This collection features newspaper articles about the murder of Marilyn Sheppard and the subsequent trial of Dr. Sam Sheppard. The articles appearing here are taken from scrapbooks kept by Coroner Samuel Gerber.
The media coverage of Sam Sheppard’s trial was questioned for bias and whether or not the media impacted Sam’s right to receive a fair trial. Ultimately, Sam was awarded a retrial via the Sheppard v. Maxwell decision in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court ruled that Sam had not received a fair trial in 1954 for a number of reasons including the State of Ohio’s failure of “duty to protect Sheppard from the inherently prejudicial publicity which saturated the community.”
The newspaper articles in this collection come from the Cleveland Press, the Cleveland News, and The Plain Dealer. The Cleveland Press went out of business in 1982 but was a major player in local news around the time Marilyn was murdered. The Cleveland News was purchased by the Cleveland Press in 1960. Cleveland State University has a copyright agreement with The Plain Dealer to post articles related to the Sheppard case.
(Cleveland State University was donated the archives of the Cleveland Press in 1984. Details about the donation and how to access articles and photos from the Cleveland Press can be found here.)
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54/08/05 Letters to the Editor
Cleveland Press
Letters to the editor [Cleveland Press] titled, "Criticizes Pastor", "Calls Pastor Mistaken", and "Feels Hospital is Unfairly Treated": First two letters in support of the police investigation and criticizing Pastor Kreke for preaching against police tactics. Third letter is from from an R.N. accusing the newspaper of "sensationalism" in its reporting, resulting in hysteria that caused Bay View Hospital to be "target for the general public's revenge." The latter also questions Bay Village Council's vote to stop transporting emergency patients to Bay View Hospital by police.
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54/08/05 Letter to the Editor: "High in Praise of Bay View"
Cleveland News
Letter to the editor from a Rocky River, Ohio citizen, praising the "wonderful" service that was provided her as a patient of Bay View Hospital.
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54/08/05 Toil on own time to track killer by secret fluid
Cleveland Press
This article states that Police Scientific Laboratory detectives have combed the home of Dr Sam Sheppard and his wife looking for clues using chemical that can only be employed in the dark.
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54/08/05 Woman tells police of dates with Sheppard, reveals auto ride in park, Cleveland News, HOME final, p.1; p.2 column 1
Cleveland News
This article states how Detectives had identified 5 women that were in some sort of flirtation relationship with Dr Sam Sheppard during his marriage. Details of one of those relationship is given to investigators.
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54/08/06 Hold Detroit Nurse In Sheppard Probe
Cleveland News
Mrs. Margo Pebbles, a nurse who formerly worked with Sheppard, is questioned.
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54/08/06 Photo: "Hunters On Blood Trail"
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Photos of crime lab detectives holding scientific equipment outside of the Sheppard home.
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54/08/06 'Roadblocks' By Sheppard Lawyers Hit
Cleveland Plain Dealer
legal roadblocks may "force the hand" of authorities to go straight to the grand jury.
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54/08/06 Sheppard 'Gay Set' Is Revealed By Houk
Cleveland News
According to Deputy Inspector, James E. McArthur, J. Spencer Houk's latest statement to the Cleveland Police added nothing substantial to his original story about what he saw or did when he arrived at the Sheppard home on the day of the murder.
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54/08/06 Sheppard Reward Good to 1959
Cleveland Press
$10,000.00 reward offered if there is a "final conviction".
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54/08/06 Visitors Parade In to See Doctor
Cleveland Press
A look at the persons visiting Dr. Sam Sheppard in jail.
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54/08/07 Doctor Fears Prejudice In Bay
Cleveland Press
Defense attorney, William J. Corrigan, files an "affadavit of prejudice", demanding that Bay Village council president, Gershom M.M. Barber, be barred from presiding at the preliminary hearing. Corrigan cites Sheppard's contention that he could not receive a fair hearing in Bay Village. The purpose of the preliminary hearing is to determine whether there is "probable cause" to hold Dr. Sheppard to the Grand Jury for possible indictment.
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54/08/07 Drug Theft Theory in Murder Ripped
Cleveland Press
Samuel H. Sheppard posits the theory that a drug-crazed murderer killed his wife, saying it "is supported by the fact that a large amount of narcotics was stolen and by the vicious nature of the attack." That theory was discounted by Raymond J. Ripberger of the Federal Narcotics Bureau. Also, a friend of Sam Sheppard, Gerry Flick, gives his own theories of the crime to police.
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54/08/07 Find Blood Trail To Bay Basement
Cleveland News
New blood spots are found in the basement of the Sheppard home 33 days after the murder was committed. This has led investigators to believe the killer "ran to the basement in frantic confusion to wash blood from his hands and weapon." Also, Gervase Flick, an admirer of Dr. Sheppard, gives his theories of the crime to detectives.
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54/08/07 Mystery 'Margo' Not Detroit Nurse
Cleveland News
A person by the name of "Margo", was one of five women with romantic links to Dr. Sam Sheppard. Police determined she was not the person they were seeking.
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54/08/07 Visitors Cheer Doctor In Jail
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Dr. Sam Sheppard's first "visiting" day in jail since his arrest 8 days earlier brought photographers' flashing lights, and more than 200 visitors. Young admirer of Dr. Sam, G.M. Flick, brought magazines to the prisoner and said afterward: "Dr. Sam was pretty fair, considering where he is and what's been done to him."
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54/08/07 Youth Quizzed In Murder Probe
Cleveland Plain Dealer
A 20 year old named Gervace Flick, an admirer of Sam Sheppard, said that he gave police "several leads" during his 8 hours of questioning. The article also gives an extensive summary of the happenings in the case so far.
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54/08/08 'Admirer' Refuses Lie Test
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Gervase M. (Gerry) Flick, at the suggestion of Dr. Sam's lawyer, relates a personal story to Deputy Inspector James E. McArthur. In it, Flick said that on the day of Mrs. Sheppards murder, he was driving to Erie, Pennsylvania, and happened to pick up a hitchhiker whom Flick concluded, based on the utterances from the passenger, that he was the murderer. However Flick refused a lie detector test 3 times by Inspector McArthur. In the article, McArthur conveys, among other things, that Flick is a "personal friend of Dr. Sam and his murdered wife."
Article also gives latest developments in the Sheppard case.
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54/08/09 Remove Sheppard's Furniture
Cleveland Press
Coroner Samuel R. Gerber orders the bed, on which Marilyn Sheppard was murdered, removed from the Sheppard home. Also removed was the downstairs sofa on which her husband, Dr. Samuel H. Sheppard, dozed off on the night before the July 4 slaying.
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54/08/09 Sheppard Bed, Couch, Seized In Murder Hunt
Cleveland News
The bed on which Marilyn Sheppard's body was found, and the couch on which Dr. Sam Sheppard says he sleeping at the time of the murder, is ordered removed from the home by coroner Gershom M.M. Barber. The items were brought to the County morgue as circumstantial evidence.
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54/08/09 "Sympathy in the Wrong Place?" (Letter to the Editor)
Cleveland Press
A letter from a reader wondering why it is that so many people in Bay Village are expressing sympathy for the "suspected slayer" and not for the "unfortunate victim."
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54/08/09 Take Sheppard Murder Bed
Cleveland Press
Coroner Samuel R. Gerber orders several items removed from the Sheppard home, evidently for the purpose of preparing a courtroom exhibit and to make new scientific tests.
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54/08/09 Victim's Kin Hits Actions Of Sheppard
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Article reports about an unidentified "close relative and confident" of the victim who told the Cleveland Plain Dealer that "It was not Marilyn who sought a divorce in 1950 when she and her husband lived in California"..."Rather it was Dr. Sam who asked her to divorce him." In that interview, the unidentified relative also alleged that, at that time, Dr. Sam had apparently "wished to marry another woman and remain in California."
