Forensic Testing – Model Head

This series contains photos of experiments (reenactments) conducted for the 2000 trial defense (Cuyahoga County Prosecutor). The reenactments were conducted by C. Owen Lovejoy, Ph. D. Dr. Lovejoy has taught at Kent State University, Case Western Reserve University, and NEOUCOM covering topics of anatomy, biological anthropology, and medicine. Dr. Lovejoy has also served as a Technical Advisor in Biological Anthropology for the Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office.

Dr. Lovejoy concluded that Marilyn Sheppard suffered blunt trauma from blows delivered with great force. Dr. Lovejoy estimated the weapon to have a mass between that of a flashlight and an adjustable wrench. Dr. Lovejoy also found some evidence that suggests the weapon had a sharp or rigid characteristic.

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Model 29. Blow #5: model head with weapon imprints

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Model 30. Blow #5: channel lock pliers, blue handle only shown

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Model 31. Model head, struck with fire poker (shown)

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Model 32. Blow #6: model head with weapon imprints

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Model 33. Blow #6: fire poker only shown

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Model 34. Blow #7: model head

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Model 35. Blow #7: model head, struck with wrench (shown)

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Model 36. Blow #8: model head, struck with wrench (shown)

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Model 37. Blow #8: model head

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Model 38. Model head remnants on man chest

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Model 39. Model head remnants on man's hand

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office