In an unfathomable act, the lifeless body of young Zion Staples is discovered abandoned in a trash can. The grim finding sends waves through the community, raising existential questions on human morality. Joseph Scott Morgan and Dave Mack dissect the intricacies of the case, exploring topics ranging from the science of decomposition to the societal implications of how we treat our deceased. While Morgan brings his forensic expertise to the table, offering unique insights into time of death estimation and the decomposition process, Mack provides additional context, revealing dark layers of the family's involvement.
 
Time-coded Highlights:
 
00:00:20 — Joseph Scott Morgan sets the tone by musing on the value of life.
 
00:01:20 — The tragic story of Zion Staples is introduced. 
 
00:01:54 — Taking out the trash is discussed as an everyday act with dark implications in the Zion Staples case.
 
00:03:00 — Dave Mack contextualizes the focus on garbage and decomposition in the case.
 
00:03:50 — The connection between smell and taste in the context of decomposition is explained by Joe Scott.
 
00:04:08 — Society's treatment of the deceased is examined. 
 
00:07:14 — Dispelling a common misconception, Joseph Scott Morgan talks about the challenges in determining the exact time of death.
 
00:09:11 — Morgan shares details about another mysterious case involving a person missing for seven months.
 
00:14:37 — A detailed explanation of body tissue disintegration after death is given.
 
00:16:22 — Cause of death's impact on decomposition rates is discussed after Dave Mack brings up the example of a gunshot wound to the head.
 
00:21:14 — Significant changes that a decomposing body undergoes are highlighted by Morgan, emphasizing the importance of evidence preservation.
 
00:29:00 — New information about Zion's mother, Sushi Staples, and her history with child services is revealed. 
 
00:30:40 — Joe Scott Morgan discusses the challenges of the investigation due to the time elapsed since the incident and the lack of concrete evidence.
 
00:32:08 — Morgan reveals that Sushi Staples has only been charged with concealing the body of her 10-year-old son in a garbage can, not with his death.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.