ZONE 7 : The Photo, the Killer, and the Woman Who Got Away - Georgia Durante |

Summary

---

Podcast Summary: Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: ZONE 7 — "The Photo, the Killer, and the Woman Who Got Away" with Georgia Durante

Date: October 26, 2025
Host: Cheryl McCollum
Guest: Georgia Durante

---

Overview

This gripping episode centers on Georgia Durante—a former mob wheelman, model, and renowned stunt car driver—who shockingly discovers her own photo while watching a true crime documentary about serial killer Joseph Naso. The conversation delves into her unexpected connection to the killer, the chilling details of her near escape, and the mysteries that remain about why she survived while so many others did not. The episode explores trauma, survival, and the unresolved questions of Naso's crimes, with both Cheryl and Georgia contemplating a face-to-face confrontation with the killer.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Georgia’s Shocking Discovery

• Setting the Scene: Georgia was relaxing at home, ready to watch a crime show she’d DVR-ed: Death Row Confidential: Secrets of a Serial Killer (03:08).
• As she watches, she’s stunned to see her own photograph uncovered by detectives investigating Naso's murders, with police thinking she was one of his victims.
• “They pull this picture out of the ground that the serial killer had buried, and it was my picture… and they were trying to figure out which victim I was.” — Georgia Durante (03:29)

2. Who Was Joseph Naso?

• Naso was a photographer who became a notorious serial killer—confessing to 26 murders according to notes from a prison acquaintance.
• He targeted sex workers and vulnerable women in California and possibly linked to unsolved murders in Rochester, NY ("The Alphabet Killer") (08:52).

3. The Chilling Photo Shoot

• Georgia models for Naso around 1970–1972, possibly after being contacted through the Rochester Institute of Technology or due to her then-husband’s nightclub.
• Georgia does not recall the exact shoot but remembers his face and the woods setting.
• The photo: Unlike hundreds of others, Naso enlarges hers to 11x14, encases it, and buries it—a unique act among his works (10:32).
  • “He had pictures of hundreds of girls, but mine was the only one that he blew up and buried.” — Georgia Durante (10:32)
• Possible explanations: Her celebrity status as “the Kodak Girl,” her mob-affiliated husband, or simply that she wasn’t the typical vulnerable target Naso selected.

4. Could Georgia Have Been His Victim?

• Georgia reflects on why she wasn’t murdered. She speculates it might be because she was famous, and her disappearance would bring unwanted attention. Alternatively, her marriage to a mobster may have made her a dangerous target (06:07, 07:20).
• “Maybe by killing me would bring more attention to him.” — Georgia Durante (05:53)
• Cheryl reiterates Naso’s usual victim profile: marginalized women often overlooked by society.

5. Plans for a Prison Confrontation

• Georgia expresses a desire to meet Naso in person and ask why he didn’t kill her, believing his ego might lure him into a confession (08:28, 10:58).
• She contemplates using flattery or playing to his ego to get answers, even humorously considering invoking serial killer statistics (“Bundy killed 36, Gacy killed 38…”).
• “Maybe I killed him with kindness or something.” — Georgia Durante (10:38)
• “If I do have the opportunity…‘Joe, you’re 92, you’re gonna die soon. Don’t you want to go out on top?’” — Georgia Durante (11:18)

6. Unsolved Murders & Renewed Investigations

• Naso’s diaries and notes from a fellow inmate are reigniting investigations into unsolved cases, like the "Alphabet Murders" in Rochester, where Naso lived in the early 1970s (08:52).
• The authorities continue attempting to match his photographs and diary clues to victims.

7. The Survivors’ Club

• Georgia relates a story of another woman who escaped Naso after offering him food during the shoot, wondering if her own potato recipe story might be connected to her survival (14:55).
  • “She said, I think it was the chicken soup that saved my life…Maybe she gave him chicken soup, I gave him chicken soup for the soul…” — Georgia Durante (15:20)

8. Cold Case Detective’s Reaction

• Georgia proactively contacts the cold case detective working on the case to clarify her identity.
  • “I found his website and I emailed him: the woman you think is a victim from Mount Tam is me…That is not who you think it is.” — Georgia Durante (13:34)
• The detective is astounded and relieved by her message.
  • “He said, ‘You have no idea how many nights I’ve been up trying to figure out who you were… I am so thankful you’re still living.’” — Georgia Durante (25:05)

9. Psychological Analysis & the FBI Profiler

• Cheryl promises that her friend, retired FBI profiler Julia Cowley, will provide professional insights into Naso’s possible motives.
• Cheryl surmises that Naso may have seen Georgia as unattainable or “the one that got away” (24:51).

