Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum

During Halloween weekend of 1993, a 34-year-old teacher and mother of three, Cherilyn Hawkley, vanished from Granite Bay, California. Two days later, her body was discovered inside her minivan, less than a mile from the school where she taught fifth grade. In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum and Laura Ingle revisit the case that shocked the community, retracing the timeline, the missing hours, and the single piece of rope believed to have been used in Cherilyn’s murder. With the newly established cold-case team reopening the files, they explore how advances in forensic science and a new round of DNA testing may hold the key to solving this 32-year-old cold case. If you have information about this case, contact the Placer County Sheriff’s Tip Line at (530) 889-7830. Highlights: • (0:00) Welcome to Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum and guest Laura Ingle • (1:00) Laura Ingle recounts growing up near Granite Bay and Cherilyn’s final hours after the school’s Halloween party • (3:30) The van’s location and why it suggests a local offender • (9:30) The rope used in the killing and new DNA testing by the Placer County Sheriff’s Office • (11:45) Cleared suspects: ex-husband, boyfriend, and school custodian • (16:00) Sheryl breaks down potential motives and why the crime does not fit the typical pattern   (17:30) The detailed witness sketch of a man driving a white VW Bug • (21:00) Laura describes visiting the school and the plaque that bears Cherilyn’s name • (24:15) Why it’s important to re-examine every witness and every clue, and how uniting the original detectives with the new cold-case team could uncover what was never written in the files • (26:30) Tip line information and closing message Guest Bio: Laura Ingle is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and the host of The Ingle Edit, a YouTube series and podcast dedicated to re-examining unsolved cases through on-scene reporting and firsthand interviews. As a longtime network correspondent, she has covered many of America’s most notoroious crime stories and continues to champion cold-case investigations. Learn more about the case and view Laura’s on-scene reporting on The Ingle Edit: www.youtube.com/@TheIngleEdit 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. 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, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and 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 • Twitter: @ColdCaseTips • 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. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Swans-Dont-Swim-in-a-Sewer/Sheryl-Mac-McCollum/9798895652824      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some moments divide life into a before and after. For Terry Strada, that moment came on the morning of September 11, 2001, when her husband, Tom, called her from the North Tower after the first plane struck. In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum speaks with Terry about the phone calls, the hours of not knowing, and the reality of raising their three children in the wake of unimaginable loss. Terry shares how she moved from grief to action by becoming the National Chair of 9/11 Families United and pushing for accountability from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their role in supporting terrorism. Highlights: • (0:00) Sheryl welcomes listeners to Zone 7 and introduces guest Terry Strada • (1:00) Tom leaves for work; three children at home, one just four days old • (2:45) The phone call from the North Tower: “A plane has hit the building... it’s horrible...” • (4:45) Realizing the attacks were deliberate • (6:00) Calls among Cantor Fitzgerald families in the hours of uncertainty • (7:00) Who Tom was as a husband, father, and leader • (9:00) How Terry became part of the lawsuit against Saudi Arabia • (11:30) Evidence trail: funding networks and support teams inside the U.S. • (15:30) Scotland Yard evidence and what was withheld in the U.S. • (18:00) The federal ruling that the case may move forward • (20:00) Saudi influence, LIV Golf, and how it affected 9/11 families• (29:00) Final reflections and closing quote, “Never Forget” Guest Bio: Terry Strada became a national voice for 9/11 families after losing her husband, Tom, in the North Tower on September 11, 2001. As National Chair of 9/11 Families United, she has spent more than twenty years advocating for transparency and accountability, working with lawmakers and federal agencies to expose how terrorism is financed and supported. Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports our mission to educate, engage, and inspire. --- 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 co-author of the textbook Cold Case: Pathways to Justice. She is the founder and director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, a national collaboration that advances techniques for solving cold cases and assists families and law enforcement with unsolved homicides, missing persons, and kidnappings. Social Links: • Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com • Twitter: @ColdCaseTips • Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum • Instagram: @officialzone7podcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Day after day, case after case, Tom Smith returned to the job with a clear sense of purpose: protect, respond, and stand with the people beside him. On this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum talks with the retired NYPD detective about the path that led him from patrol work to the Joint Terrorism Task Force and ultimately, to a lifetime of service recognized at the national level. Tom shares how his father shaped his calling, how partnership becomes its own lifeline, and how a series of events during one 12-hour shift in the Bronx has stayed with him ever since.   Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl welcomes listeners to Zone 7 and introduces guest Tom Smith (1:15) Tom shares how his father's NYPD career inspired his own path (5:00) Reconnecting with Detective Ralph, the most decorated detective in NYPD history (7:00) A single shift: rooftop rescue, shooting scene, infant CPR, and a fallen officer (12:15) Deployment to Afghanistan on a kidnapping case (14:45) The emotional burden carried by spouses and families (18:30) Choosing the right partner and building trust that saves lives (30:15) Tom reflects on being inducted to the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame (33:45) Table 15: friendship, laughter, and shared history (40:00) Continuing tradition and community beyond the job (41:15) Closing reflections on service, loyalty, and legacy   Guest Bio: Tom Smith is a retired NYPD detective and 2024 National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame inductee. Over 30 years of service, he worked in patrol, narcotics, and robbery investigations and spent 17 years working with the FBI/NYPD on the Joint Terrorism Task Force, including an overseas deployment to Afghanistan. Tom co-hosts the podcast Gold Shields, lectures on criminal justice and terrorism and provides investigative commentary for national media outlets.   --- 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 co-author of the textbook Cold Case: Pathways to Justice. She is the founder and director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, a national collaboration that advances techniques for solving cold cases and assists families and law enforcement with unsolved homicides, missing persons, and kidnappings.   Social Links: Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com Twitter: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Behind every major shift in American law enforcement is someone willing to risk it all. In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum speaks with retired FBI Special Agent Joe Pistone, better known as Donnie Brasco. His six-year infiltration of the Mafia redefined undercover work and exposed key figures within the Bonanno and Colombo families. Pistone reflects on the danger, isolation, and moral weight of living inside the mob, as well as the lasting personal cost of pursuing justice from within. Guest Bio and Links: Joe Pistone is a retired FBI Special Agent best known for his six-year undercover assignment infiltrating the Bonanno and Colombo Mafia families under the alias of Donnie Brasco. His work led to more than 200 convictions and remains one of the FBI’s most significant undercover operations. Pistone is the author of Donnie Brasco: My Undercover Life in the Mafia and continues to lecture worldwide on organized crime, covert operations, and law-enforcement ethics.   Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl welcomes retired FBI Special Agent Joe Pistone to Zone 7 (2:15) The reality of deep undercover work: seven days a week and six months before any real mob conversations (7:15) Building a believable cover as a jewel thief through gem school, lock-picking, and street “swag” pricing (13:15) The line between survival and protecting citizen inside a violent criminal world (15:15) Sonny Black knowingly walks into his own execution after leaving his money, keys, and ring at the Motion Lounge (22:15) Mapping the mob, the Commission, family hierarchy, and how crews coordinated territory (31:45) Undercover is 24/7, with trust built over coffee, hard rolls with butter, and cartoons in a Brooklyn apartment (35:15) On the verge of becoming a made man before the FBI shut down the operation (37:30) The aftermath: more than 200 convictions, 17 trials, and a $500,000 contract placed on Pistone’s life (45:15) The sit-downs with Tony Mirra: Pistone describes how Sonny Black defended his life three times and reflects on the reality of undercover work (50:45) Hollywood vs. reality: the true story behind the movie Donnie Brasco   Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports our mission to educate, engage, and inspire. --- 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 co-author of the textbook Cold Case: Pathways to Justice. She is the founder and director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, a national collaboration that advances techniques for solving cold cases and assists families and law enforcement with unsolved homicides, missing persons, and kidnappings.   Social Links: Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com Twitter: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sometimes the most powerful lessons in justice come from the most unexpected places.  In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum joins retired FBI agent Scott Duffey and retired NYPD Sergeant Joseph Giacalone for the first-ever Wildlife CSI Academy at Pennsylvania's Lake Tobias Wildlife Park. Surrounded by giraffes, kangaroos, and a sloth named Chewy, they reflect on how working beside endangered animals reshaped their understanding of empathy, preparation, and teamwork. This heartfelt conversation reminds us that sometimes the best lessons in justice come from the wild. Guest Bio and Links: Joseph Giacalone is a retired NYPD Sergeant (SDS) 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. Scott Duffey is a retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent who served more than two decades in the Bureau's Baltimore Division, including the Wilmington Resident Agency and the Delaware Violent Crimes Task Force. He now directs the Criminal Justice Institute at Wilmington