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54/08/10 Asks Jury Action In Murder Case
Cleveland News
Police Chief, Frank W. Story, grows impatient, and claims the murder case is being unnecessarily delayed by an Affidavit of Prejudice filed by Defense Attorney, William J. Corrigan. Story intentionally meets with County Prosecutor Frank T. Cullitan to discuss the possibility of taking the case directly before the Grand Jury, which would eliminate the necessity of the aforementioned hearing. After filing that affidavit, Corrigan asked for a court continuance of a couple days as well.
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54/08/10 Caravans of Curious Snag Lake Rd. Daily
Cleveland Press
Article reports on the numerous curiosity seekers who are stop, or slow down their automobiles daily, in front of Sam Sheppard's home at 28924 Lake Rd.
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54/08/10 Hold Sheppard Items For Court
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Several items are seized from the Sheppard home in order to reconstruct the murder scene in the courtroom.
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54/08/10 Letters to the Editor
Cleveland News
Two letters to the editor, both rebuking a previous reader's letter written by Mrs. Robert H. Jamison, which equated the 12-hour grilling of Sam Sheppard to "torture."
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54/08/10 Letters to the Editor
Cleveland Press
Two letters to the editor titled, "Get Their Man", and "Awful Injustice Charged." One of which defends Sam Sheppard against the Press.
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54/08/10 Re-Check Murder Evidence
Cleveland Press
Detectives confident that they have "convincing evidence" to prove Sam Sheppard murdered his wife. Article re-counts, among other things, some of Sheppard's alleged affairs. Also, in this article, the prosecutor announces results of City Hospital's physical examination of Sheppard a week earlier, which is apparently in-line with Dr. Richard Hexter's previous examination of him on July 4th, 1954. A "thorough re-check" of the mass of evidence and testimony accumulated began today.
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54/08/11 Dr. Sam Says: "I Wish There Was Something I Could Say--- but There Isn't "
Cleveland Press
Dr. Sam quoted by his older brother, Dr. Richard N. Sheppard.
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54/08/11 New Murder Evidence Is Found, Police Claim
Cleveland News
Recently discovered evidence implicating Dr. Samuel H. Sheppard will not be disclosed until the future trial is held.
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54/08/11 New Quiz Faced By Vital Witness
Cleveland Plain Dealer
A woman from Los Angeles will be re-questioned regarding some "new information" linked to the slaying of Marilyn Sheppard.
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54/08/11 Sixth Woman Is Linked in Doctor Quiz
Cleveland Press
Sixth "other woman" is linked to Sheppard murder probe.
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54/08/12 Coast "Parents" Bare Sheppard Split
Cleveland Press
This story reports that Dr. and Mrs. George L. Hampton of Pasadena, California met Sam through their son, Dr. Robert Hampton, who was a member of Sam's class at the L.A. College of Osteopathic Physicians. It is reported that Sam called the couple his "California parents" and that Chip called them "grandma and grandpa." Mrs. Hampton reported that Marilyn once confided in her that "Sam was getting difficult," but she "was confident she could handle him . . . and that 'he won't be able to get by with everything he thinks he may.'"
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54/08/12 Court Hears Sheppard's Writ Plea
Cleveland News
A hearing on a "writ of prejudice" was conducted today by Common Pleas Judge, Frank J. Merrick, to determine when a "preliminary hearing" is to be held. The grounds for prejudice are based on William J. Corrigan's contention that remarks made by the mayor of Bay Village, Gershom Barber, were "biased".
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54/08/12 'Cuffs Spoil Dr. Sam's 'Best Dressed' Ensemble
Cleveland News
An article describing Dr. Sam Sheppard's appearance, attire, and disposition while at a hearing in Court. He was accompanied by his attorney, William Corrigan, and 3 other legal representatives.
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54/08/12 Dr. Hoversten Tells More
Cleveland Press
Dr. Lester T. Hoversten is flown back from California to face more questions regarding Dr. Sam Sheppard and Marilyn Sheppard. Hoversten is quizzed for 3 hours immediately after stepping off the plane.
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54/08/12 Dr. Sam's House Guest Returns
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Dr. Lester T. Hoversten, a fellow osteopath and close companion of Dr. Sam Sheppard, is flown in from Los Angeles today to be re-questioned, and to see if he may have further knowledge about the relationship between Dr. Sam Sheppard and his wife Marilyn Sheppard. Hoversten was a guest in the Sheppard home during the days that preceded the July 4th murder.