10. Personal Impact and Courage

• Georgia remarks on the surreal nature of her life, how friends joke, “Only you!” (26:01).
• Despite others’ warnings about the dangers of facing Naso or his “followers,” Georgia feels undeterred: “That doesn’t faze me at all.” (28:37)
• Cheryl and Georgia discuss the importance of confronting the past and reclaiming the narrative, noting how this chapter would add to Georgia’s already incredible life story.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Georgia’s Shock:
  “Here you are at home in the bed, lights are out…and you’re looking at your own photograph.”
  — Cheryl McCollum (04:45)

• On Naso’s Victims:
  “He kind of chose women that were prostitutes and drug addicts and, you know, women that wouldn’t necessarily be missed... Maybe by killing me would bring more attention.”
  — Georgia Durante (05:50)

• On the Unique Photo:
  “He had pictures of hundreds of girls, but mine was the only one that he blew up and buried.”
  — Georgia Durante (10:32)

• On Confronting Naso:
  “I wanna go into the prison. I want to see this guy face to face, and I want to ask him why he didn’t kill me.”
  — Georgia Durante (08:15)

• Detective’s Response:
  “He said, ‘You have no idea how many nights I’ve been up trying to figure out who you were…’”
  — Georgia Durante (25:05)

• Cheryl on Georgia’s Character:
  “You handled it like you’ve handled everything, with such good humor, with grace, and just saying, hey, I’m gonna confront this head on.”
  — Cheryl McCollum (28:11)

---

Important Timestamps

• Georgia’s Discovery (03:08 – 04:45): Georgia recounts seeing her photo on TV.
• Naso’s Profile and Georgia’s Theories (05:50 – 07:44): Why she might not have been killed.
• Desire to Confront Naso (08:15 – 10:58): Georgia’s plan to face the serial killer.
• Alphabet Killer Discussion (08:52): Possible link to Rochester murders.
• The Unique Photograph (10:32): Significance of the photo Naso buried.
• Cold Case Detective Contacted (13:34): Georgia reaches out, resolves at least one mystery.
• Survivor Anecdotes (14:55): Chicken soup story and possible links.
• FBI Profiler Julia Cowley’s Role (21:21, 22:03): Bringing in expert analysis.
• Detective’s Relief (25:05): Heartfelt reaction to Georgia’s survival.
• Themes of Survival & Moving Forward (28:37): Georgia’s courage in confronting the past.

---

Episode Conclusion

Cheryl closes with a quote from Joseph Naso’s 2013 trial, highlighting the killer’s denial:

“I am not the monster that killed these women. I dated, I danced, I took pictures. But I don’t kill people and there’s no evidence of that.” — Joseph Naso, self-rep at trial (32:36)

Cheryl expresses admiration for Georgia’s courage and determination. The episode concludes with plans for Georgia and Cheryl to pursue answers—possibly via a prison visit and expert criminal profiling—continuing the search for closure in one of crime’s most chilling survivor stories.

---

This episode is a riveting exploration of trauma, close calls, survivor's guilt, the ongoing search for truth in serial crime cases, and the power of confronting the past head-on.

---

Transcript

[Cheryl McCollum]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Podcast Advertiser / Narrator]

Starring Academy Award winner Patricia Arquette and Jason Clark. The new Hulu Original series Murdoch Death in the Family dives into secrets, deception, murder and the fall of a powerful Southern dynasty. Inspired by shocking actual events and drawing from reporting by Mandy Matney in her hit podcast, this series brings the drama to the screen like never before. Watch the Hulu Original Series Murdoch Death in the Family now streaming on Hulu and Hulu on Disney plus for bundled subscribers. Terms apply with diabetes, everyday decisions feel like a mystery without a solution. But with Dexcom G7, the most accurate CGM system, you can quickly and easily see your glucose in real time on your phone, helping you make confident decisions that keep your glucose levels in range and lower your A1C, which can help protect your long term health. Dexcom G7 gives you the knowledge to better control diabetes today for healthier tomorrows. Start your healthier [e-mail] knowledge dexcom data on file. For full prescribing information on risks, benefits and compatible smart devices, visit Dexcom.com Hey.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile. Now I don't know if you've heard, but Mint's Premium Wireless is $15 a month. But I'd like to offer one other perk. We have no stores. That means no small talk. Crazy weather we're having. No, it's not. It's just weather. It is an introvert's dream. Give it a [e-mail] Switch upfront payment.

