsp;have been prioritized immediately
(5:30) Why uncontrolled foot traffic, outside workers, and a scattered &ldquo;egg hunt&rdquo; search&nbsp;approach can create long-term problems for investigators and future prosecution
(7:15) Nancy&rsquo;s age, health, and the blood evidence on scene make a voluntary&nbsp;disappearance difficult to believe
(9:45) Joe and Sheryl discuss the decision to release the house and why they believe&nbsp;that hurt the case
(12:15) Media management failures, public optics, and the confusion created by&nbsp;inconsistent messaging
(17:00) Proactive steps that could still generate leads and how holding Annie Guthrie&rsquo;s&nbsp;car fueled unnecessary suspicion
(20:15) The dangers of publicly naming persons of interest too early in an active&nbsp;investigation
(24:00) Morale, leadership, and why command staff should be supplying resources and&nbsp;backing investigators
(38:00) Final message to officials in charge: put aside conflict, align with the FBI, and get&nbsp;the investigation back on track 
&nbsp;

The Nancy Guthrie Investigation: Joe Giacalone on Early Errors and What Should Happen Next

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/d19a8f46-0c52-4990-8425-b40801221b0e/transcript

In the Courtroom with Joshua Schiffer | Unveiling the Heart of Criminal Defense

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