The Dr. Sam Sheppard Trial
1954
Jury Selection
Defense Opening Statement
- Garmone uses the Sheppard family's finances to prove that the couple was happily married, and to show how Dr. Sheppard wanted to ensure a good life for his wife and son.
- Dr. Sheppard finances are also used to prove that he was not having an affair with an employee at his hospital.
- Mr. Garmone finishes by saying, "...This will be the proof that you will receive, not with a desire to do justice but with a desire to defeat it."
Prosecution Opening Statement
- Mahon proceeds to give facts to the jury about the Sheppard's life, followed by a detailed account of what happened the night of the murder.
- Next Mahon starts to give evidence as too why and how Sheppard killed his wife. He follows this with reasoning behind his accusations.
- Finally Mr. Mahon disproves the common theory that a burglar broke into the house killing Marilyn Sheppard, by mentioning the fact that the police found no signs of a break in.
- Mr. Mahon says, "...Ladies and gentlemen, I am sure that you will also point the finger of guilt at Dr. Sam Sheppard for a brutal slaying."
Presentation of Evidence
Prosecution
Prosecution
Prosecution
Prosecution Testimony of Susan Hayes
Prosecution Testimony of Officer Fred Drenkan
Defense Testimony of Dr. Sam Sheppard
Prosecution Closing Statement
Defense Closing Statement
Jury Deliberation and Verdict
Sources
"EngagedScholarship@CSU." Site. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Jan. 2016.
"Resource, Classroom Ready. THE AMERICAN JURY: A CASE STUDY (n.d.): n. pag. Web."
“Sam Sheppard” Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 08 Jan. 2016.
"The Dr. Sam Sheppard Trials (1954 Trial and 1966 Retrial)." The Dr. Sam Sheppard Trials (1954 Trial and 1966 Retrial). N.d. Web. 08 Jan. 2016.