DNA 101: Understanding Forensic DNA Evidence with Lab Director Suzanna Ryan

In this week’s episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum talks with forensic DNA expert Suzanna Ryan about how powerful DNA evidence can be and why it is so often misunderstood. They discuss how DNA is analyzed, how touch DNA and mixtures can complicate a case, and how newer tools like genetic genealogy a…

The Art of Listening: Detective Mike Alcazar on Hostage Negotiation

In this week’s episode of "Zone 7," retired NYPD detective Mike Alcazar joins Sheryl McCollum to talk about what hostage negotiation looks like when a scene is tense, the stakes are high, and one wrong move can change everything. Drawing on decades in law enforcement, Mike discusses the Nancy Guth…

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

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 fami…

Inside the Case Against Kouri Richins: Nate Eaton on the Evidence Behind 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’s episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum talks with investigative reporter Nate Eaton, who has been in court followi…

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

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 a…

The Derwin Brown Assassination: Dale Cardwell on Corruption, Retaliation, and Murder in DeKalb County

A late-night stop at a Dairy Queen led to one of the biggest stories of Dale Cardwell’s career. In this episode of "Zone 7," Sheryl McCollum talks with Dale about the investigation that uncovered corruption inside the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, exposed deputies working on the clock for Sidney…

Crime Roundup: Inside the Zone 7 Live 10-8 Event at Manuel’s Tavern, and the 10-8 Tour Roadmap

This episode of Zone 7’s Crime Roundup captures the energy of the first stop on Sheryl McCollum’s 10-8 Tour: a packed house, a hot mic, and the kind of stories you only get when prosecutors, defense attorneys, detectives, and crime-scene folks are all sitting at the same table. With Joshua Schiffe…

Nancy Guthrie Disappearance: Blood Evidence, Surveillance Video, and Why a Ransom Claim is Not Tracking

In this "Zone 7" special on the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, Sheryl McCollum and retired NYPD detective Tom Smith break down what a disciplined first 24 hours should have looked like, and why the public-facing story has created confusion. They walk through the biggest unanswered que…

Long Island Serial Killer | Trial Clock Starts Now: Rex Heuermann Headed to Court

When a judge declared that Rex Heuermann’s trial would begin after Labor Day “come hell or high water,” the Long Island Serial Killer case entered a decisive new phase. In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum is joined by journalist Laura Ingle for a boots-on-the-ground update of the Long Islan…

Nancy Guthrie Missing: Blood, Bitcoin, and a Story That Doesn’t Add Up

When 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her home, investigators were quickly faced with blood evidence and ransom claims that did not align with standard abduction patterns. In this episode of "Zone 7," Sheryl McCollum, retired NYPD homicide detectives Dan Murphy and Tom Smith, and forensi…