[Mint Mobile Advertiser]

Of $45 for 3 month plan, $15 per month equivalent required. New customer offer first 3 months only.

[Cauliflower Food Advertiser]

Then full price plan options available, taxes and fees extra.

[Cheryl McCollum]

SeamanMobile.com Zone 7 welcomes back Georgia Durante. Y' all remember Georgia. She's the former wheel man of the mob, former model and former stunt car driver for TV and the movies. She has had a fascinating life. But tonight she joins us with an unbelievable story, an addition to her life that you are not going to believe. Y', all, it ain't like her life wasn't already interesting, okay? Georgia had to go and make it even more just shocking. So you know when there's a new true crime documentary and you plan your whole evening around it, you get your snacks ready, you put your phone on mute, you snuggle up with your dog, you tell your friends and family that, hey, we're going to be in a group chat. We're going to talk about this new documentary. That's what Georgia was doing, just relaxing, watching a serial killer show like we all do. Georgia, tell them what happened?

[Georgia Durante]

Well, got my jammies on. Got all ready to watch a good crime show. It was called Death Row Confidential Secrets of a Serial Killer. I had taped it the week before so I wouldn't miss it, you know? So anyway, I get in bed, turn the TV on after a long day, and they're showing how this serial killer had killed 26 women. And they were trying to figure out, I guess he had a cellmate or a guy that used to meet him for lunch in the yard every day. And he started telling him about all the murders that he committed. And this guy took notes, and as soon as he got back to his cell, he wrote down everything that he said. He didn't miss any. After 10 years of taking these notes, he gets a hold of the cold case detective and turns the notes over to him so he can try to match these victims up to who they knew was missing, right? So all of a sudden, they pull this picture out of the ground that the serial killer had buried, and it was my picture, and they thought I was a victim, and they were trying to figure out which victim I was.

[Cheryl McCollum]

Now, Georgia, hold on. Hold on. I'm just telling you. That's one of those things. Like, the call is coming from inside the house. I mean, here you are at home in the bed, lights are out, snuggled in, and you're looking at your own photograph.

[Georgia Durante]

And the thing was, is that this guy, he was a photographer. His name was Joseph Nassau. He hired me 50 years ago, and he had me out in the woods, and he took this picture and blew it up to an 11 by 14. And he buried it. It's the only picture he buried. And now I'm thinking, why didn't he kill me? He had me in the woods. You know, the only thing I could think of, he. He kind of chose women that were prostitutes and drug addicts and, you know, women that wouldn't necessarily be missed. And at that time, I was the Kodak girl. I was on TV every day. I was, like, in the newspapers, you know, doing ads. And so maybe I was, too. Maybe by killing me would bring more attention to him.

[Cheryl McCollum]

Definitely. That would definitely have happened. Yes. No question. Now, let me ask you. Do you remember this photo shoot?

[Georgia Durante]

I don't remember the shoot, but I remember the outfit, and I remember him. I remember his face. I mean, I could see having a conversation with him. I mean, he's that. That familiar. Yeah. But I don't actually remember the actual shoot or why we were shooting anything, because he wasn't a Kodak photographer. He wasn't one of the photographers, you know, that were, you know, they were always there that you always worked for, you know. And another reason could be Rochester Institute of Technology, where it was a photography school. Sometimes the students would call because they want to build up their portfolio and I would model for them. Could have been that, or I had a nightclub with my husband at the time. And he could have come in there, I could have met him there. And that would be another reason why he wouldn't do anything. Because my husband was a mob guy.

[Cheryl McCollum]

That's right.

[Georgia Durante]

He knew that he'd be taking his life in his own hands, right?

[Cheryl McCollum]

That's right. So you do remember, though, because I've seen the photographs and the photographs are beautiful. You're clearly in the woods, like remotely. And, you know, you didn't really know this person. How crazy is it that you're the only photograph he kept?

[Georgia Durante]

Well, it's driving me crazy. It really is. Now, this was on the Oxygen Channel. Dick Wolf's production company did this. And they're asking me if I would like to do a follow up. They will do another episode talking about just what we're talking about. And I said to them, I want to go into the prison. I want to see this guy face to face, and I want to ask him why he didn't kill me.

