Sharay “Punisher” Hayes is a former professional dancer and author who found himself at the center of one of the year’s most high-profile cases — testifying in the civil trial against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. His story goes beyond the headlines, revealing how fantasy, silence, and shame can trap men just as deeply as violence and power can trap women.

Follow Sharay on Instagram: @getpunished
Check out his new book: In Search of FREEZER MEAT — a raw and personal story about male mental health, erectile dysfunction, and the unexpected solution that changed his life.

 

Episode Description:

In Part 2, CSI Sheryl McCollum continues her raw and revealing conversation with Sharay Hayes — a dancer turned courtroom witness in one of the biggest trials of the year.

This time, the focus turns inward. Sharay opens up about the emotional and psychological toll of being pulled into someone else’s fantasy, how he rationalized what he saw, and why the truth didn’t hit until the headlines did.

They also dive into erectile dysfunction, male performance pressure, and the silence around mental health that keeps so many men trapped. Sharay’s story may have started in the club — but it ends in court, with real consequences and a long road toward healing.

 

Show Notes: 

• (0:00) The money, the setup, and a moment that still raises questions — a man in a hijab enters the room
• (2:00) Sheryl asks the big question: Did Sharay ever suspect Combs was abusive?
• (4:00) “ I always thought it was something for her ” — Sharay explains how he rationalized it all in real time
• (5:00) Domestic violence, denial, and realizing that what you see isn’t always what’s happening
• (6:30) What Sharay would say to Cassie — and how hindsight shapes what he sees now
• (9:00) Sheryl shifts focus to his book — and why In Search of FREEZER MEAT made her nervous to Google
• (10:00) What ED taught Sharay about pressure, shame, and being a man in a fantasy job
• (12:30) A 14-year-old, a school rumor, and the first wave of anxiety
• (14:00) How performance anxiety quietly wrecks confidence, connection, and self-worth
• (16:00) Sheryl shares a Vegas story — and why pressure hits differently face-to-face
• (17:00) Testifying in court — the nerves, the backlash, and how Sharay stayed honest with no horse in the race
• (21:00) Why his book’s helping more than readers — and what men are telling him
• (22:30) Sheryl closes the episode with a quote from Sean Combs himself: “You have to be somewhat crazy if you wanna be successful.”

Thanks for listening to another episode! If Zone 7 is part of your weekly routine, show us some love with a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. It helps more folks find the show—and helps us keep telling these stories.

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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 and the founder/director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute — a collaboration between universities and the criminal justice community that advances techniques for solving unsolved homicides, missing persons, and kidnapping cases.

Social Links: 

• Email: [email protected] 

• Twitter: @ColdCaseTips 

• Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum 

• Instagram: @officialzone7podcast 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sharay “Punisher” Hayes is a former professional dancer and author who found himself at the center of one of the year’s most high-profile cases — testifying in the civil trial against music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. His journey from party performer to key witness pulls back the curtain on power, sex work, and what it means to get caught in a trap you didn’t even know was being set.

Follow Sharay on Instagram: @getpunished
Check out his new book: In Search of FREEZER MEAT — a raw and personal story about male mental health, erectile dysfunction, and the unexpected solution that changed his life.

 

Episode Description:

You saw the headlines. You might’ve followed the trial. But what really happened inside that Trump Tower suite?

In this episode, CSI Sheryl McCollum sits down with Sharay “Punisher” Hayes — a dancer turned key witness in the case against Sean “Diddy” Combs — to talk about the night he walked into a supposed birthday party... and stepped into something much darker. Baby oil. Covered furniture. Bathrobes. And a husband watching from the shadows.

This isn’t just about one night in a luxury suite. It’s about power, manipulation, and the moment you realize you might’ve broken the law — without even knowing it.

