In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator Sheryl McCollum welcomes back Susan Hendricks and Joe Giacalone to analyze the second trial of Karen Read—and folks, it’s a chaos.
They discuss how John O’Keefe deserved better, citing poor police work, mishandled evidence, and a justice system in decline. They scrutinize courtroom testimonies that lack consistency, highlight indications of investigative bias, and ponder the division in public opinion. With the second trial ongoing, they pose critical questions: Can this case truly be tried fairly? And what does it uncover about the underlying issues within the criminal justice system?
Joseph L. Giacalone is a retired NYPD sergeant, criminal justice educator, and nationally recognized expert in policing and investigations. With over 20 years of front-line experience, he now teaches criminal investigations and frequently appears in the media to discuss high-profile cases and law enforcement matters. He has also penned two widely used textbooks in the field.
Connect with Joseph at his website, and on his podcast True Crime with the Sarge
Susan Hendricks is an investigative journalist and host of Headline Crime. Known for her thoughtful and fearless reporting, she brings national attention to overlooked cases and failures in the justice system.
Listeners can learn more about Susan on IG @susan_hendricks, on X @susanhendricks, and on Headline Crime
Follow Susan on Instagram @susan_hendricks, on X @susanhendricks, and on Headline Crime.
[Feature Photo:Karen Read/LinkedIn and John O’Keefe/police handout]