[Cheryl McCollum]

Right on.

[Georgia Durante]

Because I gotta know. I really got. Am I gonna. For the rest of my life I'm gonna wonder, you know.

[Cheryl McCollum]

That's right. Yeah. No, I think you absolutely need to meet with him.

[Georgia Durante]

And you know what I thought. Cause, you know, I read a little bit about him and he's got a pretty big ego. So the first thing I would say when I walk in is, hey, Joe, remember me?

[Cheryl McCollum]

That's right. And you know, he kept diaries. So there could be some information about you that maybe hasn't been released yet that's in those diaries.

[Georgia Durante]

Well, see, this is another thing that they're discovering by the diaries. At that time. Back in like the 72, 73, we had a serial killer in Rochester and this guy was killing women with the same initials. Darlene Drennan, Carol Comer, you know, they had the same first and last initials. They dubbed him the. The Alphabet Killer, but they never caught him. Now, they always suspected him, but they never had proof that it was him. Then he moved to California is where he did all the rest of the murders. Couple in Las Vegas too. So anyway, now with the guy's notes, he is. He's talking about different things that he did in Rochester where He picked up these girls and everything. So now, you know, they're doing. They're opening up that whole case again back in Rochester.

[Cheryl McCollum]

Absolutely. Because he did live there at the time. You're absolutely right. And, you know, just in case everybody is not completely clear that he did, in fact, take pictures of you, I do want to mention, not only did he have this photograph that he took the time to put in some kind of encasement, like a jar that he buried, which has taken even more time to make sure that he, you know, would know where this was decades later. He had the negatives from the photo shoot.

[Georgia Durante]

He had pictures of hundreds of girls, but mine was the only one that he blew up and buried.

[Cheryl McCollum]

Your photo shoot happened between 1970 and 1971? Somewhere in that period of time.

[Georgia Durante]

Or 72.

[Cheryl McCollum]

Or 72.

[Georgia Durante]

Okay.

[Cheryl McCollum]

And, you know, if you do get to meet with him, if he will meet with you, he may remember. It may shock you how much he remembers about you.

[Georgia Durante]

Well, I was going to just bring, like, a small photograph of what he buried, if he didn't remember, and show it to him, and that would spark his memory for sure. But also because he's got such a large ego, I was going to. I don't know, I may have just charmed him. I don't know, maybe I killed him with kindness or something. But I'm going to say to him, if I do have the opportunity to meet him, I'm going to say, you know, Joe, you're 92 years old, said you're going to die soon. So don't you want to go out on top? I mean, ted Bundy killed 36 women. Gacy killed 38. Don't you want to, like, add them up a little bit and.

[Cheryl McCollum]

Let'S confess to me, Jo.

[Georgia Durante]

The Rochester. The Rochester murders. Come on. You know, I used to go see that.

[Cheryl McCollum]

No, I think that's valid. But you know what? It could be. It could be you were the most famous person he ever photographed. I mean, you were super famous. You did Kodak, but you also did Virginia Slim. You did other commercials that were huge in the 70s.

[Georgia Durante]

Yeah, well, the biggest thing in the 70s was the life size cutout of the summer, the Summer Girl poster. That was all in all the camera stores and drugstores all over the world.

[Cheryl McCollum]

Right. So, I mean, you had to be the most famous person he ever took a picture of.

[Georgia Durante]

Maybe. I don't know. He had a lot of pictures there.

[Cheryl McCollum]

But was anybody else somebody you knew? Was anybody else a major? That's what I'm thinking no.

[Georgia Durante]

He used to put ads in the paper in California for. For models, and people would answer the ads, and that's how he got most of the girls. But I don't know what. I just. I'm still flabbergasted. I. I can't even. You don't know.

[Cheryl McCollum]

You've got to be. No, you've got to be.

[Georgia Durante]

And seeing your picture and they think you're a victim.

[Cheryl McCollum]

Oh, it's horrible. It's horrible. And to me, it would be a little. I don't know, it would freak me out to think this guy had a picture of me that he blew up and he buried and Lord knows what else he kept. I mean, he kept the negatives, but, I mean, maybe he had other pictures that he carried in his wallet. Who knows what he did?