 

Show Notes: 

• (0:00) From male dancer to courtroom witness — Sharay Hayes opens up about the call that changed everything
• (1:10) An online ad, a flashy nickname, and a Trump Tower “birthday party” that seemed too good to pass up
• (5:00) The door opens — and standing there is one of the most beautiful women he’s ever seen
• (7:00) No crowd, no music, no party. Just candlelight, silence, and furniture covered in sheets
• (10:00) American Psycho” vibes and a quiet request involving baby oil and a towel
• (12:00) The awkward moment when a husband enters the room — and the cash hits Sharay’s hand
• (13:45) Was it prostitution? Sharay didn’t think so — until investigators showed up at his door
• (16:00) No direct talk of sex — just loopholes and “Would you like to finish?”
• (18:00) Code words in the industry: one-on-ones, massages, and the rise of wives hired out by their husbands
• (20:00) A hijab, a naked man, and the moment Sharay realizes who’s really behind the whole thing
• (21:30) Balancing self-protection with staying professional — and trying to get out safely
• (22:00) Sheryl reflects on what it means to “go to the source” — and why her phone contacts would terrify a rookie cop

Thanks for listening to another episode! If Zone 7 is part of your weekly routine, show us some love with a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. It helps more folks find the show—and helps us keep telling these stories.

--- 

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 and the founder/director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute — a collaboration between universities and the criminal justice community that advances techniques for solving unsolved homicides, missing persons, and kidnapping cases.

Social Links: 

• Email: [email protected] 

• Twitter: @ColdCaseTips 

• Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum 

• Instagram: @officialzone7podcast 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Zone 7 Series, a forensic deep-dive led by board-certified pathologist Dr. Priya Banerjee. Each Monday, Dr. Priya teams up with Emmy Award–winning CSI Sheryl “Mac” McCollum to explore the silent testimony of the dead and the science behind suspicious deaths. From the autopsy suite to the courtroom, they uncover the truth in tissues, expose investigative missteps, and give voice to those who can no longer speak for themselves. Whether you're a seasoned detective, true crime obsessive, or just curious about what the body can really reveal—this is your front-row seat to forensic pathology in action.

In this debut episode, Dr. Priya reflects on her approach to autopsies, what the body can reveal that others can’t, and why collaboration between law enforcement and medical examiners is essential to justice. With more than 3,000 autopsies to her name—including the high-profile Breonna Taylor case and work with the NSA—Dr. Priya brings both precision and heart to this science. She and Sheryl McCollum break down the John O’Keefe case and walk listeners through what a well-executed forensic process should look like.

You’ll also meet Slice—the puppy with a badge and a calming presence in even the most intense training rooms—and get a glimpse into Dr. Priya’s personal world, where compassion, curiosity, and hard-earned experience converge.

Highlights:

• (0:00) Welcome to Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Zone 7 Series
• (1:00) Who is Dr. Priya? Johns Hopkins, 3,000 autopsies, and an adopted puppy
• (3:30) Inside the case: crime scenes, teamwork, and the John O’Keefe breakdown
• (11:00) What the autopsy can (and can’t) say
• (15:00) Working with families and finding closure
• (22:15) Training detectives—with help from Slice, the puppy with a badge

About the Show

Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Zone 7 Series explores the powerful role forensic pathology plays in uncovering the truth. Each week, Dr. Priya joins Sheryl McCollum to discuss real cases, surprising conclusions, and the science behind suspicious deaths. From overlooked trauma to undiagnosed conditions, the goal is always the same: justice through evidence, and closure through clarity.

If you’ve ever wondered what a body can tell you—this is the show.

About the Hosts 

Dr. Priya Banerjee is a board-certified forensic pathologist with extensive experience in death investigation, clinical forensics, and courtroom testimony. A graduate of Johns Hopkins, she served for over a decade as Rhode Island’s state medical examiner and now runs a private forensic pathology practice. Her work includes military deaths, NSA cases, and high-profile investigations. Dr. Priya has also been featured as a forensic expert on platforms such as CrimeOnline and Crime Stories with Nancy Grace. She is a dedicated educator, animal lover, and proud mom.

