Terra Newell is a survivor, podcaster, life coach, and victim advocate. Best known for her survival story involving John Meehan, as portrayed in the series Dirty John, Terra has turned her traumatic experience into a mission to help others. She focuses on empowering survivors, ethical storytelling in true crime, and mental health advocacy.

Listeners can learn more about Terra Newell on IG @terranewell

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, sits down with Terra Newell to recount the day she was forced to defend her life against her stepfather, John Meehan, in a story that shocked the world and inspired a popular television series, Dirty John. Terra recounts the day of the ambush, the years of manipulation leading up to it, and the aftermath of her self-defense actions that ultimately saved her life.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum
• (0:10) Background of guest, Terra Newell
• (2:30) Terra’s childhood in Orange County
• (7:00) The moment Terra's sister voiced concerns about John Meehan
• (7:45) Early red flags in John
• (11:30) Terra's first major confrontation with John
• (16:45) Hiring a private investigator to uncover Meehan’s past
• (27:00) The terrifying ambush in the parking lot
• (29:00) Terra’s detailed recollection of the fight for her life
• (35:30) Current projects and advocacy work
• (41:30) “The principle of self-defense, even involving weapons and bloodshed has never been condemned. Even by Gandhi.” -MLK
• Thanks for listening to another episode! If you love the show and want to help grow the show, please head over to iTunes and leave a rating and review!

---

Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an Emmy Award-winning CSI, a writer for CrimeOnLine, Forensic and Crime Scene Expert for Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, and a CSI for a metro Atlanta Police Department. She is the co-author of the textbook., Cold Case: Pathways to Justice. Sheryl is also the founder and director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, a collaboration between universities and colleges that brings researchers, practitioners, students and the criminal justice community together to advance techniques in solving cold cases and assist families and law enforcement with solvability factors for unsolved homicides, missing persons, and kidnapping cases.

Social Links:

• Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com
• Twitter: @ColdCaseTips
• Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today Nancy and Sheryl discuss a celebratorial update on the Melissa Wolfenbarger case. They recount the tragic discovery of Melissa's remains, the misidentification that stalled the case, and the recent arrest of her alleged killer. Sheryl and Nancy reflect on the impact of the case on Melissa's family, sharing poignant moments from their interactions with them. They also highlight the importance of advocating for victims of domestic violence and celebrate the long-awaited arrest in the case.

If you’re new to the CRU or Zone 7 and missed the beginning of Melissa Wolfenbarger's case episodes check out those out here:

Melissa Wolfenbarger: Norma and Tina Patton | Part 1

Melissa Wolfenbarger: Karyn Greer | Part 2

Melissa Wolfenbarger: Trace Sargent | Part 3

Melissa Wolfenbarger: Letters From Carl Patton | Part 4

Melissa Wolfenbarger: Victims of Carl Patton - Liddie Evans Children Speak | Part 5

Melissa Wolfenbarger: Joseph Scott Morgan’s Insight on Melissa’s Case | Part 6

Melissa Wolfenbarger: Continued - Joseph Scott Morgan’s Insight on Melissa’s Case | Part 7

Melissa Wolfenbarger: Dr. Angela Arnold Weighs In | Part 8

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup
• (0:30) Today’s CRU is the latest updates on The Melissa Wolfenbarger case
• (2:00) Reflection on the discovery and initial reactions
• (2:10) "We have worked this case for seven years, but the family has lived with it for 25."
• (3:00) Misidentification of remains
• (5:30) Melissa’s husband in custody
• (10:00) Details of the misidentification
• (11:00) Family reaction to the arrest
• (15:30) Reflection on the impact of advocacy
• (16:00) Closing thoughts and celebration of the arrest

---

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

In addition, Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, a daily show hosted by Grace, airs on SIRIUS XM’s Triumph Channel 111 and is downloadable as a podcast on all audio platforms - https://www.crimeonline.com/

Connect with Nancy:

X: @nancygrace

Instagram: @thenancygrace

Facebook: @nancygrace

Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an Emmy Award winning CSI, a writer for CrimeOnLine, Forensic and Crime Scene Expert for Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, and a CSI for a metro Atlanta Police Department. She is the co-author of the textbook., Cold Case: Pathways to Justice.

