Dr Samuel Sheppard Biography
Dr Samuel Sheppard Biography
Harrison Ford's 'The Fugitive' recreated this story of the clean-cut doctor, convicted of his wife's murder and fighting to clear his name.
Marilyn Sheppard was beaten to death on 3 July 1954. Her husband Sam Sheppard served 10 years of a life sentence, only to be released by a landmark Supreme Court ruling.
Sam Sheppard, known as Dr Sam, came from a family of rich doctors. He worked at Bay View Hospital as a neurosurgeon and was skilled in emergency care. For his labours he was rewarded with a lakeside home, a Lincoln, a Jaguar and the society of the club set. The night his wife was murdered she was four months pregnant.
Sheppard was convicted of her murder. At all times, he maintained he was knocked unconscious by his wife's murderer, then chased and wrestled him in the garden where he passed out.
Twelve years later, the Supreme Court ruled Sheppard had not received a fair hearing, due to excessive pre-trial publicity. He was released to face a new trial.
He was found not guilty. The true story and killer have never been discovered.