Website: anchorforensicpathology.com
Twitter/X: @Autopsy_MD

Sheryl McCollum is an Emmy Award–winning CSI, a writer for CrimeOnline, and the Forensic and Crime Scene Expert for Crime Stories with Nancy Grace. She works as a CSI for a metro Atlanta Police Department and 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 (CCIRI), a nationally recognized nonprofit that brings together universities, law enforcement, and experts to help solve unsolved homicides, missing persons cases, and kidnappings.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter/X: @149zone7
Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum
Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

📣 If you liked this episode, don’t keep it to yourself—follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave us a review. Your feedback helps others discover the science, the stories, and the search for truth that define Pathology with Dr. Priya.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week marks a powerful shift on Crime Roundup as Emmy-winning CSI Sheryl “Mac” McCollum welcomes her new cohost: legal heavyweight and courtroom force Joshua Schiffer. In this episode, Sheryl and Joshua unpack the sentencing of Bryan Kohberger, the man behind one of the most gut-wrenching mass murders in recent memory.

Through the lens of law, justice, and most of all, parenthood, they reflect on the strength of the victims' families, the purpose of the court system, and the brutal reality of maximum-security prison. They also examine the legal mechanics behind the plea deal that spared Kohberger the death penalty, the boldness of the Chapin family’s absence, and the lasting impact of survivor statements.

With heart, grit, and powerful legal insight, Sheryl and Joshua hold nothing back in honoring the victims—Kaylee Goncalves, Madison Mogen, Xana Kernodle, and Ethan Chapin—and challenging listeners to choose light in the darkest of stories.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome to the “Schiffa Zone” – Sheryl introduces new cohost Joshua Schiffer
• (1:00) Kohberger’s sentencing through the eyes of parents and legal pros
• (2:30) “Our system hasn’t worked better... We received justice that was fulsome and appropriate.” —Joshua on justice done right
• (4:00) Grief, guilt, and impact: survivor and family statements that shook the courtroom
• (12:30) A look inside maximum-security prison: no peace, no control
• (15:00) “The warden don’t run that place”—violence, silence, and punishment
• (18:00) Justice over vengeance: why the plea deal was the right call
• (23:45) Why the Chapin family’s absence may have been the most powerful message
• (24:15) Final reflections: the power of memory, and the choice to look up

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About the Hosts

Joshua Schiffer is a veteran trial attorney and one of the Southeast’s most respected legal voices. He is a founding partner at ChancoSchiffer P.C., where he has litigated high-stakes criminal, civil rights, and personal injury cases for over two decades. Known for his bold courtroom presence and ability to clearly explain complex legal issues, Schiffer is a frequent media contributor and fearless advocate for accountability.

 

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. 

 

If you enjoyed this episode, follow Crime Roundup on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to help others find the show. Have a case you’d like Sheryl and Joshua to cover? Email [email protected], or connect with the hosts on social media:

 

Sheryl on X at  @ColdCaseTips or Facebook at @sheryl.mccollum

Joshua on X at and Instagram at @lawyerschiff

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Payne is a retired FBI agent and career undercover operative. Known for infiltrating some of the most dangerous domestic terror groups in the U.S., he now writes, trains, and advocates for smarter law enforcement strategies—and a second chance for those who truly want out. He’s a believer in justice, redemption, and calling hate by its name.

Follow Scott on Instagram:@scottpaynebigcountry and check out his brand-new book: Code Name: Pale Horse — a raw, real look inside the FBI’s most dangerous undercover ops.

 

Episode Description:

In Part 2 of CSI Sheryl McCollum’s conversation with retired FBI agent Scott Payne, we dive into one of his most dangerous assignments: two years undercover with the Outlaws Motorcycle Club in Massachusetts. From fake drug deals and cartel cover stories to a basement wire check that nearly cost him everything, Scott explains what it really takes to survive deep undercover.

If you thought infiltrating The Base deep in the woods of the Pacific Northwest was intense, wait until you hear what happened when members of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club ordered him to strip at gunpoint.

 

Show Notes: 

• (0:00) From Georgia to Massachusetts, Scott recounts his time undercover with the Outlaws Motorcycle Club
• (4:00) Meet “Tex,” the car thief: stolen vehicles, staged deals, and the slow build of credibility
• (5:00) A fake cartel pipeline opens the door to something much bigger — and far more dangerous
• (8:00) “I lived to fight another day.” Two armed bikers, a basement, and a wire check that could’ve blown it all
• (14:00) His team was listening — and almost took out a wall to pull him out
• (16:00) Nearly 2,000 miles away, Scott’s wife pulls off the road with a sense of dread she can’t explain
• (17:45) Sheryl shares her own “undercover” mission — cracking down on counterfeit T-shirts at a Grateful Dead concert
• (18:45) Clothesline won’t say sorry—but he hated being the one to do it
• (24:00) Sheryl plugs the book and gives props to Scott — not just for the work, but for always lifting up his team
• (26:00) The last word belongs to Donnie Brasco: “The FBI gave you a cheap medal and 500 bucks. Was it worth it?” “Yes.”