University and continues to teach interview and interrogation techniques to law-enforcement professionals. Duffey also provides on-air crime analysis for FOX, CNN, and NewsNation   Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl welcomes Scott Duffey and Joseph Giacalone to Zone 7 (1:00) A zoo like no other: first impressions of Lake Tobias Wildlife Park and the unique setting for CSI training (5:00) Television fact vs. Fiction: Joseph explains how collaboration really happens (5:45) Honoring Jane Goodall: fighting poaching through education, enforcement, and compassion (8:45) From cocktails to classrooms: The Hamptons Whodunit conversation that sparked the Wildlife CSI Academy (11:45) Animal cameos that stole the spotlight: Chester the kangaroo and Chewy the sloth (12:45) Finding common ground: why humor, empathy, and humanity are essential in every interview (16:00) "Hope is not a plan.” Joseph’s reminder that preparation beats wishful thinking every time (23:15) Wild encounters on safari: from bison to black panthers (25:15) Scott’s new friend: the monkey that steals cell phones (26:00) Joseph’s “Wine and Crime” talk on cold cases and community advocacy (31:30) Closing thoughts, Jane Goodall, and justice for all creatures   Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports our mission to educate, engage, and inspire. --- 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 co-author of the textbook Cold Case: Pathways to Justice. She is the founder and director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, a national collaboration that advances techniques for solving cold cases and assists families and law enforcement with unsolved homicides, missing persons, and kidnappings.   Social Links: Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com Twitter: @149one7 Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In February 2017, teenagers Liberty German and Abigail Williams were murdered while walking in the woods near Delphi, Indiana. The next day, their bodies were discovered, and investigators revealed that Liberty had recorded a brief video of the suspect ordering the girls to “go down the hill.” After years of speculation, dead ends, and online conspiracy theories, the 2022 arrest of local resident Richard Allen threw the case into an even deeper firestorm of controversy. Guest Bio and Links: Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee Journalist Áine Cain and attorney Kevin Greenlee are the husband-and-wife team behind The Murder Sheet, an investigative true-crime podcast that made national news with its reporting on the Delphi case. They recently co-authored "Shadow of the Bridge," the first book to chronicle the murders of Liberty German and Abigail Williams and the investigation that followed. The Murder Sheet Podcast Shadow of the Bridge: The Delphi Murders and the Dark Side of the American Heartland Missed their first Zone 7 episode? Behind the Scenes of the Delphi Trial: Haunting Truths, Unbreakable Community, and Justice in Focus In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum is joined once again by journalist Áine Cain and attorney Kevin Greenlee, the duo behind The Murder Sheet podcast, to talk about their book, "Shadow of the Bridge," and what it took to cover the Delphi case. They describe the cramped courtroom and strict no reentry policy, the grind of working 17- to 18-hour days under a gag order, and how they decided what information to include in their book. They also explain why they approach the “Odinism” claims with a critical, evidence-based lens, and what it was like to finally reveal information the jury, and the public never saw. Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl welcomes guests Áine Cain and Kevin Greenlee to Zone 7 to talk about Shadow of the Bridge (1:45) Áine describes the courtroom reality: small room, high tensions, the scramble for seats, and the no reentry rule (8:30) Moving for the trial, 17- to 18-hours days, and typing notes late into the night (11:00) Writing Shadow of the Bridge: swapping drafts, finding the balance, and the significance of the cover photo and title (18:15) "The way we viewed Odinism is you can’t tell the story without getting into it on some level” — balancing coverage of Richard Allen’s defense strategy (24:00 Gentle outreach and centering Abby and Libby (25:45) Vetting information and sorting the relevant from the noise (32:30) Favorite parts, hardest chapters, and Sheryl’s closing words   Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports our mission to educate and investigate. --- 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 co-author of the textbook Cold Case: Pathways to Justice. She is the founder and director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, a national collaboration that advances techniques for solving cold cases and assists families and law enforcement with unsolved homicides, missing persons, and kidnappings.   