Connect with Sheryl:

Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com

X: @ColdCaseTips

Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On July 13, 2024, Donald Trump, a former president of the United States and at that time the Republican Party's presumptive nominee in the 2024 presidential election, survived an assassination attempt while addressing a campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania.

Guest Bio and Links:

Jim Rathmann is a decorated former Secret Service agent with an impressive career spanning from the gridiron to the front lines of presidential protection. Having protected numerous high-profile figures, including Barack Obama and Mitt Romney, Jim offers an unparalleled insight into the world of security and safety.

Resources:

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, brings former Secret Service agent, Jim Rathmann back to dissect one question: How could a 20-year-old with no military or police training pull off an assassination attempt against one of the most protected figures in the world? They discuss the security breaches and failures, the speculations and conspiracy theories, and the gaps in the assassination attempt. They touch on the dysfunctions and disconnects within the current systems and shed light on the critical role of the Secret Service in protecting our nation's most valuable assets.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum
• (0:10) Sheryl introduces Jim Rathmann back to Zone 7
• (2:00) Sheryl outlines the gaps in the assassination attempt
• (2:30) “How does a 20-year-old In days, pull this off against the best in the world?”
• (4:00) Security breaches and failures
• (6:20) Conspiracy theories and speculations
• (10:00) Austin Private Capital's suspicious trading activity
• (12:30) The man in the gray suit
• (17:00) The tactical communication center - communication breakdowns
• (20:00) The former director's testimony
• (24:00) The dysfunction and disconnect within the system currently
• (27:10) Credible foreign threats and vulnerabilities
• (31:00) The need to protect the United States
• (34:10) “We cannot afford to look weak, much less be weak.”
• (34:25) Jim’s latest tv show
• (38:30) Closing remarks
• Thanks for listening to another episode! If you love the show and want to help grow the show, please head over to iTunes and leave a rating and review!

---

Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an Emmy Award winning CSI, a writer for CrimeOnLine, Forensic and Crime Scene Expert for Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, and a CSI for a metro Atlanta Police Department. She is the co-author of the textbook., Cold Case: Pathways to Justice. Sheryl is also the founder and director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, a collaboration between universities and colleges that brings researchers, practitioners, students and the criminal justice community together to advance techniques in solving cold cases and assist families and law enforcement with solvability factors for unsolved homicides, missing persons, and kidnapping cases.

Social Links:

• • Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com
  • Twitter: @ColdCaseTips
  • Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

• Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nancy and Sheryl open today’s CRU by discussing the recent developments in the Delphi murder case involving Richard Allen. They dive into Allen's numerous confessions, the peculiar defense strategies involving Odinists, and the evidence used in court.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup
• (0:10) Today’s CRU topic is the latest on The Delphi Murders
• (1:15) Richard Allen's confessions
• (4:00) Defense strategy - odinists theory
• (11:00) Analysis of Richard Allen’s behavior in court
• (14:00) Monon high bridge
• (18:30) Reasons Richard Allen cannot claim mental illness

---

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

In addition, Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, a daily show hosted by Grace, airs on SIRIUS XM’s Triumph Channel 111 and is downloadable as a podcast on all audio platforms - https://www.crimeonline.com/

Connect with Nancy:

X: @nancygrace

Instagram: @thenancygrace

Facebook: @nancygrace

Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an Emmy Award winning CSI, a writer for CrimeOnLine, Forensic and Crime Scene Expert for Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, and a CSI for a metro Atlanta Police Department. She is the co-author of the textbook., Cold Case: Pathways to Justice.

Connect with Sheryl:

Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com

X: @ColdCaseTips

Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In October 2021 Alec Baldwin was rehearsing a scene for the Western movie "Rust" on the film's set in New Mexico when a gun he was holding discharged with live ammo. Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed and director Joel Souza was injured.