[Georgia Durante]

What I did was I tried to find that Cold Case detective, and I figured out what his name was, and I Googled him and I found his website and I emailed him and I said, the. The woman that you think is a victim from Mount Tam is me. I said, that is me. That is not who you think it is. Because what they did was they did a facial recognition and they came up with this other girl who didn't look anything like that picture, Right? And. And so I said, your facial recognition is not working. That is not that girl. But he said the next episode that they. They aired last Saturday was they showed that picture to the mother of that victim, and she said that was not her daughter. But it's still a mystery. They haven't answered the question of who this woman is. So if they do this other series, they've got to get the green light from oxygen to go ahead and do it, then they'll be able to explain about that picture.

[Cheryl McCollum]

Well, you know, you're right. His other victims were sex workers. They were strangled, and they were dumped in rural areas, the same type of area he photographed you in.

[Georgia Durante]

Another interesting thing was somebody sent me an article of one of the girls that he didn't kill. He was photographing her. And she said she actually testified in his trial, but when he was photographing her, she said, you know, he started out very nice and pleasant, and then he had a pair of socks with a hole in it and wanted me to wear. And when I refused to wear them, that's when he got, like, a little aggressive and his whole tone changed. And I guess they were filming in her apartment, and so she made him some homemade chicken soup. She said, he loved that soup. He was so happy to have that soup. And she said, I think it was the chicken soup that saved my life. Then I thought, huh, I actually. And I couldn't remember what photographer it was, but he had a studio set up in his apartment and we did a shoot. And when we were done shooting, he was making this potato recipe. And he taught me how to make it. And every time I make it, I always think of this guy, but I can't remember who it was. But that could have been him. That could have been. Maybe she gave him chicken soup. I gave him chicken soup for the soul, you know, I don't know.

[Anna Bay Advertiser]

It starts like any other night. The glass of red, the. The cozy blanket. Then the drop. The stain so dark, so stubborn, it might as well have been a crime scene. But this isn't your average couch. This is Anna Bay. Fully washable, unspeakably comfortable, and ready for whatever your life, your kids or your ex throws at it. And here's the kicker. Starting at just 6:99, you can make sure your sofa isn't part of the problem. Fully washable, stain resistant, and built to hide even the darkest defenses. Right now, get up to 60% off with their early access Black Friday sale because no one should have to live with a stain that won't quit. Annabe the only mystery you won't be losing sleep over shop washablesofas.com today, that's washablesofas.com.

[Podcast Advertiser / Narrator]

Starring Academy Award winner Patricia Arquette and Jason Clark Murdoch. Death in the Family is a new Hulu original series that explores the unraveling of a Southern dynasty through a deadly boat crash, double homicide, and a massive embezzlement scheme. Inspired by shocking actual events, the dramatized series draws from reporting by Mandy Matney, creator of the popular podcast that followed one of the most twisted crime sagas in recent history. This gripping series brings the drama to life like never before. It's a story of secrets, deception and murder. Watch the Hulu original series Murdoch Death in the Family. Now streaming on Hulu and Hulu on Disney. For bundled subscribers terms apply.

[Grand Canyon University Advertiser]

Big thank you to our partner making today's crime stories possible. It's Grand Canyon University, a private Christian university in beautiful Phoenix, Arizona. Grand Canyon University believes we are endowed by our creator with certain unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. GCU believes in equal opportunity and that the American dream starts with purpose. GCU equips you to serve others in ways that promote human flourishing and create a ripple effect of transformation for generations to come. By putting others before yourself to glorify God. Whether your pursuit involves a bachelor's, master's, or Even doctoral degree, GCU's online on campus and hybrid learning environments are designed to help you achieve your unique academic, personal and professional Goals. With over 340 academic programs as of September 2024, find your purpose at Grand Canyon University Private, Christian, affordable. Visit gcu.edu. thank you Grand Canyon University for being our partner.

[Podcast Advertiser / Narrator]

When someone's told they have diabetes, it can feel like their life has changed completely. Decisions about what to eat, what activities to do, and what's going to happen in the future can feel like a mystery with no solution. But with Dexcom G7, the number one most accurate CGM system, you can quickly and easily see where your glucose is, where it's been and where it's headed in real time without finger sticks. This allows you to make confident decisions about food, activities and even medications so you can keep your glucose levels in range and even lower your A1C which helps protect your long term health. Dexcom G7 is the most covered CGM brand at pharmacy and is the most recommended CGM brand by both patients and doctors. Dexcom G7 gives you the knowledge to better control diabetes today. For healthier tomorrows, start your healthier [e-mail] knowledge dexcom data on file Finger sticks required if symptoms or expectations don't match readings. For full prescribing information on risks, benefits and a list of compatible smart devices, visit dexcom.com well, the good thing is.

