April 29th, 1999. A skull is found in a trash bag outside Action Glass in Atlanta, Georgia.

Soon after, in different trash bags, various other body parts are found. The remains are identified as the remains of Melissa Wolfenbarger, a 21-year-old married mother of two who is reported missing several months prior. In a remarkable twist, Melissa’s remains are verified only after her Father is arrested in connection to an unrelated murder.

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, is joined by Liddie Evans' children: Philip (son-in-law), Carolyn, Renee, Roy and Sylvia. 

They join Sheryl to express their experience of losing their mom, Liddie, who was murdered at age 31 by Carl Patton. They discuss the pain they have endured and how life was with and without Liddie.

They also each share their feelings about the murder of Melissa and why they ultimately cannot forgive Carl. 

Show Notes:

• [0:00] Welcome back to Zone 7 with Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum. If you missed the beginning of Melissa Wolfenbarger’s case check out those episodes here: Melissa Wolfenbarger: Norma and Tina Patton | Part 1, Melissa Wolfenbarger: Karyn Greer | Part 2, Melissa Wolfenbarger: Trace Sargent | Part 3, Melissa Wolfenbarger: Letters From Carl Patton | Part 4 
• [2:15] “We were told during the trial that their own daughter, Melissa had been murdered. I wouldn't wish that pain on anybody.”
• [2:48] Liddie Evans was 31 when she was reported missing
• [4:52] Question: Philip, did you have anything to do with Melissa’s murder?
• [5:48] Carolyn, one of Liddie’s daughters details out the events that took place the day Liddy was murdered
• [6:57] Question: Renee, tell us listeners how your mama, Liddie, was the life of the party?
• [9:24] Question: Roy, what would you say to Carl Patton if you could?
• [13:20] Question: Carolyn, do you think Norma was just telling a story while on stand? Do you think she was afraid of Carl or do you think she just didn't care? 
• [15:34] Question: Roy, for you being the oldest and a man, was this even more difficult for you because you could not protect the women in your life at that time?
• [17:35] Sheryl shares a piece of Carl Patton’s letters with Liddie’s children
• [17:35] “As I have told you many times, I didn't realize what hurt and harm I'd done till we lost Melissa. Nothing I can say or do will ever change 45 years ago. I have asked my family, the families of the victims, and God to forgive me. I know God will, and I understand why the victim's family won't. I will never forgive Chris, so I do understand their hate toward me.” -Letters from Carl Patton
• [22:18] Question: Can each of you take a second and think of anything you would like to share on this episode that you feel needs to be on this show?
• [31:20] “God is the giver and taker of life, not man.”
• [38:08] “Every person can make a difference and every person should try.” -Dr. E.H
• Thanks for listening to another episode! If you’re loving the show and want to help grow the show, please head over to Itunes and leave a rating and review! How to Leave an Apple Podcast Review: First, Open the podcast app on your iPhone, Mac, or iPad. Then, hit the “Search” tab at the bottom right-hand corner of the page and search for Zone 7. Select the podcast, scroll down to find the subheading “Ratings & Reviews”. and select “Write a Review.” Next, select the number of stars you’d like to leave. Please choose 5 stars! Using the text box which says “Title,” write a title for your review. Then in the text box, write the review itself. The review can be up to 300 words long, but doesn’t need to be much more than: “Love the show! Thanks!” or Once you’re done select “Send” in the upper right-hand corner.

 

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Sheryl McCollum is an Emmy Award-winning CSI, a writer for CrimeOnline, a forensic and crime scene expert for “Crime Stories with Nancy Grace,” and a CSI for a metro-area Atlanta Police Department. She is the co-author of the textbook, “Cold Case: Pathways to Justice.”

McCollum is also the founder and director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, a collaboration between universities and colleges that brings researchers, practitioners, students, and the criminal justice community. They come together to advance techniques in solving cold cases and assist families and law enforcement with solvability factors for unsolved homicides, missing persons, and kidnapping cases.

You can connect and learn more about McCollum’s work by visiting the CCIRI website https://coldcasecrimes.org

Social Links:

• • Email: [email protected]
  • Twitter: @ColdCaseTips
  • Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

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