In this week’s episode of “Zone 7,” Sheryl McCollum talks with author and investigative reporter Casey Sherman about the murder of his aunt, Mary Sullivan, long believed to be the final victim of the Boston Strangler, and the lasting impact her murder had on his family.
Casey explains why his family has long questioned the official story, pointing to evidence that, in his view, complicates what many people think they know about the case.
Their conversation touches on DNA analysis, missing confession tapes, and alternate suspects that Casey believes raise serious questions about Albert DeSalvo’s role in the murders.
Guest Bio
Casey Sherman is a New York Times bestselling-author and investigative reporter known for revisiting major crimes and historic tragedies.
He is the author of “A Rose for Mary,” which examines the murder of his aunt, Mary Sullivan, and the lingering questions surrounding the Boston Strangler case.
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 case include, in part, The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, and Tupac Shakur. McCollum’s work on 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.
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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: Detectives inspect cell from which Albert DeSalvo, 35, self-styled Boston Strangler escaped early today, Feb. 24, 1967 at Bridgewater, Mass. State Hospital. (AP Photo)]