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54/08/12 Judge Studies Prejudice Bid
Cleveland Press
Dr. Samuel H. Sheppard contended that he could not receive a "fair hearing" before Bay Village Council President Gershom M. M. Barber. This article reports on a "prejudice" hearing that was held in which Dr. Sam's attorney's questioned several witnesses in the courtroom. Gershom M.M. Barber is also directly questioned by Judge Merrick. A synopsis and partial text of that hearing are published here in this article. The Judge announced that "the case would be marked 'submitted,' with a decision to be given tomorrow."
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54/08/12 Pitcher Rattled by "Sandy" Story
Cleveland Press
According to this article, Bob Kelly, a pitcher for an Indianapolis baseball team, was purportedly jarred by the news that his wife, Sandra, was mistakenly labeled as "another woman" in the life of Dr. Samuel H. Sheppard.
Kelly lasted only 3 innings during a game against Columbus on the day after learning of the news regarding Sandy. It was Kelly's 8th loss of the season.
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54/08/12 'Sandy' Was Family Friend Of Sheppards
Cleveland News
Mrs. Sandra Nussel Kelly, a close friend of the Sheppards, relates that she lived with the couple in Los Angeles in 1949, for three months. In regards to the Sheppards, Ms Kelly remarks, "they always seemed to be getting along very well."
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54/08/12 Says Council Head Called Sam Guilty
Cleveland News
Article discusses statements previously & allegedly made by Council President Gershom M. Barber:
Robert L. Swanker, former director of public service in Bay Village, testifies in Judge Frank Merrick's Courtroom, that he heard Gershom M. Barber, Bay Council President, express an opinion about whom he thought murdered Sam Sheppard's wife
Attorney, William J. Corrigan, contends that Barber is biased and calls a witness in support of that claim.
Barber denies any prejudice or bias in the case.
Article states, "Judge Merrick will determine whether or not grounds for prejudice exist and, if so, where Dr. Sheppard will be arraigned on the First Degree Murder charge."
"If he should rule that Barber is not qualified to hear the case," ... "he can then designate another magistrate to preside at the hearing."
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54/08/12 Testimony on Doctor's Writ Plea
Cleveland News
An article publishing the testimony (questions & answers given) of today's hearing before Judge Frank J. Merrick's Court. Attorney William J. Corrigan requested it (the hearing) in order to have the first degree murder preliminary hearing transferred from Bay Village Court.
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54/08/12 Witness Helps Murder Case, Chief Says
Cleveland News
Article discusses in-depth the connection that Dr. Lester T. Hoversten had to both Sam & Marilyn Sheppard. His whereabouts at the time of the slaying are also discussed.
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54/08/13 Doctor wins court shift:
Cleveland Press
The story states that Dr Shepard wins a court shift Common Pleas Judge rules that Bay Village Council President Barber "as "prejudiced'' against Shepard. The Judge ordered the preliminary hearing, which will decide whether Dr. Sheppard is held for possible Grand Jury action, transferred to the court of Common Pleas.
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54/08/13 Family Points To Bay Man As New Suspect As Hoversten Talks
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Dr. Lester T. Hoversten returns from California and is questioned. Another suspect is then considered.
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54/08/13 Here Is Complete Text Of Merrick's Decision
Cleveland News
The complete text of Common Pleas Judge Frank J. Merrick's decision sustaining an affidavit of prejudice brought by attorneys for Dr. Samuel H. Sheppard is published here in this article.
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54/08/13 Highlights of Merrick Ruling in Sheppard Prejudice Case
Cleveland Press
Gershom M.M. Barber is removed by Judge Frank J. Merrick as the magistrate for the Sheppard case. Judge Merrick designates Common Pleas Judge William K. Thomas, instead, as the person who will conduct the Preliminary Hearing.
