Forensic Testing – Weapons | 2000 Trial Expert Reports and Tests

Forensic Testing – Weapons

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.

Printing is not supported at the primary Gallery Thumbnail page. Please first navigate to a specific Image before printing.

Switch View to Grid View Slideshow

Dr. Owen Lovejoy CV

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

Dr. Lovejoy's CV is provided here for the purpose of analyzing his credentials to accurately carry out and draw conclusions from the forensic weapon testing.
Dr. Owen Lovejoy report to Coroner Balraj re: forensic weapon testing

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

Dr. Lovejoy's report to Coroner Balraj about the forensic weapon testing he performed as a part of the 2000 trial defense. Dr. Lovejoy draws conclusions about the possible murder weapon.
Weapon 01. Blue-handled pliers with simulated blood

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Weapon 02. Blue-handled pliers with simulated blood

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Weapon 03. Pipe section with simulated blood

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Weapon 04. Pipe section

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Weapon 05. Pipe section

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Weapon 06. Pipe section with simulated blood

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Weapon 07. Pipe end closeup (hexagon)

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Weapon 08. Pipe end closeup (hexagon) with case no 76629

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Weapon 09. Pipe end closeup (hexagon)

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Weapon 10. Pipe end closeup (round)

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Weapon 11. Pipe end closeup (round)

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Weapon 12. Pipe end closeup (round)

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Weapon 13. Blue-handled pliers

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Weapon 14. Closeup of blue-handled pliers with square ruler

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Weapon 15. Blue-handled pliers with square ruler and measuring tape

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Weapon 16. Closeup of blue-handled pliers with square ruler

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Weapon 17. Closeup of the side of the blue-handled pliers with square ruler

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Weapon 18. Metal flashlight

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Weapon 19. Metal flashlight

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Weapon 20. Closeup of lens of metal flashlight

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Weapon 21. Closeup of power switch of metal flashlight

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Weapon 22. Closeup of handle end of metal flashlight

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Weapon 23. Closeup of handle of metal flashlight

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Weapon 24. Wooden handled hammer

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Weapon 25. Wooden handled hammer

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Weapon 26. Closeup of hammer head

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Weapon 27. Closeup of hammer head, top view

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and Cuyahoga County Coroner's Office
Weapon 28. Closeup of hammer claw, top view

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