Guest Bio and Links:

Aphrodite Jones is a New York Times best-selling author who dissects bizarre murder cases and brings readers into the heart of crime. She also hosts the hit TV show True Crime with Aphrodite Jones, which is on Investigation Discovery and available on Amazon Prime. Listeners can learn more about Aphrodite at her website: aphroditejones.com/, or on X @Aphrodite_Jones

Resources:

WIN Aphrodite’s book: LEVI'S EYES: A Son's Deadly Secret and a Father's Cruel Betrayal

How to enter the contest:

Head over to iTunes and leave a rating and review. Be sure to provide your name or at least initials. Three winners will be chosen and announced Friday 8/02/24 on @sheryl_mac_mccollum’s Instagram story to receive a copy of Levi’s Eyes.

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, sits down with Aphrodite Jones to dissect the Alec Baldwin incident on the set of "Rust." They continue the conversation about the intricacies of the investigation, the roles of key individuals, and the legal implications of the tragic shooting incident. Lastly, Sheryl and Aphrodite compare other recent cases and ultimately how this will unfold for the justice system.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum
• (1:00) Roles and responsibilities on set
• (2:30) Unsafe set conditions
• (8:30) Tampering with evidence
• (12:30) Aphrodite discusses the lack of reporting of evidence
• (14:30) Comparisons to other cases
• (18:00) Ethical issues within the case
• (24:00) WIN Aphrodite’s book: LEVI'S EYES: A Son's Deadly Secret and a Father's Cruel Betrayal
• (25:00) “You alone turned a safe weapon into a lethal weapon. But for you, Ms. Hutchins would be alive. A husband would have his partner and a little boy would have his mother.” -J.M.M.S
• Thanks for listening to another episode! If you love the show and want to help grow the show, please head over to Itunes and leave a rating and review!

---

Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an Emmy Award winning CSI, a writer for CrimeOnLine, Forensic and Crime Scene Expert for Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, and a CSI for a metro Atlanta Police Department. She is the co-author of the textbook., Cold Case: Pathways to Justice. Sheryl is also the founder and director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, a collaboration between universities and colleges that brings researchers, practitioners, students and the criminal justice community together to advance techniques in solving cold cases and assist families and law enforcement with solvability factors for unsolved homicides, missing persons, and kidnapping cases.

Social Links:

• • Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com
  • Twitter: @ColdCaseTips
  • Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

• Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In October 2021 Alec Baldwin was rehearsing a scene for the Western movie "Rust" on the film's set in New Mexico when a gun he was holding discharged with live ammo. Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed and director Joel Souza was injured.

Guest Bio and Links:

Aphrodite Jones is a New York Times best-selling author who dissects bizarre murder cases and brings readers into the heart of crime. She also hosts the hit TV show True Crime with Aphrodite Jones, which is on Investigation Discovery and available on Amazon Prime. Listeners can learn more about Aphrodite at her website: aphroditejones.com/, or on X @Aphrodite_Jones

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, sits down with Aphrodite Jones to dissect the Alec Baldwin incident on the set of "Rust." Aphrodite covers the lack of safety measures, the negligence involved, and the fallout from the tragic shooting. They also provide a detailed account of how live ammunition ended up on set, the role of various crew members, and the broader implications for Hollywood.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum
• (0:10) Sheryl welcomes Aphrodite Jones back to Zone 7 to discuss the Alec Baldwin case
• (1:30) Overview of the Alec Baldwin case
• (5:00) Historical context of film set safety
• (7:30) Detailed breakdown of the incident
• (11:00) Legal ramifications and trials
• (18:00) Discussion on the responsibilities of producers and directors on set
• (19:30) The role of the armorer and mishandlings on the "Rust" set
• (25:30) Aphrodite's reflections on the human aspects of the tragedy
• (29:00) Discussion of drugs and alcohol used during filming
• (33:30) Tune in to part II to conclude the Alec Baldwin set discussion
• Thanks for listening to another episode! If you love the show and want to help grow the show, please head over to Itunes and leave a rating and review!