Thanks for listening to another episode! If Zone 7 is part of your weekly routine, show us some love with a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. It helps more folks find the show—and helps us keep telling these stories.

--- 

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 and the founder/director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute — a collaboration between universities and the criminal justice community that advances techniques for solving unsolved homicides, missing persons, and kidnapping cases.

Social Links: 

• Email: [email protected] 

• Twitter: @ColdCaseTips 

• Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum 

• Instagram: @officialzone7podcast 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CSI Sheryl McCollum sits down with retired FBI agent Scott Payne, who went deep undercover inside a violent white supremacist group known as The Base.

From satanic rituals to grooming kids on Roblox, Scott reveals how he earned their trust—and helped bring their network down from the inside.

This is Part 1 of a raw, unfiltered look at radicalization, recruitment, and the real-world tactics used to spread hate.

Scott Payne is a retired FBI agent and career undercover operative. Known for infiltrating some of the most dangerous domestic terror groups in the U.S., he now writes, trains, and advocates for smarter law enforcement strategies—and a second chance for those who truly want out. He’s a believer in justice, redemption, and calling hate by its name.

Follow Scott on Instagram:@scottpaynebigcountry and check out his brand-new book: Code Name: Pale Horse — A raw, real look inside the FBI’s most dangerous undercover ops.

⚠️ Listener Advisory:

This episode contains graphic descriptions of violence, animal cruelty, hate group ideology, and child exploitation. Listener discretion is strongly advised.

 

Show Notes: 

• (0:00) Sheryl welcomes Scott Payne, retired FBI agent and undercover operator known as Pale Horse
• (1:00) Inside The Base — a newer kind of white supremacy with global connections
• (1:45) Accelerationism explained: why these extremists want to speed up society’s collapse
• (3:15) The man behind the madness: The Base’s leader and his Russian relocation
• (4:00) A darker turn — 764, satanism, and how extremists groom children through platforms like Roblox and Minecraft
• (6:15) Halloween 2019: a hate camp, a cold snap, and a stolen goat that didn’t stand a chance
• (10:00) Operating undercover — “It’s not always cakes and pies.” Into the woods with a machete and a mission
• (15:00) Blood, acid, and a goat’s head — a ritual unfolds over three days with hallucinogens, photo ops, and propaganda designed to radicalize and recruit
• (17:30) “What was your red pill moment?” — the art of playing dumb, feeding egos, and staying undercover without getting made
• (22:00) From felon to future — why Scott wrote a reference letter for the man he once helped put away

 

Thanks for listening to another episode! If Zone 7 is part of your weekly routine, show us some love with a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. It helps more folks find the show—and helps us keep telling these stories.

--- 

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: [email protected] 

• Twitter: @ColdCaseTips 

• Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum 

• Instagram: @officialzone7podcast 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Crime Roundup, Sheryl McCollum takes the mic solo as Nancy Grace officially steps back from her regular Friday seat. Sheryl looks back on the past year with gratitude, sharing what made their time together unforgettable—Nancy’s sharp wit, loyalty, and the kind of friendship that runs deep. Then, it’s on to two cases that are anything but ordinary: a 17-year-old girl accused of murdering her parents, and a smuggler in Germany caught with 1,500 tarantulas… packed in cake boxes. And don’t miss the big announcement—Crime Roundup is welcoming a brand-new co-host starting next week.

