Los Angeles’ infamous cold case, the Black Dahlia, has intrigued the public for decades. Recently, renewed interest suggests the possibility that her murderer was the same individual who later became known as the Zodiac Killer.

In a captivating episode of Zone 7, host Sheryl McCollum engages with forensic pathologist Dr. Priya Banerjee and forensic psychologist Dr. Joni Johnston to explore this intriguing hypothesis.

They contend that Elizabeth Short’s gruesome death exhibits signs of a personal and rage-fueled crime, evident in the mutilation and staging of her body. In contrast, the Zodiac Killer’s actions seem detached and methodical, resembling a planned execution rather than an emotionally charged attack.

The experts further discuss the distinction between a criminal’s modus operandi and their psychological signature. They emphasize that a killer’s signature typically remains consistent over time and stress the importance of critically evaluating assumptions, scrutinizing evidence, and consulting with experts when necessary.

About the Guests:

Dr. Priya Banerjee is a board-certified forensic pathologist with extensive experience in death investigation, clinical forensics, and courtroom testimony. A John’s Hopkins graduate, she served for over a decade as Rhode Island’s state medical examiner and now leads 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]