[Cheryl McCollum]

If he is, you know, the Alphabet killer, your initials didn't match. You didn't have the same first and last initial. That might have helped too because you know, when he's confessing to these 26 women, even in his diary there's 10 women that are unnamed. And then he's got these photographs that are horrible that they're trying to match up. To see who are these victims. Can we put a name to any of the faces?

[Georgia Durante]

Right, and that was just the 10 that, that he said were his top 10. But they weren't just the 10.

[Cheryl McCollum]

That's right. That's right. Well, listen, you know, you and I can sit here and talk all night about why we think he did what he did, but I would be putting a lot of my experience in education and I'd be guessing, but I did reach out to my buddy Julia Cowley. Julia is a retired FBI profiler and she has a podcast called the Consult and it's a group of friends and they're all FBI trained profilers and they're going to look at this for you, to give you a solid answer.

[Georgia Durante]

Oh, God, that'd be great.

[Cheryl McCollum]

Won't that be wonderful?

[Georgia Durante]

Yeah.

[Cheryl McCollum]

And let me tell you, she's so smart. Oh, my gosh. When I tell you she's one of the smartest people I've ever worked on a case with, she's got information and insight like nobody else. And hopefully she can put a little bit of your trepidation to rest. She can maybe tell you that he was in love with you, didn't wanna kill you. Who knows? But we're gonna let her take it from here. But, you know, I think you and I, we need to get in the truck and drive up to the prison.

[Georgia Durante]

Yeah.

[Cheryl McCollum]

I think you walking in there, I think it would do you a lot of good.

[Georgia Durante]

Yeah. Now, they said they can't bring the cameras in there. And if we did, he wouldn't talk. If it was just me, one on one with him, he may open up.

[Cheryl McCollum]

Yeah. I think it needs to be just you. Not for tv. I think it needs to be for you. Only you, by you. Is there anything else they have told you about him that made you have a memory? Made you think, hey, wait a minute. Is where he took me in the woods where he dropped a body? Or did he get you to drive your own car? And meeting there, did he pick you up and take you? How did that happen? Or do you just not remember at all?

[Georgia Durante]

I don't remember at all, but I would usually. I would usually, you know, meet them at the location, whatever, you know. But I think what I'm holding there is corn stalks. Like. Like the end of the season, you know how they just. That's what it looks like to me. It looks like corn stalks.

[Cheryl McCollum]

Well, the pictures are gorgeous, I'm gonna tell you that.

[Georgia Durante]

Oh, thanks, honey.

[Cheryl McCollum]

But, I mean, something kind of freaky about it now, isn't it?

[Georgia Durante]

Yes.

[Cheryl McCollum]

Well, when you were doing all the work with Kodak and all the other things you were doing in the TV and the movies, I guess for me there's such a. I have to go back in my head. And again, I'm gonna let Julia, you know, do her thing. But I can't imagine if, in fact, you were the most famous person that he ever dealt with and privately got to, you know, have you in a photo shoot and kept those negatives and, you know, took it a step further. To me, maybe, hopefully, you were more like the unattainable. You were married. You were married to a mobster. So he wasn't going to be able to get to you anyway, you weren't going to leave your husband for him. It wasn't like he could really stand a shot with you. So maybe it just stayed in this, you know, she was, you know, the one I chased. She's the one I fantasized about, but was never going to hurt you.

[Georgia Durante]

The one that got away.

[Cheryl McCollum]

The one that got away, yes. Yeah, I mean, straight up, I mean, that to me is what it almost sounds like, you know. Now, you sent an email and the detective did call you back.

[Georgia Durante]

Yes. And he was like, just flabbergasted. He said, oh, my God. He says, you have no idea how many nights I've been up trying to figure out who you were. He said, I am so thankful you're still living.

[Cheryl McCollum]

He said, and it's psalm. That is unbelievable. And, you know, this is a good lesson for people. When you're doing a show or you're working a cold case, you don't ever know who you might freak out or upset, you know, so, you know, it's a good lesson, I think, for all of us just to say, hey, do you know this person? Instead of putting it, you know, hey, we think she's dead, you know?

[Georgia Durante]

Yeah.

[Cheryl McCollum]

Yeah. It could have been a little gentler.

[Georgia Durante]

Wow. Well, it was so bizarre. But you know what all of my friends say? Only you.