-

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome to a solo edition of Crime Roundup
• (0:45) Sheryl looks back with gratitude on Nancy Grace’s year at the mic
• (3:00) Case 1: 17-year-old Sarah Patrick charged in her parents’ murders
• (5:00) Case 2: 1,500 tarantulas smuggled through Germany—in cake boxes!
• (6:30) From giraffes to Ziplocs: the wild world of animal smuggling and the strange methods behind it
• (7:45) Meet your new co-host: Joshua Schiffer joins Crime Roundup next week

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Nancy Grace is an outspoken, tireless advocate for victims’ rights and one of television's most respected legal analysts. She had a perfect conviction record during her decade as a prosecutor and is the founder and publisher of CrimeOnline.com, a crime-fighting digital platform covering breaking news, missing persons, and cold cases. 

Her daily show, Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, airs on SIRIUS XM’s Triumph Channel 111 and is available on all major podcast platforms.

https://www.crimeonline.com/

X: @nancygrace

Instagram: @thenancygrace

Facebook: @nancygrace

Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an Emmy Award–winning CSI, crime scene expert, and writer for CrimeOnline. She’s also co-author of Cold Case: Pathways to Justice and serves as a CSI for a metro Atlanta police department.

Email: [email protected]

X: @ColdCaseTips

Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Detective Vince Velazquez is a retired Atlanta Police Department homicide investigator with more than 20 years of service. He spent 16 of those years in APD’s elite Homicide Unit, where he helped bring closure to hundreds of families. He’s also the real-life inspiration behind the hit true crime series ATL Homicide. Today, Vince is a speaker, mentor, and advocate for justice who continues to teach, investigate, and fight for victims.

Follow Vince Velazquez on Instagram: @vincevelazquez and don’t miss The Murder Mind Show—Vince’s newest true crime series—premiering July 21st at 6:00 PM ET on YouTube.  

👉 Subscribe now: The Murder Mind Show

In this episode of Zone 7, CSI Sheryl McCollum welcomes one of her favorite people on the planet—retired APD Homicide Detective Vince Velazquez. Known for his signature blend of grit, empathy, and straight talk, Vince opens up about what it takes to earn trust on the streets, the lessons from his early jobs (butcher shop included), and the real-life experiences behind ATL Homicide. He and Sheryl dig into long-term cases like the murder of Nacole Smith, the emotional weight of bearing witness to other people’s worst days, and why his new YouTube series The Murder Mind Show is more than just storytelling—it’s a mission. Full of real-life case stories, hard-won wisdom, and no-nonsense truth, this episode is a masterclass in perseverance, purpose, and showing up with heart.

 

Show Notes: 

• (0:00) Welcome to Zone 7 with Vince Velazquez
• (3:30) Respect, effort, and presence—no matter the role
• (8:30) Human connection isn’t optional—it is the job.
• (16:45) Murder Mind: Turning real crime into real change
• (21:00) Nacole Smith’s case: a vow to never let go
• (27:00) What separates a good detective from a great one?
• (29:45 ) “If you want to soar with eagles, don’t hang out with ducks.” 
• (34:45) Empathy, dignity, and the detective's creed
• (37:00) “Criminal investigation is a team concept—everyone has a role to play.” — Sgt. Joe Giacalone (Ret.), NYPD

 

Thanks for listening to another episode! If Zone 7 is part of your weekly routine, show us some love with a rating and review on Apple Podcasts. It helps more folks find the show—and helps us keep telling these stories.

--- 

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: [email protected] 

• Twitter: @ColdCaseTips 

• Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum 

• Instagram: @officialzone7podcast 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sean Houle is a former police officer and K9 handler who served in North Carolina for nearly a decade. In 2021, he was critically wounded in the line of duty—shot twice at point-blank range with his own service weapon. Since medically retiring, Sean has become a sought-after speaker on faith, resilience, and the lifelong commitment to service..

In this unforgettable episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator Sheryl McCollum welcomes retired Officer Sean Houle for a powerful firsthand account of survival and purpose. Sean recounts the harrowing night he was ambushed by a suspect from an earlier call—an encounter that would change his life forever. He shares the moments of chaos, the struggle to stay conscious, and the clarity that surfaced as his life hung in the balance. Together, he and Sheryl discuss the split-second decisions officers face, how department policy shapes those choices, and the unbreakable bond between handler and K9 partner. But Sean’s story doesn’t end on the pavement. During recovery, a surprising moment on a family beach trip reminds him that his calling to serve wasn’t finished—it was just taking a new shape. This episode is a profound look at duty, faith, and the quiet strength behind the badge.

