Just a short distance from the White House, an act of service turned into a heartbreaking incident.

Two young National Guard members were unexpectedly attacked; one lost his life on the spot, while the other was severely injured and is now fighting for survival.

This week on Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum is joined by Dr. Sunny Slaughter to delve into the events of that day, examining the insights it offers about leadership, communication, and the strength found in restraint.

Together, they delve into the origins of hate, the critical role effective communication plays in survival, and what it means to serve with compassion when the world seems to be unraveling.

Guest Biography

Dr. Sunny Slaughter is a law enforcement instructor, expert witness and crisis communication strategist who specializes in counterterrorism, extremism, and emerging threats.

As CEO of Sunny Slaughter Consulting and founder of the Sunny Slaughter Group, she helps agencies nationwide build crisis-ready leadership. A former military spouse and longtime advocate for justice and public safety, Dr. Slaughter has served as a U.S. Department of Homeland Security instructor and continues to guide federal, state, and local agencies in strengthening community resilience.

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:

• Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com

• Twitter: @149zone7

• Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

• Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

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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.