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54/08/13 Judge Merrick Reaffirms American Way of Justice
Cleveland Press
A Cleveland Press editorial which praises Judge Frank Merrick's ruling today that set aside council president Barber, of Bay Village, Ohio, as a preliminary magistrate. The article believes, "fair, impartial, even-handed justice" was applied.
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54/08/13 Judge Thomas Esteemed for Fine Record, Tireless Devotion to Job
Cleveland News
An article highlighting the career of Common Pleas Judge William K. Thomas (shown in the photo on the left). Thomas will conduct the preliminary hearing of Dr. Samuel H. Sheppard. Judge Frank J. Merrick (shown in the photo on the right) transferred the duty of the hearing from Magistrate Barber to Judge Thomas.
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54/08/13 Letters to the Editor
Cleveland Press
5 letters to the editor of the Cleveland Press by various authors entitled, "There is a Sheppard Case"; "...So Right"; "...How about Wife's Family"; "...Not Objective"; and "...Crime Committed". The letters are in response to a previously published letter by Mary Ditko titled, "Awful injustice Charged", dated August 10, 1954.
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54/08/13 Merrick Picks Judge Thomas To Preside
Cleveland News
In a victory for Dr. Samuel H. Sheppard, Judge Merrick holds that Gershom M.M. Barber was "prejudiced and not qualified" to arraign Dr. Sam on a first degree murder charge. In turn, Merrick assigns Common Pleas Judge William K. Thomas to preside over the hearing.
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54/08/13 Merrick to Decide Today on 'Prejudice' Charge in Bay
Cleveland Plain Dealer
A decision is expected today by Common Pleas Judge, Frank J. Merrick, on whether the preliminary hearing on charges of first -degree murder will be held in Bay Village or in another court.
Article also publishes some of the questions asked, and answers given, between Bay Village Solicitor, Richard S. Weygandt and Gershom M.M. Barber from yesterday's "argument on a writ of prejudice" held in Judge Merrick's courtroom.
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54/08/13 Minister Reveals Advice to Dr. Sam
Cleveland Press
The article states that Rev. Alfred C. Kreke, pastor of the Bay Methodist Church of which the Sheppard's were members, visited Sam Sheppard in the County Jail, and gave him some advice.
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54/08/13 Police Pensions Could Be Given Murder Reward
Cleveland Press
A $10,000.00 reward has been offered by the Sheppard family for the "arrest and conviction" of the killer of Marilyn Sheppard. Three County Commissioners are looking into the possibility of the money, being paid to the police pension fund if Sam Sheppard is proved to be guilty of the crime.
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54/08/13 'Sandy' Says Sam Mastered Anger
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Mrs. Sandra Nussell Kelly, a friend of both Sam and Marilyn Sheppard, characterizes Dr. Sam as being "very quiet".
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54/08/13 Sheppard Has Chance to Speak
Cleveland Press
The upcoming preliminary hearing provides by law that, at its conclusion, the Judge must inform the defendant (Sheppard) that he is privileged to speak out or to remain silent.
The sole purpose of the preliminary hearing is to determine if there is "probable cause" to hold the defendant for Grand Jury action.
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54/08/13 Sheppard Wins Court Plea; Police Question Houk Again
Cleveland News
Mayor J. Spencer Houk is questioned further regarding his knowledge of the Sheppard family affairs.
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54/08/14 Bay Poll Opposes Giving To Murder Costs Fund
Cleveland News
Article reports about a proposal made by Bay Village councilman, Lester Shaffer, which would ask for voluntary contributions from the citizens of Bay Village to reimburse the city contingency fund for its expenses incurred in the Marilyn Sheppard case. Responses to a poll given to citizens regarding that proposition are published here.
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54/08/14 Check More Doctor 'Dates'
Cleveland News
Dr. Lester Hoversten, a house guest of the Sheppards for several days prior to the murder, supplies police with the names of nine women with whom "Dr. Sam" dated while married to Marilyn.
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54/08/14 Irate Houk Confronts Steve; Calls Him Liar
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Dr. Steve Sheppard offers up his own tips to the police regarding mayor J. Spencer Houk, which are outlined in this article. Houk calls Dr. Steve Sheppard's charges "a lie". Article reports on an apparent confrontation between the two of them.
