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The tragic death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez has sparked an active investigation, leaving the public with a timeline, a mysterious Tesla, and numerous unanswered questions. This case has captured the attention of many, highlighting the complexity and challenges inherent in solving such tragedies.
In a recent episode of “Zone 7,” investigative expert Sheryl McCollum sat down with journalist Lauren Conlin to delve into the details surrounding Celeste’s case. They explored the initial categorization of Celeste as a runaway, her associations with older individuals, and the troubling absence of a named person of interest, which continues to raise eyebrows and concerns.
The discussion also touched on the arrest of actor and director Timothy Busfield, examining what can be inferred from the selective release of “evidence.” The conversation highlighted how credibility can be manipulated in the public sphere and underscored the importance of a careful and methodical approach to allegations of child abuse, steering clear of rush-to-judgment verdicts that can surface on the internet.
About the Guest
Lauren Conlin is an accomplished journalist based in New York, specializing in true crime and high-profile investigations. She lends her expertise to Los Angeles Magazine and hosts investigative podcasts. Conlin is also a familiar voice as a legal and crime commentator, making appearances on platforms such as Court TV, Fox News, and “Crime Stories with Nancy Grace.”
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 includes, in part, the Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur. Her 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.
Social Links:
• Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com
• Twitter: @149zone7
• 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 2026 from Simon and Schuster.
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[Feature Photo: Celeste Rivas/GoFundMe and D4vd in 2024/Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP]