In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, is joined by pop culture journalist Lauren Conlin, who has been reporting live from the courtroom in the federal investigation into Sean “Diddy” Combs. Lauren brings the latest from the court room as of May 30th, 2025. Sheryl and Lauren unpack incredible testimonies from Cassie Ventura, Kid Cudi, and other key witnesses, painting a disturbing picture of alleged abuse, control, and intimidation. They cover how star power and fear create a fortress of silence around high-profile abusers, and how that wall is slowly being dismantled in court. She walks listeners through the RICO foundation the prosecution is building, the alleged car bombing of Kid Cudi, the grooming and abuse of Cassie, and what’s to come the week of June 1st-5th.

Lauren Conlin is a New York City-based reporter, podcaster, and host specializing in pop culture and true crime. She is a writer-reporter for Pop Style TV, Nicki Swift Celebrity, and Grunge.com, and the host of two popular podcasts: Lauren Interviews, featuring celebrity and reality TV personalities, and Corruption: What Happened to Grant Solomon, an investigative deep dive into a suspicious teen death. Lauren’s true crime reporting has gained national attention, including viral interviews tied to the Madeleine McCann case, exclusive coverage of Brittany Murphy’s death, and appearances on VICE TV, Fox News, and Law & Crime. Her work has been featured by outlets like People, EW, Page Six, Elle, and The Today Show.

Listeners can connect with Lauren on Prime Time Crime Live Wednesdays at 8pm EST, on X @lauren_conlin and on IG @laurenemilyconlin

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum
• (0:10) Sheryl welcomes guest, and reporter, Lauren Conlin to Zone 7
• (0:30) Lauren is bringing all the latest updates of the P Diddy trial
• (2:00) Lauren dissects the testimony of Cassie Ventura
• (5:00) The infamous hotel video
• (6:30) The testimony of Kid Cudi
• (10:30) Cassie's documented threats and emails
• (18:00) The violence of Diddy in public
• (18:30) “Sean Combs wasn’t hiding his violence… he punched her in the stomach at a restaurant - in front of Usher.”
• (20:00) Carrie Morgan's friendship ends and the NDA pattern
• (22:00) The rivalry between Suge Knight
• (25:00) The home security raid - weapon evidence and defaced serial codes
• (27:00) Latest updates as of May, 30th, 2025
• (27:30) Updates from Mia’s testimony and the RICO foundation
• (31:00) Who is next to testify?
• (37:00) What’s to come next
• (41:30)  ”Mix me with violence, blend me with peace, combine me with hate. I can't face to defeat.” Sean Combs
• 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!

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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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were a famous American criminal couple who were part of a gang active in the 1930s. They were known for their bank robberies and murders, and their exploits captured the attention of the public during the Great Depression. They were killed in an ambush by police in 1934.

Guest Bio and Links:

Rhea Leen Linder is the niece of Bonnie Parker and a living “witness” to the aftermath of one of America’s most infamous love stories. She has spent decades speaking publicly about her family’s history, working to correct misconceptions, and fighting to fulfill Bonnie’s dying wish to be buried next to Clyde.

Perry Carver is the owner and curator of the Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum in Gibsland, Louisiana. He has preserved the legacy of the outlaws through firsthand artifacts, storytelling, and annual historical festivals that connect fans and family alike.

Visit the Bonnie & Clyde Ambush Museum in Gibsland.