Social Links: Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com Twitter: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum is joined by attorney Joshua Schiffer to examine the case of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Celeste, a runaway, was found decomposing in the trunk of an abandoned Tesla registered to a rising star named David. They review what is currently known about the investigation and discuss the disturbing connections between Celeste and David, including their matching “shhh” tattoos and a song released on her birthday that now carries chilling significance. They also question how a 13-year-old could vanish for nearly two years, raising concerns about communal responsibility and the protection of vulnerable youth. Joshua Schiffer is a veteran attorney and one of the Southeast’s most respected legal voices. He is a founder 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 contributor to Zone 7 and a fearless advocate for accountability. Highlights: (0:00) Sheryl welcomes Joshua Schiffer and introduces the case of Celeste Rivas Hernandez (1:45) The discovery of the body in the abandoned Tesla and the first red flags (3:00) Tesla technology, surveillance footage, and how modern cars track everything (7:15) Celeste's background: How does a 13-year-old vanish without support or detection? (9:30) Fan culture and the personal connection between Celeste and the singer (11:30) The silence of family, neighbors, schools, and systems that failed her (19:30) "You’ve got a head and a torso of a 15-year-old in a Tesla.” Examining decomposition, concealment, and the physical evidence left behind (21:30) Third-party defense strategies and future courtroom challenges (28:15) A tribute to Celeste, a plea for societal change, and a closing quote from “Romantic Homicide”   Enjoying Zone 7? Leave a rating and review. Your feedback helps others find the show and supports our mission to educate and investigate. --- 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 co-author of the textbook, "Cold Case: Pathways to Justice." She is the founder and director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, a national collaboration that advances techniques for solving cold cases and assists families and law enforcement with unsolved homicides, missing persons, and kidnappings.   Social Links: Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com Twitter: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Content Warning: This episode discusses eating disorders, starvation, and medical neglect. Listener discretion is advised. This week on Pathology with Dr. Priya, a Zone 7 series, Sheryl McCollum and Dr. Priya Banerjee look at some of the most painful and complex ways a body can fail, from starvation and radiation exposure to delayed deaths that can take years to claim a life. Dr. Priya Breaks down the science of how the body deteriorates during starvation, explains why children in famine zones appear bloated, and discusses both abuse and eating disorder cases that show the psychological and biological devastation of prolonged deprivation. They also explore radiation-linked illnesses, the hidden risks of environmental exposure, and what happens when a wound or poisoning leads to death years later. Through every case, Dr. Priya explains the forensic details behind a “slow death” and why, for the body, nothing about it is slow. Highlights • (0:00) Sheryl welcome listeners and introduces the topic: slow deaths • (3:00) Why Thanksgiving reminds Sheryl of slow deaths and what starvation really is • (4:00) Dr. Priya explains how starvation breaks the body down from within, and how it can stem from both illness and abuse • (12:45) Dr. Priya describes why starving children often appear bloated and the biology behind kwashiorkor• (16:15) Radiation exposure: how time, dose, and distance determine long-term damage • (20:45) Delayed deaths, paralysis, and the challenge of proving causation • (26:15) "Death by a thousand cuts": how blood loss from minor wounds can still be lethal, and how even old wounds can become deadly decades later • (29:00) Closing thoughts: Sheryl and Dr. Priya reflect on the cruelty of slow deaths 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, 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 “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, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and 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. Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com Twitter/X: @ColdCaseTips 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. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Swans-Dont-Swim-in-a-Sewer/Sheryl-Mac-McCollum/9798895652824 If this episode gave you a new understanding of the science behind slow deaths, share it with a friend and leave a review. Your support helps others discover the science, the stories, and the heart behind Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Zone 7 Series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A photograph can provide documentation but can’t tell the whole story. This week on Pathology with Dr. Priya, a Zone 7 series, Dr. Priya Banerjee joins Sheryl McCollum to share why revisiting a cold-case scene, sometimes decades later, can completely shift an investigation. When she traveled for hours to inspect an identical car tied to a cold case, she discovered details impossible to see on paper. They talk about how vehicles can become part of the forensic story, why the setting itself matters, and how today’s technology can clarify what investigators once assumed. From seat position to power locks, their conversation highlights what’s lost when professionals rely only on reports and what’s gained when they return to the scene. Highlights • (0:00) Sheryl welcome listeners and introduces the topic: why visiting a scene is essential in cold-case investigations • (1:00) Dr. Priya describers visiting a cold-case scene and inspecting an identical car for accuracy • (2:15) The car as a crime scene: how transport vehicles create multiple evidence locations • (3:30) How changing car technology, from manual locks to sensors, alters forensic interpretation • (5:00) What revisitng a scene reveals that photos and reports cannot • (10:00) Revisiting old neighborhoods and the effects of time, urban change, and memory on case context • (12:00) Dr. Priya’s methodical process for documenting and photographing scene and how that strengthens her courtroom testimony • (13:15) Returning submerged and long-missing vehicles and bringing families long-awaited closure • (14:30) Dr. Priya on method, teamwork, and why working cold cases feels like giving back • (20:45) Revisiting old files with fresh eyes: how old photos, modern technology, and tools like Othram and NamUs can finally move cold cases forward 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, 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: coldcase2004@gmail.com Twitter/X: @ColdCaseTips Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast If this episode gave you a new understanding of cold case investigations, share it with a friend and leave a review. Your support helps others discover the science, the stories, and the heart behind Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Zone 7 Series. