logo
episode-header-image
Jun 25
41m 23s

The Outlaw Queen: Kathryn Thorne and the...

iHeartPodcasts and CrimeOnline
About this episode

Chris Enss is a New York Times bestselling author, historian, and private investigator known for her extensive work chronicling the lives of women in the American West. With more than 20 books to her name, she specializes in uncovering the truth behind legends—whether lawmen, gunslingers, or the women often written out of the narrative.

Her latest book, Meet the Kellys: The True Story of Machine Gun Kelly and His Moll Kathryn Thorne, is available now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, KensingtonBooks.com, and bookstores everywhere.

In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator Sheryl McCollum sits down with bestselling author and private investigator Chris Enss to dig into the real story of Kathryn Thorne—the woman who didn’t just stand beside Machine Gun Kelly but helped build his legend. They discuss Kathryn’s sharp mind, bold choices, how she planned a headline-making kidnapping, and even called J. Edgar Hoover herself. Sheryl and Chris also explore the early days of the FBI, the origin of the term “G-Man,” and how the courtroom became Kathryn’s stage.

Learn more about Chris Enss at chrisenss.com or follow her on Instagram @chrisenssauthor.

 

Show Notes: 

  • (0:00) Welcome to Zone 7 with guest Chris Enss
  • (1:30) The Kellys vs. Bonnie and Clyde
  • (3:00) Ground-level research and historical truth
  • (6:05) According to Kate and the untold story of Doc Holliday
  • (10:50) Kathryn Thorne was all about what she wanted
  • (14:30) Turning Machine Gun Kelly into a myth
  • (16:45) Charm, privilege, and the making of an outlaw
  • (22:00) The kidnapping of Charles Urschel
  • (25:30) Lindbergh Law and the FBI’s rise to power
  • (29:30) The double kidnapping and the G-Man legend
  • (33:00) Kathryn Thorne plays the victim
  • (36:00) Silk in the courtroom and a spotlight on the stand
  • (38:30) Getting what she wanted, even as questions remain
  • (40:30) “I wish he had left the dog” – Little Steve Stevens

 

Thanks for listening to another episode! If you're enjoying Zone 7, head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a quick rating and review—it’s one of the best ways to support the show and help others find it.

--- 

Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an Emmy Award winning CSI, a writer for CrimeOnLine, Forensic and Crime Scene Expert for Crime Stories with Nancy Grace, and a CSI for a metro Atlanta Police Department. She is the co-author of the textbook Cold Case: Pathways to Justice. Sheryl 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 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.   

Social Links: 

  • Email: coldcase2004@gmail.com 

Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Jul 4
Predators in the Shadows: Inside the Fight Against Child Predators
Ray Dawson is a former law enforcement officer and the founder of the Invictus Project, a nonprofit organization supporting task forces investigating online crimes against children by providing funding, training, and technology. Zachary Neefe is a Special Agent with Homeland Secu ... Show More
35m 29s
Jul 2
Justice Without a Trial: The Kohberger Plea Deal
In this episode of Zone 7, CSI Sheryl McCollum brings together a powerhouse panel to unpack the news that Bryan Kohberger has agreed to plead guilty in the murders of Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Madison Mogen, and Kaylee Goncalves. Retired NYPD Sergeant Joe Giacalone, journalist ... Show More
35m 12s
Jun 16
Karen Read Retrial | Panel Unpacks the Case That Shattered Public Trust
In this episode of Zone 7, Crime Scene Investigator, Sheryl McCollum, brings together a powerhouse panel including Susan Hendricks, Joshua Schiffer, Dani after Dark, and Kirk Nurmi to break down the second trial of Karen Read, and it’s more than just a courtroom drama. They unpac ... Show More
36m 41s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 30
Nancy Brophy
Nancy Brophy is a former author who wrote romantic suspense novels. She once wrote an essay on how to get away with murder. When her husband was found murdered, Nancy quickly became the prime suspect.Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss Nancy Brophy. Prosecutors believed she spent ... Show More
1h 9m
Nov 2024
Judge Say's Diddy's Jane & John Doe Accusers Need To Be Named
Did Diddy’s alleged past just get even darker? In this episode, the layers of allegations against Sean "Diddy" Combs go deeper, with chilling claims stretching back nearly two decades, including accusations involving minors. Former prosecutor and attorney Eric Faddis breaks down ... Show More
23m 5s
Oct 2024
A DEEP DIVE Into The Latest Major Diddy Accusers Claims
In this episode we uncover the shocking allegations against Sean “Diddy” Combs, as he faces a wave of new lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault, drugging, and abuse spanning nearly two decades. These lawsuits, spearheaded by attorney Tony Buzbee, allege a disturbing pattern of ... Show More
12m 24s
Dec 2024
Jay-Z & Diddy Accuser Is VERY Specific On Places & People-WEEK IN REVIEW
Welcome to the "Week in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this week's headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often chilling stories tha ... Show More
12m 15s
Oct 2024
Meet Diddy's New Judge, Arun Subramanian
In this gripping episode, we explore the complex and high-profile trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs, set to begin in May 2025. At the center of the courtroom is Judge Arun Subramanian, a meticulous and highly respected legal mind with a deep commitment to fairness. We dive into Subrama ... Show More
11m 1s
Dec 2024
Diddy Darkness Exposed, 'Some Stars Stood By And Watched' -2024 Year in Review
This is the " The Year in Review," where we delve into the true stories behind this year's most compelling headlines. Your host, Tony Brueski, joins hands with a rotating roster of guests, sharing their insights and analysis on a collection of intriguing, perplexing, and often ch ... Show More
8m 20s
Jul 2021
BONUS: True Crime News: Bill Cosby and Slenderman Outrage
Join co-hosts Bill Thomas and Kristin Dilley for this bonus episode of Mind Over Murder's "True Crime News." This week, true crime outrage as convicted serial rapist Bill Cosby is released from prison thanks to another sweetheart deal from a prosecutor (jeffrey Epstein, anyone?), ... Show More
31m 48s
Jul 2024
Nancy Grace Episode Entered as Evidence in Crystal Rogers Boyfriend Murder Trial
It's been years since Crystal Roger went missing. Her then-boyfriend, Brooks Houck, immediately became the main suspect.  The mom of five was last seen at Houck's home. Rogers' car was found abandoned with a flat tire on the Bluegrass Parkway two days later. Her keys, phone, and ... Show More
39m 27s