Are you with me? Dr. Joni Johnston Weighs in Between the Lines: Crime, Confession, and Literature

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum and forensic psychologist Dr. Joni Johnston dive deep into the perplexing case of Kouri Richins, a woman accused of poisoning her husband. The twist? Corey penned a children's book post the alleged crime. Through meticulous analysis of the book's content, the duo uncovers potential hidden confessions and the psychological implications behind them. Dr. Johnston provides insights into the mind of a potential criminal, while Sheryl's investigative expertise shines through. 

Show Notes:

[0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum. Sheryl recounts a childhood memory, introducing the concept that authors might inadvertently reveal their secrets through writing 

[2:15] Timeline of Kouri Richins case 

[6:01] Children’s Book: Are You With Me?

[6:05] Sheryl introduces guest Dr. Joni Johnston, a forensic psychologist, to the listeners

[6:28] Serial Killers 101 Questions True Crime Fans Ask

[12:16] Sheryl points out an unsettling line from the book, suggesting it might be a veiled confession

[15:58] Dr. Johnston posits that the book seems more autobiographical than intended for children

[16:25] Differences between adult and child symptoms of nervousness, panic attacks

[20:15] A particular phrase in the book is criticized for its ominous undertones

[25:29] The duo discuss the psychological intricacies of violent behavior and potential underlying mental disorders

[29:02] Question: Do you think there is a common thread sometimes with people that are accused or convicted of something and then go and write a book?

[30:39] Traits common among murderers are explored, painting a clearer picture of Corey's potential mindset.

[33:30] The absence of Kouri from her own book is analyzed, suggesting a possible attempt to distance herself from her actions

[35:00] Sheryl dissects the title of the book and it’s possible meaning

[38:06] ​​”You never speak to anybody and get the truth. Parts of it, pieces of it, but it's always just a little out of focus.” - J.K

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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.  

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

Social Links:

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @ColdCaseTips

Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

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