[Cheryl McCollum]

Only you. Only you.

[Georgia Durante]

Yep.

[Cheryl McCollum]

Only you. Because I'll tell you, even when I first heard your story, the, you know, years and years ago, I'm like, man, you know, the 14 year old me was so jealous if I could have driven a car for the mob. I mean, unbelievable. And then to become a stunt car, I mean, I don't think there's anything cooler. Max and I were talking about that right before you came on. And even Max was like, yeah. I mean, driving through fire, skidding on a wet road, doing a 360, jumping a ramp. I mean, it just sounds like heaven. And again, your life has been so. Just out of this world. Fascinating. And you think, well, that's it, you know, I've done all that cool stuff. And then bam.

[Georgia Durante]

Just when I thought of it, it was over, Right?

[Cheryl McCollum]

Yep. You were just going to have a quiet little, you know. No, not Georgia, honey. So again with Julia, what I think they're going to be able to help you understand is they will be able to get into his head. They will understand his pattern, they will understand how he selected victims, and they will be able to give you some solid answers.

[Georgia Durante]

That would be so fantastic. Are you going to let her listen to this show so she can go from there or what?

[Cheryl McCollum]

Yes, I actually invited her to be with us tonight, but she couldn't. She had a prior engagement. And so what's going to probably happen, I'm just going to give it to her, and then probably what you'll do is have an episode on her podcast where they can have you on and then break down everything they did to explain it to everybody.

[Georgia Durante]

And that would be great.

[Cheryl McCollum]

I know. And we can listen to it on the way to the prison.

[Georgia Durante]

Yeah, you're gonna come with me for sure.

[Cheryl McCollum]

Oh, no doubt. I'm driving. Are you kidding? And I'm gonna wait out there and just be on pins and needles till you get out. But absolutely, I'm going with you. There's no doubt about it. But I'll tell you something, Georgia, I have always admired you. And you know, part of the thing that's happening now, I know this was scary. I know this was one of those things that you're biorhythms changed, you know, but you handled it like you've handled everything with such good humor, with grace, and just saying, hey, I'm gonna confront this head on. I mean, let's sit with him. I mean, I think that's just a testament to who you are.

[Georgia Durante]

Well, everybody's telling me, don't do it. Don't go there. You know, these people have people on the outside or there's copycats and stuff like that. You know, that. That doesn't faze me at all.

[Cheryl McCollum]

Listen, he worked alone. Ain't nobody thinking about him. He has nobody on the outside. He doesn't. That I can flat tell you. I mean, nobody's. He has no power. The power sits with you. And the only reason for you to go there and sit with him is for your own just comfort and just being aware that, okay, this happened, that I just want to know why. What were you thinking? I honestly think he will tell you. I do.

[Georgia Durante]

I think he will. I don't know if he'll open up about the murders back then, but I think he will tell me that if.

[Cheryl McCollum]

Anybody can get him to talk, it's going to be you. Because, listen, my granddaddy used to tell us, if you want to know whether or not a boy likes you, pay attention to what he does and doesn't do. If he's not going out of his way to call you or come see you or remember your birthday, it'll be obvious he took extra steps to preserve your picture that he blew up to me. Now, again, I'm gonna let Julia do her thing. But to me, when a man takes extra steps, that's important. So I wouldn't ignore that fact.

[Georgia Durante]

And buried it. And buried it. That freaks me out.

[Cheryl McCollum]

And buried it. Well, it could be. Now, listen. Now, I will say this. I feel two ways about it. It does kind of freak me out on one hand. But on the other hand, there are people that bury money. They bury treasure. They bury things that are important to them. They bury things they want to keep and have them be pristine. So, again, I'm going to let Julia do her thing. But it could be, again, because of the way he felt about you.

[Georgia Durante]

Well, I'll be interested. I'll be interested in. To see how she breaks us all apart and puts it all together.

[Cheryl McCollum]

Oh, me too. Me too. And again, that's why I don't wanna guess. I don't wanna give you my two cents. Cause, I mean, that's about worth two cents. I want Julia and company to take a look at it. Because then again, you will have solid, definitive, factual information.

[Georgia Durante]

Well, I really appreciate that. That's really super you're doing that.

[Cheryl McCollum]

All right. I appreciate you. And we're going to make plans to get up to the prison, and when we get off here, we'll start picking a date.

[Georgia Durante]

Okay.