Show Notes: 

• (0:00) Welcome to Zone 7 with guest Sean Houle
• (1:45) The traffic stop that changed everything
• (3:00) Familiar faces and high-risk situations
• (5:00) The slow roll and signs of trouble
• (7:30) Commands ignored, tension escalates
• (8:00) Following policy: use-of-force, K9 deployment, and the art of bluffing
• (14:00) A terminated track and what came next
• (15:30) Face to face again—Sean confronts Quinton Blocker
• (20:00) A fight inside a Toyota Corolla
• (23:00) Disarmed and staring down the barrel
• (25:00) Thoughts of family, faith, and a second chance
• (27:00) The second shot—and the will to survive
• (28:30) “I’m dying, help.”
• (29:15) “72 Units of Blood”: The trauma, stroke, and fight for survival
• (30:15) Jax, the K9 partner, and the heartbreaking malfunction
• (32:00) End of shift: going 10-42 for the last time
• (35:00) A new calling, a life saved in Myrtle Beach
• (40:00) “Next to creating a life, the finest thing a man can do is save one.” – Abraham Lincoln

 

Update on the Case:

In 2024, Quinton Donnell Blocker—the man who shot Officer Sean Houle—was sentenced to 55 to 72 years in prison after being convicted on multiple charges, including attempted murder. The sentencing marked a long-awaited moment of justice for Sean, his family, and his department.

 

Thanks for listening to another episode! If you're enjoying Zone 7, head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a quick rating and review—it’s one of the best ways to support the show and help others find it.

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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: [email protected] 

• Twitter: @ColdCaseTips 

• Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum 

• Instagram: @officialzone7podcast 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ray Dawson is a former law enforcement officer and the founder of the Invictus Project, a nonprofit organization supporting task forces investigating online crimes against children by providing funding, training, and technology.

Zachary Neefe is a Special Agent with Homeland Security Investigations and a key member of a multiagency child exploitation task force in North Carolina focused on identifying and arresting child predators.

Learn more at The Invictus Project

Episode Description:

In this episode of Zone 7, CSI Sheryl McCollum speaks with Zachary Neefe and Ray Dawson—two frontline defenders in the fight against child exploitation. They take us inside the creation of the Invictus Task Force, a groundbreaking multiagency collaboration in North Carolina that brings together Homeland Security Investigations, local law enforcement, and nonprofit partners under one roof. Zach and Ray share chilling stories from undercover chat ops, explain why today’s predators are more brazen than ever, and break down how the digital world is a breeding ground for grooming and abuse. They also discuss how victim identification, school outreach, and good old-fashioned police work are changing lives—and why parental awareness isn’t optional anymore.

Show Notes: 

• (0:00) Welcome to Zone 7 with guests Ray Dawson and Zachary Neefe
• (2:00) Building the Invictus Task Force: Collaboration over silos
• (4:00) The “new white van”: Predators in the digital space
• (9:00) COVID’s impact on child exploitation and online abuse
• (11:00) 89.4 million images—what that number really means
• (12:30) Culture shifts and the normalization of exploitation
• (14:30) Identifying victims through school visits and student disclosures
• (17:45) Defining a rescue: Physical extraction vs. intervention
• (23:30) Victim-centered interviews with offenders
• (25:30) Tips for parents navigating kids’ online behavior
• (27:30) “There is no such thing as a part-time predator”
• (30:00) No collateral duties: Proactive vs. reactive law enforcement
• (32:00) Inside the chat rooms: How quickly predators strike
• (34:30) “Let’s stop calling them sex offenders.” — Mike Lew

 

Thanks for listening to another episode!

If you’re liking what you hear, go on and leave us a quick rating and review over on Apple Podcasts. It helps more folks find the show—and keeps us bringing you more stories that matter.

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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 and the founder and director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute—a collaboration between universities, students, and professionals working to advance the study and resolution of unsolved cases.   

Social Links: 

• Email: [email protected] 

• Twitter: @ColdCaseTips 

• Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum 

Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.