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Electrocution can be silent and sudden, leaving few external signs and limited clues without careful investigation. This week on Pathology with Dr. Priya, a Zone 7 series, Sheryl McCollum and Dr. Priya Banerjee explain how electrical current travels through the body, why the heart can stop in an instant, and what pathologists look for at the entry and exit points of a shock. They discuss real-world risks, from downed power lines to home repairs, and the safety measures that can prevent fatal accidents.   Highlights • (0:00) Sheryl welcome listeners and introduces the topic of electrocution deaths • (2:00) Entry and exit points: irregular burn and blister patterns on hands, feet, or other points of contact • (3:30) How electrical current disrupts the heart’s rhythm and can lead to sudden death • (6:00) Who is more vulnerable: pre-existing heart conditions and age can increase susceptibility to fatalarrhythmia • (8:15) Storm damage, downed lines, and why no one should move live wires • (10:45) “Weekend warrior” risks and everyday household hazards • (15:15) What electrocution looks like internally: tissue damage, muscle breakdown, and organ findings • (17:30) Seasonal reminders: holiday lights, wet environments, and the importance of hiring professionals forelectrical work   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, 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: coldcase2004@gmail.com Twitter/X: @149zone7 Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum Instagram: @officialzone7podcast   If this episode provided clarity on electrocution deaths and scene safety, share it with a friend and leave areview. Your support helps others discover the science, the stories, and the heart behind Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Zone 7 Series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

No one suspected that the woman he had trusted for decades was quietly planning his death. This week on Pathology with Dr. Priya, a "Zone 7" series, Sheryl McCollum and Dr. Priya Banerjee discuss the case of Marcy Oglesby, who, over several months, secretly mixed over-the-counter eye drops into Young's food and drinks. When his body was later discovered inside a storage unit, toxicology revealed lethal levels of tetrahydrozoline, the active ingredient in common eye drops. Dr. Priya explains how this drug attacks the cardiovascular system, why it is almost undetectable without targeted testing, and what makes poisonings like this so difficult to identify until it's far too late. Highlights (0:00) Welcome to Pathology with Dr. Priya: A Zone 7 series—Sheryl McCollum introduces the Marcy Oglesby case and the death of retired Police Chief Richard “Rick” Young (0:45) How Oglesby slowly poisoned her partner with tetrahydrozoline-laced food and drinks (2:15) Dr. Priya explains why eye-drop poisonings are rare and absent from most toxicology panels (6:00) Early symptoms: numbness, confusion, fluctuating blood pressure, and blue lips (8:00) Why doctors might miss the signs of tetrahydrozoline poisoning and attribute symptoms to age or heart disease (10:00) The estimated lethal dose and how even a small mouthful can cause heart-block death (13:45) Trust, dependency, and opportunity: the dynamics that let the poisoning continue undetected (20:30) What Rick Young likely endured in his final days: chest pain, dizziness, and slow suffocation (25:45) Closing reflections and Dr. Priya’s reminder that every case is a lesson 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.comTwitter/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: coldcase2004@gmail.comTwitter/X: @149zone7Facebook: @sheryl.mccollumInstagram: @officialzone7podcast  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Pathology with Dr. Priya, a Zone 7 series, Sheryl McCollum and Dr. Priya Banerjee continue their forensic review of the 2011 death of Ellen Greenberg, a young woman found with more than twenty stab wounds in her Philadelphia apartment. Picking up where part one left off, Dr. Priya discusses the two critical stab wounds that penetrated Ellen's brain stem and spinal cord; injuries she believes would have rendered her incapable of any further self-harm. From the anatomy of the cervical spine to the forensic interpretation of bruising, Dr. Priya explains why the medical evidence in this case still challenges the official ruling of suicide, and why the Greenberg family continues to fight for justice.   