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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54/08/20 Doctor Writes About His Past
Cleveland Press
While in County Jail, Dr. Samuel H. Sheppard writes a belated account of his life at the request of his Attorneys.
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54/08/20 Doubt Sheppard Will Take Stand
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Defense lawyer William J. Corrigan indicates he will ask for a hearing on his request for bail. County Prosecutor, Frank Cullitan and his staff said it was unlikely that Corrigan would put Sam Sheppard on the stand.
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54/08/20 Dr. Sam Fails To Ask For Bail
Cleveland Press
Associate defense counsel, Fred Garmone, enters a plea of "not guilty" on behalf of Sam Sheppard, who remained silent during today's two-minute arraignment hearing.
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54/08/20 Letter to the Editor "X-Ray Readings"
Cleveland Press
A reader poses an interesting question, and refers to an earlier quote given by Sam Sheppard's brother, Stephen, which asks whether we are to infer from it that there are no doctors at Bay View Hospital "capable" of reading an X-Ray, other than Dr. Sam?
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54/08/20 Not Guilty, Sheppard Says; Asks No Bail
Cleveland News
At an arraignment hearing today in Judge Arthur Day's Court, Sam Sheppard's defense attorneys enter a plea of "not guilty". They did not ask for a separate hearing on bail as was anticipated, based on recent statements by William J. Corrigan.
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54/08/20 (Photo from Sheppard Arraignment)
Cleveland Press
A photo from the Sheppard Arraignment showing Dr. Richard Sheppard and Dr. & Mrs. Stephen Sheppard.
(Accompanying story for photo appears in newspaper of the same date, 8/20/2018, on pg. 1)
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54/08/20 Says Lie Test 'No' Was Sam's
Cleveland News
Defense attorney, William J. Corrigan, disclaims responsibility for Dr. Sam's refusal to take a lie detector test. He adds, "Recent studies show that only 10 percent of the persons operating polygraphs are qualified to do so."
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54/08/20 Sent Sheppards Extortion Notes, Lett Confesses
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Sam Sheppard's brother, Dr. Richard N. Sheppard, and two other persons, received threatening letters asking for extortion money of up to $25,000.00 in exchange for the letter writer to come forward and take responsibility for the death of Marilyn Reese Sheppard. The man, James Howard Lett, was captured by police and he gave a confession.
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54/08/21 Dr. Sam Spends Time Mapping Trial Strategy
Cleveland Press
While in county jail, Sam Sheppard is writing copious notes and suggestions for his attorneys. At the same time, assistant prosecutor, John J. Mahon, is assembling a different account which will be used to portray a "background for murder" to the jury.
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54/08/21 Halo of the Week
Cleveland Press
A Cleveland Press editorial column titled, "Halo of the week", in which the award was bestowed upon Judge William K. Thomas for following the constitutional "dictates of the law (as he saw it)", and by making a "fearless and innately honest decision" in his granting of bail to Sam Sheppard.
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54/08/21 Not Objective, Teacher Says
Cleveland Press
A letter to the editor, in which a public school teacher expresses shock at how the the Cleveland Press, in their coverage of the Sam Sheppard trial, seem so quick to decide a defendant's guilt "before he has been proven guilty in a court of law."
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54/08/21 Report Sheppard Pondered Suicide
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Samuel H. Sheppard received several visitors in jail after he entered his plea of "not guilty" at the morning arraignment. Among the visitors was his father, Dr. Richard A. Sheppard, who brought him carrots and fruit. Just a day earlier, there was a report from an unidentified police source that Dr. Sam seriously talked about committing suicide.
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54/08/21 Sam Sheppard Has Visitors
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Photos of 5 persons who visited Sam Sheppard in jail.
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54/08/21 Sift Rumors On Sheppard Social Life
Cleveland News
Police sift through scores of "tips" from Clevelanders regarding Sam Sheppard's social life while he is being held in jail without bail. Neither police, nor jail authorities, could confirm reports that Dr. Sam contemplated suicide since his original arrest on July 30.
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54/08/22 11 Of 12 Murders Pass Unnoticed
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Article reports about 11 other Cleveland murder cases currently being prepared for judge and jury, that are keeping detectives very busy. Those cases are barely reported on, or even noticed, while the Sheppard trial is "emblazoned in headlines from coast."
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54/08/23 Renew Bay hunt for bludgeon
Cleveland News
The article describe the search for the weapon that was used to kill Marilyn Sheppard. The search included the house where she was killed and the beach behind it, of which nothing was found. Sam Sheppard spent the weekend listening to a baseball game while in jail.
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54/08/23 Thousands flock to murder home.
Cleveland Plain Dealer
The article the line of spectator that drive by to view the house where Marilyn Sheppard was killed. It also describes hoe Sam Sheppard has been spending his time while he has been in jail waiting for his trial to began.
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54/08/24 4 frog men to hunt death club in lake
Cleveland News
Article describes four "frog"men will be searching Lake Erie looking for weapon used to kill Marilyn Sheppard. It also explains the difference between "frogmen" and drivers.
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54/08/24 Adds city police time in murder
Cleveland Plain Dealer
This article describe hour many man-hours have been put into the case thus far and who will be paying that bill.
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54/08/24 City to Give Bay Break on Murder Bill
Cleveland Press
Cleveland Mayor Celebrezze asked his safety director, and chief of police, to be "reasonable" when estimating charges to Bay Village, Ohio, for all of the work that the City of Cleveland has done on the case. Preliminary estimates of the 5400 man hours would make the bill approximately $15,000.00.
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54/08/24 Judge talks of his ruling on Sheppard
Cleveland News
This article describes Judge Thomas speaking before the Lakewood Kiwanis Club on the criticism of him from the police department, on why he granted bail to Sam Sheppard. He explains his reason and the law.