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, talks with Rhea Leen Linder, Bonnie Parker’s niece, and Perry Carver, curator of the Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum, for an intimate look at the real story behind America’s most infamous couple. Rhea Leen shares what it was like growing up in Bonnie’s shadow, how it shaped her identity, and why she’s spent years trying to reunite Bonnie and Clyde in death, a wish that’s led to an ongoing legal fight.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum
• (0:15) Sheryl introduces guest and niece of Bonny Parker, Rhea Leen Linder
• (1:00) Rhea Leen’s childhood in the shadow of infamy
• (6:00) The meaning behind her name
• (6:30) Sheryl welcomes second guest, Perry Carver to Zone 7
• (14:30) “Being able to die for your man does not fun in the family.”
• (15:30) Code words Bonnie and Clyde used
• (20:00) Misconceptions from the movie: Bonnie and Clyde - Released 1967
• (25:00) FBI surveillance and the watch list Llgacy
• (29:00) The green stamp story
• (33:00) The quest to bury Bonnie and Clyde together
• (37:00) Legal battle to honor Bonnie’s final wish
• (42:00) Value in preserving true history
• (44:00) Reflections
• (50:00)  ”Someday they'll go down together and they'll bury 'em side by side. To a few it’ll be grief, to some a relief, but it's death for Bonnie and Clyde.”
• 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!

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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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nancy Grace and Sheryl McCollum tackle the latest in the Diddy and Kohberger cases that are dominating crime news. They confront the haunting question posed to survivors: “Why won’t you just leave?”

Nancy uses her experience prosecuting domestic violence cases to explain the grim calculus that keeps victims trapped, especially when their abuser holds the keys to their future, their finances, or their public image. New testimony from Kid Cudi links Diddy to a Molotov cocktail car bombing, escalating the investigation. Nancy and Sheryl reveal how Cassie Ventura’s mom took out a $20,000 loan to keep intimate footage of Cassie from being released.

Lastly, Nancy turns to Idaho, where the Bryan Kohberger murder trial faces further delays after previously unseen investigation footage was reportedly leaked to Dateline.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup
• (0:15) Today’s CRU is the latest on the Kohberger case along with the Diddy case
• (3:00) Nancy explains why victims don’t “just leave” abusive relationships
• (6:00) Diddy extorts Cassie Ventura’s mother
• (7:00) “ You don't ever wanna end up with a guy who holds something over you. I don't care what it is. Your career, your job, the payment on your car.”
• (12:00) Kid Cudi testifies about molotov cocktail
• (19:00) What Happened to Ellen?: An American Miscarriage of Justice
• (19:15) Latest on Bryan Kohberger case
• (21:45) Dateline footage causes grounds for a delay in trial
• (25:00) Wrap up

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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: coldcase2004@gmail.com

X: @ColdCaseTips

Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator Sheryl McCollum welcomes back Susan Hendricks and Joe Giacalone to break down the second trial of Karen Read— and y’all, it’s a mess.

They explain how John O’Keefe deserved better, pointing to sloppy police work, mishandled evidence, and a justice system in disrepair. They examine courtroom testimony that doesn’t hold up, highlight signs of investigative bias, and consider how divided public opinion has become. With the second trial underway, they raise the hard questions: Can this case be fairly tried? And what does it reveal about the deeper issues within the criminal justice system?

Joseph L. Giacalone is a retired NYPD sergeant, criminal justice educator, and nationally recognized expert in policing and investigations. With more than 20 years of frontline experience, he now teaches criminal investigations and regularly appears in the media to discuss high-profile cases and law enforcement issues. He also authored two widely used textbooks in the field.

Connect with Joseph at his website, and on his podcast True Crime with the Sarge

Susan Hendricks is an investigative journalist and host of Headline Crime. Known for her thoughtful and fearless reporting, she brings national attention to overlooked cases and failures in the justice system.

Listeners can learn more about Susan on IG @susan_hendricks, on X @susanhendricks, and on Headline Crime

Follow Susan on Instagram @susan_hendricks, on X @susanhendricks, and on Headline Crime.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum
• (0:10) Sheryl brings Joe Giacalone and Susan Hendricks back on Zone 7
• (0:30) Today’s discussion - Karen Read retrial
• (1:30) Prosecution's weaknesses and overreach
• (5:00) The missing documentation and police failures
• (9:00) Town tensions, brotherhood, and silence
• (13:30) Dysfunction and conspiracy - the system itself on trial
• (19:00) Jen McCabe's testimony and trial dynamics
• (21:30) Medical examiner's findings and reasonable doubt
• (25:00) Confirmation bias and jury considerations
• (31:00) Predictions and final thoughts
• (34:00)  ”I hit him, I hit him, I hit him.”
• 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!