Highlights (0:00) Welcome to Pathology with Dr. Priya: A Zone 7 series—Sheryl McCollum and Dr. Priya introduce part two of the Ellen Greenberg case (1:45) Dr. Priya describes how she documents injuries and explains why numbering stab wounds can mislead investigators (2:45) The base-of-skull wounds, and how it penetrated the dura, disrupting vital brainstem functions (4:45) The cervical-spine injury between C2 and C3 and how Ellen’s neurological injuries could explain the absence of defensive wounds (10:45) Distinguishing the possible order of injuries, and why positioning and directionality are critical in understanding the sequence of events (13:15) "History of mental illness does not make you suicidal.” Dr. Priya explains why psychiatric history must be interpreted cautiously in death investigations (14:15) Brusing: what it can and cannot tell investigators about struggle, timing and prior assaults (20:00) Dr. Priya reflects on the Greenberg family’s courage, and the power of their love to keep fighting for the truth     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.comTwitter/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: coldcase2004@gmail.comTwitter/X: @ColdCaseTipsFacebook: @sheryl.mccollumInstagram: @officialzone7podcast   📣 If this episode gave you new insight into the forensic complexities of Ellen Greenberg’s case, share it with a friend and leave a review. Your support helps others discover the science, the stories, and the heart behind Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Zone 7 Series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Pathology with Dr. Priya, a Zone 7 series, Sheryl McCollum and Dr. Priya Banerjee begin a two-part forensic review of the 2011 death of Ellen Greenberg, a young woman found with more than twenty stab wounds in her Philadelphia apartment. Despite the severity and location of her injuries, Ellen’s death was ruled a suicide not once but twice. In part one, Dr. Priya walks listeners through the science of sharp-force injuries, defines key forensic terminology, and explains why certain wound patterns, especially those to the back of the head and neck, raise significant questions about how this case was ever closed.       Highlights (0:00) Welcome to Pathology with Dr. Priya: A Zone 7 series—Sheryl McCollum and Dr. Priya introduce the Ellen Greenberg case and outline the official findings (2:00) Dr. Priya defines sharp-force injuries and explains the difference between stab and cutting wounds (6:45) Identifying single-edged versus double-edged blades and how wound shape reveals the type of weapon (8:00) Understanding defensive wounds and what their presence means (10:30) The classification of cause and manner of death and why Ellen Greenberg’s case remains controversial (13:45) How and why medical examiners revisit cases when new information or legal action arises (16:30) Reviewing Ellen’s autopsy and toxicology results (18:45) Why stab wounds to the back of the head and neck are nearly impossible to self-inflict and what that reveals about this case     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.comTwitter/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: coldcase2004@gmail.comTwitter/X: @ColdCaseTipsFacebook: @sheryl.mccollumInstagram: @officialzone7podcast   📣 If this episode gave you new insight into the forensic complexities of Ellen Greenberg’s case, share it with a friend and leave a review. Your support helps others discover the science, the stories, and the heart behind Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Zone 7 Series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Before a body is ever opened, a medical examiner must consider what dangers might be waiting inside: fentanyl, tuberculosis or even a hidden needle. This week on Pathology with Dr. Priya, a Zone 7 series, Sheryl McCollum and Dr. Priya Banerjee share stories from their recent visit to Lake Tobias Wildlife Park. There, they took part in Wildlife CSI training, a hands-on blend of forensic education and animal encounters, including time with Chester, a baby kangaroo who quickly won everyone over. From there, the conversation shifts to the serious risks medical examiners face every day. From bloodborne pathogens and drug exposure to unstable death scenes and unpredictable infections, Dr. Priya offers a closer look at the hidden hazards behind every autopsy.       Highlights (0:00) Welcome to Pathology with Dr. Priya: A Zone 7 series—Sheryl and Dr. Priya open the episode with highlights from the Wildlife CSI training at Lake Tobias Wildlife Park (3:15) Embracing lifelong learning, from seasoned investigators to students in the field (4:45 Honoring Dr. Jane Goodall and recognizing how wildlife crime intersects with forensic science (6:30) The hidden dangers of autopsy work: COVID, drug exposure, and unknown infections (8:30) Safety in the morgue: scalpel slips, needle sticks, and the rise of pandemic-era protocols (12:30) Fentanyl, MRSA, TB, and the health risks involved in cases with limited medical histories or unidentified individuals (17:00) Environmental hazards at the death scene, from fire damage and rough terrain to unpredictable animals (22:15) Morgue myths, pet protection, and why even the smallest details can carry big dangers     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.comTwitter/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: coldcase2004@gmail.comTwitter/X: @ColdCaseTipsFacebook: @sheryl.mccollumInstagram: @officialzone7podcast   📣 If this episode gave you a new perspective on the behind-the-scenes risks of forensic work, share it with a friend and leave a review. Your support helps others discover the science, the stories, and the heart behind Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Zone 7 Series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week’s episode of Pathology with Dr. Priya, a Zone 7 series, is all about your questions on the science behind death investigation. Together, Sheryl McCollum and Dr. Priya Banerjee take on the topics that listeners are most curious about, from family rights and religious objections to what autopsies can and cannot reveal. They also dispel misconceptions about embalming, toxicology, and even what really happens at the funeral home. With clarity and respect, Dr. Priya and Sheryl break down the science, the law, and the realities behind the most-asked questions in forensic pathology.   