[Cheryl McCollum]

Well, I appreciate you so much. And you just. You know, this is going to be such an asterisk to your book. It's crazy.

[Georgia Durante]

October 1st, they're going to Amazon, Hulu, and one other. And then on the 20th is gonna be Netflix. So just keep your fingers crossed that one of them pick it up and this'll be another episode.

[Cheryl McCollum]

Well, I've told you for years, it's got to be. And this one is gonna be one of those episodes. People are like, no way. You gotta be kidding. But, nope, it happened. Cause, honey, when you called me, I had not watched it. I hadn't seen this documentary. And when you first called me and you were like, you're not gonna believe this. I'm sitting there, I'm watching this true crime documentary about a serial killer, and then my picture pops up. I'm like, wait a minute. What? Like, I couldn't even process what you were telling me because it was just unbelievable. But, hey, here's the other cool thing with one of the possible crimes. You solved it.

[Georgia Durante]

That's right. I did say you solved that part of the puzzle.

[Cheryl McCollum]

For sure you did. This is not a cold case. Cause, you know, when we ever. Anytime we ever have a call out, the first thing we have to do is determine whether a crime has been committed. So the very first step in investigation.

[Georgia Durante]

You did it.

[Cheryl McCollum]

No crime here. Perfect, y'.

[Georgia Durante]

All.

[Cheryl McCollum]

I'm gonna end Zone 7 the way that I always do, with a quote. I am not the monster that killed these women. I dated, I danced, I took pictures. But I don't kill people and there's no evidence of that. Joseph Nazzo representing himself at trial in 2013. I'm Cheryl McCollum and this is Zone.

[Podcast Advertiser / Narrator]

With diabetes, everyday decisions feel like a mystery without a solution. But with Dexcom G7, the most accurate CGM system, you can quickly and easily see your glucose in real time on your phone, helping you make confident decisions that keep your glucose levels in range and lower your A1C, which can help protect your long term health. Dexcom G7 gives you the knowledge to better control diabetes today. For healthier tomorrows Start your healthier [e-mail] knowledge data on file. For full prescribing information on risks, benefits and compatible smart devices, visit dexcom.com A.

[Mint Mobile Advertiser]

Dudley board certified OB GYN, an endocrinologist doctor, a naturopathic and licensed acupuncture doctor and a certified health coach Walk into a room. What are they talking about? GLP1, of course, but more specifically the difference between the synthetic version of your body's own hormone that are prescribed by doctors nationwide versus metabolism ignite product, which naturally increases your body's GLP1 by 55%. GLP1 slows digestion leading to bloating and discomfort versus metabolism ignite which supports your digestion and gut health. GLP1 side effects can lead to nausea, fatigue and muscle loss, whereas method Metabolism Ignite is powered by plants and there are no side effects. Some long term results of GLP1 links to weight gain after stopping the synthetic drug, which has been proven in multiple studies. In comparison to Metabolism Ignite, there is no weight regain and this product supports metabolic health. The prognosis these three medical practitioners all agree upon? Visit veracityselfcare.com and receive 15% off your first purchase with promo code iHeart.

[Cauliflower Food Advertiser]

New school year, new routines and somehow your calendar is already full. When life gets hectic, Cauliflower's got your back. We make the food you crave made better for you like thin and crispy cauliflower crust pizzas, all natural chicken tenders and nostalgic pizza snacks ready in minutes and something the whole family can agree on. Cauliflower is available in freezer aisles nationwide. Visit eatcolipower.com to find a store near you.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Mint is still $15 a month for premium wireless. And if you haven't made the switch yet, here are 15 reasons why you should 1. It's $15 a month.

[Podcast Advertiser / Narrator]

2.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Seriously, it's $15 a month.

[Cheryl McCollum]

3.

[Ryan Reynolds]

No big contracts.

[Cheryl McCollum]

4.

[Ryan Reynolds]

I use it.

[Podcast Advertiser / Narrator]

5.

[Ryan Reynolds]

My mom uses it.

[Anna Bay Advertiser]

Are you.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Are you playing me off? That's what's happening, right? Okay, give it a try. @mintmobile.com Switch upfront payment of $45 for.

[Mint Mobile Advertiser]

3 month plan, $15 per month equivalent required. New customer offer first 3 months only.

[Cauliflower Food Advertiser]

Then full price plan options available, taxes and fees extra.

[Cheryl McCollum]

C mintmobile.com this is an iHeart podcast.