The Los Angeles Police Department’s most infamous cold case, the Black Dahlia murder, has captivated public interest for decades. Recently, a fresh wave of theories suggests that Elizabeth Short, the victim, might have been killed by the same person who later identified himself as the Zodiac Killer.
In the latest episode of “Zone 7,” host Sheryl McCollum explores this intriguing hypothesis with insights from forensic pathologist Dr. Priya Banerjee and forensic psychologist Dr. Joni Johnston.
The experts argue that Elizabeth Short’s murder was characterized by intimate violence and rage, evident in the postmortem mutilation and staging of the body. In contrast, the Zodiac Killer’s crimes were methodical and goal-driven, resembling calculated executions rather than personal attacks.
During their discussion, they differentiate between modus operandi and psychological signatures, emphasizing that such behavioral signatures do not simply diminish over time. The experts encourage both civilians and law enforcement to question assumptions, rigorously examine claims, and leverage expert knowledge when the situation calls for it.
About the Guests:
Dr. Priya Banerjee is a highly regarded board-certified forensic pathologist, with a wealth of experience in death investigations, clinical forensics, and providing expert testimony in court. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University, she spent over ten years as Rhode Island’s state medical examiner and currently operates a private forensic pathology practice.
Dr. Joni Johnston is a forensic psychologist, private investigator, and crime writer. Her work includes prison and parole settings, court-related forensic services, workplace misconduct investigations, parole evaluations for mentally disordered offenders, and expert testimony in criminal and civil cases.
About the Host
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:
- X: @149Zone7
- Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum
- Instagram: @officialzone7podcast
- Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com
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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.
[Feature Photo: Elizabeth Short/U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation]
