In this week’s episode of Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum welcomes Julie Grant for a special Legend Series conversation about her path from journalism to the courtroom and the commitment to justice that drives her today. As a former prosecutor and Court TV host, Julie discusses her advocacy for domestic violence survivors, explaining how systemic failures, including those seen in the Gabby Petito case, leave victims vulnerable. She also shares her philosophy on justice-centered prosecution, arguing that being a “minister of justice” requires the discernment to hold dangerous predators accountable while offering grace and second chances to those who have simply lost their way.

Highlights:

(0:00) Sheryl McCollum welcomes Julie Grant to Zone 7 and reflects on her impact in true crime media

(2:15) Julie’s background in prosecution, legal journalism, teaching, and victims’ rights advocacy

(9:45) The balance between journalism and law, and the path that took Julie from the newsroom to law school

(13:15) What public service taught Julie about prosecution, law enforcement, and the pursuit of justice

(15:30) The domestic violence cases that stayed with Julie most, her advocacy work, and the realities survivors face after they leave

(22:15) How safety planning can protect victims at the most dangerous point in an abusive relationship

(23:45) The Gabby Petito case, missed warning signs, and the failures that stand out

(25:45) Julie’s philosophy of prosecution, second chances, and why justice is not the same as winning

(29:45) A tragic Georgia case and what it reveals about intent, accountability, and prosecutorial discretion

(32:00) Why future prosecutors need empathy, perspective, and a case-by-case view of justice

Guest Bio:

Julie Grant is a former prosecutor, Court TV host, legal journalist, and law professor at Emory Law School. She has long been an advocate for victims’ rights, including domestic violence prevention, and also serves on the faculty of the National Institute for Trial Advocacy

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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:

Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com

Twitter: @ColdCaseTips

Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

Preorder Sheryl’s upcoming book, Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Lessons in Life,Justice, and Joy from a Forensic Scientist, releasing May 12, 2026.

https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Swans-Dont-Swim-in-a-Sewer/Sheryl-Mac-McCollum/9798895652824

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