Dr. Lester T. Hoversten's alibi is also explained in this article. 10 people who visited Dr. Sam Sheppard in jail are also listed here.
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54/08/14 Near Fight, Cry of Lie, End Steve's Accusation of Houk
Cleveland Press
Bay Village Mayor, J. Spencer Houk, is questioned by police on the third floor of Cleveland's central police station by Chief Detective, James McArthur, Homicide Captain, David Kerr, and Detective, Adelbert O'Hara.
On the same day, Dr. Steve Sheppard (Sam's brother) makes a surprise visit at the tail end of the interrogation. When he walks into the room, Mayor Houk allegedly blurts out "you liar". (Houk was allegedly not pleased that Dr. Steve Sheppard had previously given the police "information" which appeared to point the finger of suspicion toward Houk, instead of Sam Sheppard.)
The article also states, "Dr. Steve complimented McArthur on the accuracy with which he had taken down his "information." A light smile crossed the detective chief's lips."
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54/08/14 Professional skill not involved
Cleveland Press
A short news piece on how Sam Sheppard skill as an doctor does not mean he can not be guilty.
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54/08/14 Ready to Go Ahead Now, Corrigan Says
Cleveland Plain Dealer
William J. Corrigan, Attorney for Dr. Samuel H. Sheppard, indicates that his legal team does "not plan to ask for a continuance when Dr. Sheppard appears Monday at 9:15 a.m. for a preliminary hearing."
Article also states that the hearing "will afford Dr. Sheppard an opportunity to make his own statement in answer to the charge that he murdered his wife, Marilyn, July 4."
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54/08/14 Sheppard Case Set For Jury
Cleveland News
A "bombshell" dropped into the month-long murder investigation by prosecutor, Frank T. Cullitan's sudden announcement that the County Grand Jury would be given the first degree murder case against Dr. Samuel H. Shepard "either Monday or Tuesday". The announcement came only 24 hours after Dr. Sam won the fight to bar the Bay Village acting mayor from hearing the case. Cullitan would give no reason for the new maneuver.
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54/08/14 Sheppard Murder Is Set For Grand Jury Next Week
Cleveland Press
Prosecutor, Frank T. Cullitan, abruptly decides to speed up the trial by announcing he will ask for a postponement of the preliminary hearing.
The preliminary hearing is intended solely to decide if there is "probable cause" to hold the defendant for Grand Jury action.
Skipping the hearing would deprive defense counsel, William J. Corrigan, the opportunity to cross-examine prosecution witnesses before the murder trial.
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54/08/16 Dr. Sam out On Bail
Cleveland Press
Unexpectedly, Judge William K. Thomas, releases Sam Sheppard on $50,000.00 bail, and agrees to postpone his preliminary hearing on the murder charge until two days later. The timetable of today's quick paced events are described here in some detail. Upon leaving the courtroom, Sam Sheppard was asked by jailer, Mike Ucello, "Where's your radio?", to which Sheppard replied, "you keep it for me"..."Ill be back".
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54/08/16 Houk Takes Two More Lie Tests; Dr. Steve Balks
Cleveland Plain Dealer
One day before Samuel H. Sheppard's preliminary hearing, J. Spencer Houk gets interrogated for 5 1/2 uninterrupted hours.. Houk is also given two lie detector tests, while Dr. Stephen A. Sheppard declines to take one. Cleveland Browns star, Otto Graham, and his wife, Beverly, also gave statements regarding their friendship with Sam and Marilyn Sheppard.
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54/08/17 Bail for Sheppard Defended by Judge
Cleveland News
Citing Article I, Section 9, of the Ohio Constitution, Judge William K. Thomas defends his decision to set bond, saying he had no choice based on "the evidence laid before him".
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54/08/17 Doctor Owes Release to Ohio Bill of Rights
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Judge William K. Thomas quotes Article I, Section 9, of the Ohio Constitution as a justification for granting Sam Sheppard release from jail on $50,000.00 bond. Article summarizes the proceedings. Sheppard was out of jail in less than a half hour, and soon went back to work as an osteopath..
