In February 2004, a scenic hiking path in Idaho transformed into a significant crime scene when 58 poisoned elk-meat “meatballs” were distributed across a region known for its wolf population.

The perpetrator’s aim? Eliminate the endangered gray wolves. What ensued was an exceptional investigation marked by forensic analysis, environmental expertise, and relentless determination.

In this installment of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator Sheryl McCollum and Ed Newcomer, a former special agent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, detail the forensic breakthroughs that linked the toxic substance, the elk meat, and even a pair of boots directly to the crime scene.

Along the way, you’ll hear how a rookie game warden’s decision to bag “yellow snow” ended up sealing the case.

About Ed Newcomer

Ed Newcomer served as a special agent with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for over two decades, working in Los Angeles and various international locations until his retirement in 2022.

Throughout his career, he led numerous high-profile wildlife trafficking investigations across all continents, including Antarctica, earning a reputation for capturing some of the most infamous wildlife criminals globally.

He has been honored with the Humane Law Enforcement Award from the Humane Society of the United States and has an impressive six Law Enforcement Awards from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles.

Listeners can learn more about Ed Newcomer on his podcast – Nature’s Secret Service, and on LinkedIn @EdNewcomer