Highlights (0:00) Welcome to Pathology with Dr. Priya: A Zone 7 series—Sheryl and Dr. Priya open with a discussion of the Celeste Rivas case (6:45) The "CSI-effect": how media shapes public perception of forensic science, the risks of misinformation, and why caution is critical in cold case investigations (8:45) Can a forensic pathologist always determine the cause and time of death? (11:15) Can family members refuse an autopsy, and how do religious objections work? (17:00) Can any family member request a private autopsy, or must it be the legal next of kin? (19:00) Does an autopsy prevent an open-casket funeral? (21:15) Do funeral homes use newspapers or sawdust to fill body cavities? (23:15) Can an autopsy be performed after embalming, and how does that affect toxicology? (25:30) The role of funeral directors and double-checks before cremation, catching missed injuries and ensuring nothing is overlooked     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.comTwitter/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: coldcase2004@gmail.comTwitter/X: @ColdCaseTipsFacebook: @sheryl.mccollumInstagram: @officialzone7podcast   📣 If this episode answered one of your questions, share it. Follow the show, tell a friend, and leave a review. Your support helps others discover the science, the stories, and the heart behind Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Zone 7 Series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Pathology with Dr. Priya, a Zone 7 series, Dr. Priya Banerjee and Sheryl McCollum walk through a case that’s captured national attention—the discovery of a missing teenager’s body in the trunk of a car linked to a rising music star. From decomposition and dismemberment, to teeth, tattoos, and tech, Dr. Priya breaks down how identification works when the body is severely compromised. Together, she and Sheryl discuss the forensic challenges, legal red flags, and the many unanswered questions that still surround the case. Highlights (0:00) Sheryl McCollum and Dr. Priya focus the week’s episode on the discovery of a young girl's body in the trunk of a famous musician’s car (4:45) How decomposition and dismemberment alter a body, and the tools pathologists use to uncover the truth (11:00) Tattoos, teeth, and tech come into play as investigators work to identify the victim and interpret the meaning behind the song “Romantic Homicide” (15:30) Dating a minor: red flags, blurred boundaries, and the legal realities behind grooming and consent (16:45) “I got a beater car, and if it ain’t in my driveway, I’m going to call somebody.” Why the car wasn't reported stolen and what that might suggest about ownership and intent (17:45) How anthropology and toxicology provide answers when traditional autopsy results fall short (24:30) Looking at the bigger picture: survival, exploitation, and the forensic clues left behind in both bones and behaviors 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.comTwitter/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: coldcase2004@gmail.comTwitter/X: @149zone7Facebook: @sheryl.mccollumInstagram: @officialzone7podcast   📣 If this episode opened your eyes to the reality behind the headlines, share it. Follow the show, tell a friend, and leave a review. Your support helps others discover the science, the stories, and the heart behind Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Zone 7 Series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Content Warning: This episode contains graphic discussion of sexual behavior, bodily insertions, foreign objects, and autoerotic asphyxiation. Listener discretion is advised.   Returning from CrimeCon 2025, Dr. Priya Banerjee and Sheryl McCollum open this episode with reflections on the people who moved them, the cold cases that stopped them in their tracks, and the power of connection in the world of true crime. Then, they pivot to a vastly different kind of casework: foreign objects found inside the human body. From surgical tools accidentally left behind to items inserted for sexual pleasure or criminal intent, Dr. Priya shares unforgettable autopsy findings and the often-overlooked forensic clues they offer. As always, it’s a blend of personal and professional, science and heart, in a conversation only these two could have.   Highlights (0:00) Sheryl McCollum and Dr. Priya open the week’s episode with reflections from CrimeCon 2025 (9:30) The saying that starts it all: “If there’s an opening, you can put something in it” (11:15) A grocery store, a steak, and a choking death no one expected (15:00) What pathologists can infer from surgical tools left inside the body (17:00) Autoerotic asphyxiation, sex toys, and accidental death that look like something else (21:00) From lightbulbs to screwdrivers, bottles to vegetables: unexpected insertions and the injuries they cause (24:30) Forensic red flags: how Dr. Priya distinguishes between consent and crime (27:45) Final reflections on connection, continuing education, and the parents who turn tragedy into change   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.comTwitter/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: coldcase2004@gmail.comTwitter/X: @ColdCaseTipsFacebook: @sheryl.mccollumInstagram: @officialzone7podcast   📣 If this episode surprised you, share it. Follow the show, tell a friend, and leave a review. Your support helps others discover the science, the stories, and the heart behind Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Zone 7 Series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Content Warning: This episode contains discussion of a recent school shooting involving children, including descriptions of trauma, autopsy procedures, and emotional reactions. Listener discretion is advised.   