The Story of Sam Sheppard

Sam and Marilyn Sheppard

Sheppard Doctors

The Crime July July Marilyn was brutally beaten to death on her own bed Marilyn was brutally beaten to death on her own bed Sam was attacked by the “intruder” Sam was attacked by the “intruder” Chip was asleep in his room just down the hall Chip was asleep in his room just down the hall Neighbors and friends Mayor Houk and Ester were first to arrive at scene. Neighbors and friends Mayor Houk and Ester were first to arrive at scene.

Sam’s Pants

Sketch Richard Elenburg

Mayor Houk& Ester Sam arrested Mayor Houk& Ester Sam arrested

Jury visit to Sheppard home

First trial- Sam convicted The “forensic expert” Dr. Gerber testified about the blood stained pillow The “forensic expert” Dr. Gerber testified about the blood stained pillow Mostly character witnesses claiming infidelity Mostly character witnesses claiming infidelity Susan Hayes testified of affair Susan Hayes testified of affair Evidence ignored- cigarette in toilet, blood stain on floor, Evidence ignored- cigarette in toilet, blood stain on floor, Sam was convicted Dec 17, 1954 of murder in the second degree and sentenced to life in prison Sam was convicted Dec 17, 1954 of murder in the second degree and sentenced to life in prison His mother shot herself on Jan 7 and father died of a bleeding ulcer 11 days later. His mother shot herself on Jan 7 and father died of a bleeding ulcer 11 days later.

Sam spent the next 10 years in prison while his lawyer filed for a new trial

Court of Appeal’s Decision Sam’s lawyer petitioned the supreme court for 10 years for a new trial stating the first trial was a “trial by media” Sam’s lawyer petitioned the supreme court for 10 years for a new trial stating the first trial was a “trial by media” July 16, 1964 supreme court said he could have a new trial! July 16, 1964 supreme court said he could have a new trial!

New wife Ariane Started writing Sam in prison Started writing Sam in prison Wealthy divorce’ Wealthy divorce’ Married in 1964 Married in 1964 Divorced in 1968 citing violence. Sam was throwing liquor bottles at her Divorced in 1968 citing violence. Sam was throwing liquor bottles at her

New trial Began Nov Began Nov Paul Kirk- Forensic scientist testified Paul Kirk- Forensic scientist testified New evidence was introduced New evidence was introduced Nov Sam was found NOT GUILTY Nov Sam was found NOT GUILTY

Doctor turned Pro Wrestler Sam married 20 year old Colleen Strickland Sam married 20 year old Colleen Strickland Began a professional wrestling career with a special “nerve hold” Began a professional wrestling career with a special “nerve hold” Died April of failed liver- he was drinking up to 2 Fifths of liquor a day. Died April of failed liver- he was drinking up to 2 Fifths of liquor a day.