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54/08/17 Frightened Miss Hayes Brushes Off Reporters
Cleveland News
Miss Susan Hayes was met today with flashes of cameras, and reporters chasing her, as she arrived to wait for her turn on the witness stand in front of the Grand Jury. With a cool "no comment" to reporters, she expressed later to assistant county prosecutor, Thomas J. Parrino, that she "was scared half to death".
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54/08/17 Grand Jury Ends Murder Quiz; Indictment Is Seen Tomorrow
Cleveland Press
Prosecutors completed their presentation of evidence before the Grand Jury today, and numerous witnesses were called to the stand. A highlight of today's proceedings was the testimony of Miss Susan Hayes, of Los Angeles, who described her affair with Sam Sheppard. Assistant prosecutor, John J. Mahon, expressed that her relationship with Sheppard was an important factor, and alluded that it could possibly have been a motive behind the heinous murder.
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54/08/17 Letter to Editor: Sick and Tired of the Press
Cleveland Press
A letter to the editor of the Cleveland Press on the overdone reporting of the Sam Sheppard case.
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54/08/17 No Suspect Wants to Talk to Them Now, Police Say
Cleveland Press
Other murder defendants, besides Sheppard, are refusing to talk to police because of Sheppard being released on bail after posting $50,000.00.
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54/08/17 Police Told: 'Stick to End Of Bay Quiz'
Cleveland News
Safety director, John N. McCormick, orders police to continue with the Sam Sheppard investigation, despite Sheppard being released on bail. James E. McArthur said he would like to reduce the amount of detectives working on the case, since many of the leads have been exhausted up to this point.
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54/08/17 Recall only 3 other cases of 1st degree murder bail
Cleveland Press
This article states how attorney William Corrigan that he only recall 3 other times bail was granted in a 1st degree murder charge.
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54/08/17 Sheppard Jury Begins Vote
Cleveland News
The jury hears the testimony of the last of the 15 witnesses today and will now begin deliberating to decide the fate of Dr. Samuel H. Sheppard.
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54/08/17 Susan Tells Jury Of Dr. Sam
Cleveland Press
Susan Hayes goes before the Grand Jury to tell of her relationship with Dr. Samuel H. Sheppard.
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54/08/17 Threat to quit Sheppard probe marks release
Cleveland Plain Dealer
The article states how the Detective Chief McArthur threatened to pull his men from the Sheppard case after Judge released Dr Sheppard on Bail. During this time the Grand Jury was hearing witnesses.
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54/08/18 Bay accepts more bills in Sheppard investigatio
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Article describes the bills the Council of the Bay Village had to pay that were connected to the Marilyn Sheppard murder Investigation
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54/08/18 Bay Law Director Apologizes to Sam
Cleveland Press
Bay Village law director, Richard S. Weygandt,, recalling that the decision whether or not to arrest Sheppard had been thrust upon him three weeks ago, said he would have refused to participate in his preliminary hearing had he known from prosecutors that the defendant would be held in custody, so that a case could prepared against him for presentation to a Grand Jury. Weygant expressed that it had needlessly consumed his time, and the courts, for three weeks.
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54/08/18 Dr. Sam Writes His Own Story
Cleveland Press
Dr. Sam writes "a statement of my position" while in County Jail.
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54/08/18 Evidence for indictment is held secret
Cleveland News
This article describes that there is evidence that the prosecution is holding in secret that could lead to a conviction of Dr Sam Sheppard once it is presented in trial. The Judge warned the jurors not to gossip as it will protect them.
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54/08/18 Freedom for Sam cost $83 an hour
Cleveland News
The article outlined how much it cost Dr Sam Sheppard each hour he was out on bond. It also gives details of his second arrest such as where he was, what he was doing, and who he was with at the time of his arrest.
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54/08/18 Judge tells jury to keep secrets
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Grand Jury was called into open court to be reminded by Common Pleas Judge Arthur Day of their oath of secrecy. The jury heard 15 witnesses.