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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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Special Agent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for over 20 years, Ed worked in Los Angeles and a variety of international posts before retiring in 2022. During his career, he conducted many high-profile international wildlife trafficking investigations involving every continent, including Antarctica, and is known for bringing down some of our planet's most notorious wildlife criminals. He is a recipient of the Humane Law Enforcement Award from the Humane Society of the United States and a record six Law Enforcement Awards from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles.

Listeners can learn more about Ed Newcomer on his podcast - Nature’s Secret Service, and on LinkedIn @EdNewcomer

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, sits down with Ed Newcomer, a retired special agent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service who spent over 20 years chasing down criminals most folks don’t even know exist. From bug smugglers to black market fish dealers, Ed’s seen it all, and y’all, he’s worked cases across a variety of continents, even Antarctica. The duo dig into some of his biggest cases, like the takedown of a notorious insect trafficker, Yoshi Kojima, and an undercover sting that exposed a major fish smuggling ring moving endangered Asian arowanas. Ed opens up about the real dangers behind wildlife crime, why these cases matter, and how they connect to other threats like human trafficking and organized crime.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum
• (2:00) Sheryl welcomes guest, Ed Newcomer to Zone 7
• (2:30) Ed's undercover work and challenges
• (3:00) The bug emporium heist
• (5:00) Becoming a wildlife cop
• (8:00) The case of Yoshi Kojima
• (14:00) Building the undercover persona
• (21:00) Taking advantage of communities and $10k butterflies
• (27:00) Gaining Yoshi’s trust
• (34:00) Ed uses awkward advances and undercover finesse
• (35:30) The arrest and aftermath of
• (37:30) The connection between wildlife and human trafficking
• (38:00)  ”Investigation is investigation, and crime is crime. This isn't directly what you're referring to, a lot of times once a smuggler has the systems in the roots in place, they will engage in other types of crimes.”
• (38:30) The fish smuggling case
• (43:00) How fish become evidence and crime currency
• (46:00) Operation RTG begins
• (50:00) The cost of Asian arowanas and setting up buyers
• (55:00) A deliver bust in broad daylight
• (1:01:00) Aftermath of case and final thoughts
• (1:04:00)  ”My dad worked for the Fish and Wildlife Service, and he worked for the Department of the Interior, you know, like the federal government. And consequently, I spent a lot of time outdoors in my life. I even became the voice of Smokey the Bear.” -Sam Elliot
• 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!

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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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today Nancy Grace and Sheryl McCollum dissect the incredible testimony of Cassie Ventura in the case of Sean Diddy Combs. The duo take listeners inside the courtroom, explaining how victim testimony works and why it’s so hard for prosecutors to prove abuse - especially when power, money, and influence are at play. Sheryl explains why Cassie Ventura’s hotel video is a “money tree” for the case - legal gold when it comes to proving the power dynamics and abuse. They explain what happens when a victim has to live under the intense control of an abusive partner - and how that control becomes a tumultuous abuse cycle. Nancy shares her own experience of this power play in the legal system to give the example of how a person in the situation of a power play has to weigh the choices of exposure. Last but not least, Nancy celebrates a proud parenting moment - her twins becoming Eagle Scouts.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup
• (0:30) A star witness was born - Cassie Ventura takes the stand
• (2:00) Nancy breaks down victim behavior in abusive relationships
• (4:00) Why victims stay - power, fear, and livelihood
• (6:00) Nancy shares her personal experience dealing with harrassment
• (8:00) What Happened to Ellen?: An American Miscarriage of Justice
• (9:00) The hotel assault - bribery and blackmail
• (13:00) Corroboration and the “money tree” video evidence
• (15:30) Nancy shares her twins have officially become Eagle Scouts
• (20:00) Final thoughts

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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: coldcase2004@gmail.com

X: @ColdCaseTips

Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Connecticut River Valley serial killer is believed to be responsible for a string of brutal murders that occurred between 1978 and 1988 across the wooded border region of New Hampshire and Vermont. The killer targeted at least seven women, many of whom were young and found stabbed to death in remote areas.