In this episode, Dr. Priya Banerjee and Sheryl McCollum respond to the devastating school shooting in Minneapolis that claimed the lives of two young students and injured many others. Speaking as both a forensic pathologist and a mother, Dr. Priya walks through the real-time impact of mass shootings, from the chaos at the scene to the procedures carried out in the morgue. She explains how that space becomes a place of both science and sorrow, and why every wound, detail, and decision plays a role in honoring the victims and supporting their families.   Highlights (0:00) Sheryl McCollum and Dr. Priya open the episode with initial reactions to the Minneapolis school shooting (1:30) Dr. Priya reflects on the events of that day through the eyes of both a mother and a doctor (4:00) Chaos, triage, and the painful task of confirming a child's identity (7:00) Why autopsies matter, even when there's no case to prosecute (8:00) Supporting survivors while documenting a chaotic, still-active crime scene (9:30) How emergency contact forms and school records aid in identifying victims (10:45) The external exam: wounds, measurements, and heartbreaking details (12:45) Photographing and documenting every wound in detail (14:15) Motherhood and the job: how parenting reshaped their work, their lens, and their limits (18:45) Sheryl and Dr. Priya close the episode with final thoughts on responsibility and resilience   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.comTwitter/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: coldcase2004@gmail.comTwitter/X: @ColdCaseTipsFacebook: @sheryl.mccollumInstagram: @officialzone7podcast   📣 If this episode resonated with you, please follow the show, share it with someone, and consider leaving us a review. Your support helps others discover the science, stories, and heart behind Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Zone 7 Series.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Content Warning: This episode contains graphic descriptions of internal autopsy procedures, causes of death, and discussions of trauma, drug use, and infectious diseases. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode, Dr. Priya and Sheryl McCollum go beneath the skin to examine what internal findings reveal about how someone lived and what ultimately caused their death. From the first incision to the final look at the neck, Dr. Priya walks through each step of the internal autopsy, showing how the lungs, liver, stomach contents and brain tissue all contribute to a complete forensic picture. It's an unfiltered look at the science behind suspicious deaths and the small but critical findings that can change the course of a case. Whether it's an undiagnosed disease or unexpected toxins, nothing gets past a thorough autopsy.   Highlights (0:00) Welcome to Pathology with Dr. Priya | A Zone 7 Series (0:30) Honoring the legacy of Judge Frank Caprio (3:00) Making the first cut: the Y-incision and what it reveals (6:30) The process of removing weighing and inspecting organs (8:30) Clues in the lungs: smoking damage, silent infections, and signs of COVID (10:30) Why every case includes drug testing, no matter the age (11:30) What stomach contents can us about timing and intent (12:45) Reading the liver and spleen for signs of alcohol hepatitis in cancer (16:00) STDs beneath the surface: infections that quietly destroy (18:00) Detecting undiagnosed disease and hidden internal trauma (23:00) Inside the brain: swelling, strokes, and oxygen-starved tissue (25:15) The final step of the autopsy: what the neck can reveal   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.comTwitter/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: coldcase2004@gmail.comTwitter/X: @ColdCaseTipsFacebook: @sheryl.mccollumInstagram: @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 | A Zone 7 SeriesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A skeleton in the woods. A decade-old missing persons case. No clothing, no wallet—just scattered bones, a handgun, and one unusual clue: a custom brass belt buckle engraved with an eagle. It was the one thing friends and family could describe without hesitation, and it was all Dr. Priya Banerjee needed to confirm an identity and bring long-awaited closure. In this episode, Dr. Priya Banerjee joins Sheryl McCollum to explore how jewelry, tattoos, piercings, and other personal effects can crack a case wide open. From thin gold chains to infrared-revealed tattoos, shotgun-damaged accessories to telling purse contents, Dr. Priya recounts cases proving that meticulous documentation isn’t just procedure—it’s often the key to solving cases. Highlights (0:00) "Dead men do tell tales.” —the investigative value of jewelry, piercings, and tattoos (1:45) Purse contents: receipts, bus passes, and the kind of intel you can’t Google (4:00) The thin gold chain that confirmed an identity (5:30) Belt buckles don’t lie: solving a decade-old missing persons case (9:00) A John Doe’s everyday markers: custom belt buckle, company ring, 70s tattoos (10:30) Tattoos and piercings that shout “this is who I am”—from faith and hometown pride to game-day loyalties (17:30) Medical examiners and law enforcement: the investigative dream team   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.comTwitter/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: coldcase2004@gmail.comTwitter/X: @ColdCaseTipsFacebook: @sheryl.mccollumInstagram: @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 | A Zone 7 SeriesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.