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54/08/18 Letter to the Editor "Quotes Guide for Attorneys"
Cleveland Press
An editorial by a William J. Shields, responding to a previous editorial, and quoting from the Code of Legal Ethics which says, "The primary duty of a lawyer engaged in public prosecution is not to convict, but to see that justice is done...".
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54/08/18 Like a Bad Dream to Sam's Parents
Cleveland Press
Describes the scene at the house of Sam Sheppard's parents, Ethel and Richard A. Sheppard, when Sam was picked up on the grand jury's charge of first-degree murder.
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54/08/18 List of Key Events and Dates in Sheppard Murder Inquiry
Cleveland Press
Timetable of events in Marilyn Sheppard murder investigation and photos of Grand Jury foreman, Prosecutors, and court officials as the Grand Jury Indictment of Sam Sheppard is delivered.
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54/08/18 Page of 7 photos
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Photos of Sam Sheppard being arrested after the Grand Jury indictment. There are also photos of witness, and members of the Grand Jury.
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54/08/18 Sam arrested at dinner, but finishes meal
Cleveland Plain Dealer
This article gives the details of Sam Sheppard second arrest after being indicted by the Grand Jury, at his father's house, while he was eating dinner.
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54/08/18 Sheppard indicted, jailed again: Jury weighs evidence 40 minutes and acts
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Article states that the Grand Jury took 40 minutes to indicted Sam Sheppard on 1st degree murder and was arrested again. It also gives the details of those charges. His defense team took action is getting the case moved from Bay Village due to the press coverage.
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54/08/18 Sheppard to seek bail again: Bay counsel clashes with prosecutors
Cleveland News
The article states how Sam Sheppard defense team seeks bail again after his second arrest after the grand jury indicted him on first degree murder of his wife as he awaits trial. The detectives gather all the people they still want to question.
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54/08/18 Two Other Women May Face Doctor
Cleveland Press
Statements were obtained by two "other women" in Los Angeles, California, and assistant prosecutor, John J. Mahon is studying those statements to see if the two women should be brought to Cleveland, Ohio, to testify. Mahon also makes a list of the people he said will be prosecution witnesses.
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54/08/19 Brother Says Dr. Sam Anxious to Take the Witness Stand
Cleveland Press
Dr. Richard N. Sheppard said that his brother, Sam Sheppard, "wants to do everything in his power to clear this thing up", and is willing--almost anxious--to take the witness stand to deny that he murdered his wife, Marilyn.
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54/08/19 Brother Says Police Aimed to Play on Dr. Sam's Concern
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Sam Sheppard's brother, Dr. Stephen A. Sheppard, released a two and a half page statement from his home yesterday, which asserts the innocence of Samuel H. Sheppard. The typed statement, allegedly pulled from actual writings of Dr. Sam, has Sam Sheppard complaining that police were trying to coerce a confession out of him for a crime he says he didn't commit. It is unclear as to who prepared the final typed statement.
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54/08/19 Fight Release Of Dr. Sheppard On New Bail
Cleveland News
Sam Sheppard Will be arraigned tomorrow before common pleas judge, Arthur H. Day, who will ask Sheppard to enter a plea of either "guilty", or "not guilty". However, William J. Corrigan said he would ask the judge to schedule a hearing on his application for bail to "refute the presumption of guilt contained in the indictment".
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54/08/19 Letter to the Editor "Faithful to Obligations"
Cleveland Press
Writer praises judge William K. Thomas for not allowing outside influences of public sentiment influence his decision making regarding Sam Sheppard's bail.
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54/08/19 Offer to Confess Murder for Cash
Cleveland Press
Numerous callers and writers to Sam Sheppard's brothers and family have been willing to confess to the crime of murder, in exchange for money, upwards of 100,000.00. Dr. Richard N. Sheppard turned over the letters to the police or to the family attorney.
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54/08/19 Palm Print Hunt Ends - It's 'Chip's'
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Fingerprint specialist, Detective Jerome C. Poelking, confirms that the palm print found on Sam Sheppard's desk was that of his son, Samuel Reese "Chip" Sheppard. The defense can no longer use that palm print to indicate that a stranger had been in the death home.