Guest Bio and Links:

Jane Boroski Co-Owner and the Host of Invisible Tears. She is an advocate for mental health, PTSD Awareness and healing. She is the only known survivor of the CT River Valley Serial Killer and is on a mission to help and heal others by sharing her experiences and having a platform to allow others to do the same.

Amanda Bedard is Co-Owner, Co-Host, Producer and Editor of Invisible Tears. She pulls on her Life Coaching and Trauma Certification experience to help advocate for mental health, truth and healing, in practice and through the podcast. Amanda is also a certified Reiki Master and heals clients through energy work.

Drew Bedard is Co-Owner, Co-Host, Producer and Researcher of Invisible Tears. A Life-long passion of his is true-crime and researching serial killers and cases, most likely stemming from knowing Jane his entire life. As the glue that holds the team together, he is passionate about having a platform for Jane and others to speak their truth.

Listeners can learn more about Invisible Tears Podcast at their website

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum sits down with Jane Boroski, the only known survivor of the Connecticut River Valley serial killer. Attacked while seven months pregnant and left for dead after 27 stab wounds, Jane recounts the unthinkable night of her assault and the slow, painful road to healing. Amanda and Drew Bedard, Jane’s closest allies and collaborators on the Invisible Tears podcast also join the conversation. Together, they reflect how trauma, PTSD, and survivor’s guilt shaped Jane’s life, and how advocacy became her path to meaning.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum
• (0:30) Sheryl welcomes guests, Jane Boroski, and Amanda and Drew Bedard to Zone 7
• (2:00) The fatal night in 1988
• (5:00) Jane describes the struggle, fighting back, and fleeing
• (6:00)  ”And so I'm driving down the road and next thing I know, I'm right behind him…he's right in front of me.” - Jane describing her escape
• (10:30) Reiki - how energy healing works
• (13:30) Drew shares how Invisible Tears Podcast was born from a conversation
• (19:00) Understanding PTSD in survivors
• (22:00) Amanda discusses the responsibility of hosting a trauma-focused show
• (22:30) The team reflects on burnout, boundaries, and honoring survivor anniversaries
• (28:00) Giving voice to the voiceless
• (30:00) Raising awareness for unsolved cases
• (39:00) The possibility of a new composite remade
• (41:00) Coalition for the missing and murdered
• (46:00) “ I was seven months pregnant. I was stabbed 27 times, but not one to my baby.” - Jane Boroski
• 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!

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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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nancy Grace and Sheryl McCollum dissect the legal complexities and cultural reverberations of the Sean "Diddy" Combs case.

They discuss how media narratives, witness credibility, and the magnetic pull of celebrity can influence a jury’s perception—regardless of the facts. They unpack how victim stories are often distorted or dismissed and explore the deeply personal, often painful reasons many survivors stay silent for years before finding the strength to speak out

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup
• (0:30) Happy Mother’s day weekend
• (3:00) Sean Combs…a.k.a Diddy has plead not guilty
• (6:00) Biggest obstacles for Diddy
• (7:30) Diddy's charges and public perception
• (8:00) Charisma in the courtroom
• (10:00) Defense tactics and likeability bias
• (13:00) Questioning victims - why didn’t they speak sooner?
• (15:00) Cassie Ventura’s video
• (19:00) Defining consent and power imbalances
• (20:00) Voir Dire - jury selection strategies explained
• (22:00) Open vs. silent strikes
• (22:30) Prediction of how long Diddy trial will last

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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: coldcase2004@gmail.com

X: @ColdCaseTips

Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.