---

Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an Emmy Award winning CSI, a writer for CrimeOnLine, Forensic and Crime Scene Expert for Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, and a CSI for a metro Atlanta Police Department. She is the co-author of the textbook., Cold Case: Pathways to Justice. Sheryl is also the founder and director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, a collaboration between universities and colleges that brings researchers, practitioners, students and the criminal justice community together to advance techniques in solving cold cases and assist families and law enforcement with solvability factors for unsolved homicides, missing persons, and kidnapping cases.

Social Links:

• • Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com
  • Twitter: @ColdCaseTips
  • Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

• Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nancy and Sheryl open today’s CRU by recounting their experiences during the July 27th, 1996 bombing on Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, Georgia. They revisit the chaotic aftermath, the ensuing investigation, and the broader implications of the bombing. They also touch on the psychological toll on the responders, and the eventual capture of Eric Rudolph, who was responsible for multiple bombings.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome! Nancy and Sheryl introduce this week’s crime roundup
• (0:10) Sheryl gives an intro to the 1996 Olympic Bombing
• (1:00) Nancy Grace's initial reaction and chaos at the scene
• (5:20) Eric Rudolph's secondary devices and their dangers
• (11:30) The manhunt for Eric Rudolph
• (14:00) Preparations for future events
• (16:00) Closing thoughts

---

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

In addition, Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, a daily show hosted by Grace, airs on SIRIUS XM’s Triumph Channel 111 and is downloadable as a podcast on all audio platforms - https://www.crimeonline.com/

Connect with Nancy:

X: @nancygrace

Instagram: @thenancygrace

Facebook: @nancygrace

Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an Emmy Award winning CSI, a writer for CrimeOnLine, Forensic and Crime Scene Expert for Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, and a CSI for a metro Atlanta Police Department. She is the co-author of the textbook., Cold Case: Pathways to Justice.

Connect with Sheryl:

Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com

X: @ColdCaseTips

Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On July 13, 2024, Donald Trump, a former president of the United States and at that time the Republican Party's presumptive nominee in the 2024 presidential election, survived an assassination attempt while addressing a campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania.

Guest Bio and Links:

Jim Rathmann is a former Secret Service Agent who has protected Presidents, Vice Presidents, and other high-profile leaders worldwide.

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, talks with former Secret Service Agent Jim Rathmann about the recent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump. The conversation is not politically motivated but rather focuses on the potential failures and how they can be corrected to prevent such incidents in the future. With extensive experience protecting high-profile figures, Rathmann provides a unique and informed perspective on the event, discussing the importance of communication, drone usage, and other security measures that could have played a crucial role.

Show Notes:

• (0:00) Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum
• (0:20) Today’s Zone 7 is discussing the assassination attempt on former President, Donald Trump
• (1:25) Sheryl introduces former Secret Service agent, Jim Rathmann
• (3:30) Jim breaks down the security protocols of large events
• (10:30) Spotting issues and eliminating threats at events
• (14:00) Failures in communication identified
• (14:50) The Secret Service's response and human shield formation
• (22:30) Jim’s experience working with The Secret Service
• (26:30) The overlooked rooftop and line of sight
• (33:30) Lessons learned and moving forward
• (37:50) Sheryl gives tips to families at home specifically about how to talk to children about these types of events and the media involved
• Thanks for listening to another episode! If you love the show and want to help grow the show, please head over to iTunes and leave a rating and review!

---

Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an Emmy Award winning CSI, a writer for CrimeOnLine, Forensic and Crime Scene Expert for Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, and a CSI for a metro Atlanta Police Department. She is the co-author of the textbook., Cold Case: Pathways to Justice. Sheryl is also the founder and director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, a collaboration between universities and colleges that brings researchers, practitioners, students and the criminal justice community together to advance techniques in solving cold cases and assist families and law enforcement with solvability factors for unsolved homicides, missing persons, and kidnapping cases.

Social Links:

• • Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com
  • Twitter: @ColdCaseTips
  • Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

• Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.