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54/08/24 Letter to the Editor "What's the Charge?"
Cleveland Press
A reader asks a rhetorical question as to whether the State is charging Samuel H. Sheppard with murder or adultery?
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54/08/25 Dr. Sam to gamble life on jury trial
Cleveland Press
This article explains that Sam Sheppard decided to have a jury trial rather than a panel of judges. Dr Sheppard defense team also tried to get the prosecutor to return the home Marilyn Sheppard was killed in back to the family.
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54/08/25 Return Of Home Denied Sheppard
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Through his lawyers, the jailed Dr. Sam Sheppard demands that Chief Eaton release possession of his home, so that his son, "Chip", can have access to it, to go to school. County prosecutor, Frank T. Cullitan, advises Eaton not to release the home "except upon a court order".
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54/08/25 Sheppard Home Return is Sought
Cleveland News
Co-defense counsel, Fred W. Garmone, said he and other attorneys have not yet decided whether to seek a court order to regain possession of Sam Sheppard's home for him.
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54/08/26 Corrigan to sue to remove Sheppard home's padlocks
Cleveland Plain Dealer
This article describes Sam Sheppard chief counsel William Corrigan filing sue to have the public padlocks removed from the family home where Marilyn Sheppard was killed.
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54/08/26 Jurors Urge County-Wide Detective Unit
Cleveland News
The Sheppard murder case is the catalyst behind the County Grand Jury seeking to create a "county-wide detective bureau". The jury foreman, B.R. Winston, pointed out that suburbs are making "increasing use of Cleveland's scientific investigation unit". The move would take from 5 to 10 years to accomplish.
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54/08/26 Presents Bill for Sheppard Trial Exhibit
Cleveland Press
A bill for $150.00 was presented to the county commissioners by Samuel R. Gerber for "the construction of head in the Sheppard Case". The said model of Marilyn Sheppard's head was fashioned by medical artist, Joseph Lucas, to be used at the trial
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54/08/26 Sheppard Set To Sue to Get Home Back
Cleveland News
After his first request was rejected by prosecutors, defense attorney, William J. Corrigan, said he will file a lawsuit to regain possession of the murder home for his client, Sam Sheppard. Assistant county prosecutor, John J. Mahon, explained that the suit would need to be filed in Probate Court, since the property is listed under Marilyn Sheppard's name.
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54/08/27 Can't Get Fair Trial - - Dr. Sam
Cleveland Press
Samuel H. Sheppard's defense attorneys indicate today that they will demand Sheppard's trial be held in a different county than Cuyahoga, because they said,, "He was convicted in the minds of the public before he was arrested and charged".
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54/08/27 Cullitan holds Off on Police Bid for New Sheppard Quiz
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Police Chief, Frank W. Story, makes an offer to prosecutor, Frank T. Cullitan, to interrogate Same Sheppard one more time off-site, where they would be safe against court filings by his lawyers. Cullitan had previously rejected other "quiz plans" lest they raise a protest of "coercion" or endanger the State's case.
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54/08/27 Jury Urges Police Fee For Help
Cleveland Plain Dealer
In the final report of the jurors, they suggest that Cuyahoga County suburbs pay Cleveland "an annual retaining fee and then a predetermined amount per case." The said proposal will be taken up by the cabinet of Mayor Anthony J. Celebrezze.
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54/08/27 Sheppard's brother sells boat,
Cleveland News
Sam Sheppard's brother sells his boat, as Sam Sheppard defense team prepares a statement about how the media and the police handle the murder probe
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54/08/27 Text of statement by Sheppard lawyer
Cleveland Press
This article describes the safeguards of individual liberty in the bill of rights. It also states the process of of what happens when I person is accused of a crime according to the Constitution. Its also states that American Newspapers can not disregard these principles because they are the way that the general public form a public opinion. It is due to the editorialized of the Sam Sheppard he was convicted in the minds of the public before he arrested and charged.
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54/08/29 Here's how Sheppard case will be read today across nation
Cleveland Plain Dealer
This article describe in detail how the Sheppard's spent day before the murder, and what happened after according to Sam Sheppard. It also included some of the details from the autopsy report on the manner in which Marilyn Sheppard was killed.
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54/08/29 Slain wife's February will leaves all to Dr. Sheppard
Cleveland Plain Dealer
The article states that Marilyn Sheppard will left everything to her husband Sam Sheppard, as Sam left everything in his will to his wife. Marilyn Sheppard will has not been filled or recorded in Probate court. An conviction of Sam Sheppard of first or second-degree murder would rule him out as Marilyn Sheppard's heir.
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54/08/30 Bay will get full bill for Sheppard job
Cleveland News
Mayor of Bay Village, assessing the cost of Cleveland Police Dept investigation of Marilyn Sheppard, the man hours that the city would have to pay.
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54/08/30 Lake murk bars weapon search
Cleveland Plain Dealer
The search for the murder weapon in Lake Erie behind the Sheppard's House was prevented because the water was too murky.
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54/08/31 Bay delays Sheppard probe bill
Cleveland Press
This article shows a picture of a orthopedic wrench that was found in Sam Sheppard trunk. The Police chief stating it was most likely this type of weapon use on Marilyn Sheppard to kill her. The article also talks about the bill the Bay Village owes the city of Cleveland for the investigation of this case.
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54/08/31 Bay to push levy to pay murder bill,
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Bay Village looks to pass a operating levy to pay a $12,200 bill from the city of Cleveland for the investigation of Marilyn Sheppard murder.
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54/09/03 Earliest time for Sheppard trial will be mid-October
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Mid-October is the earliest date, Sam Sheppard could go on trial for his wife's murder according to this article due to a back log cases waiting for trial.
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54/09/06 Counsels draw battle lines for Sheppard jury trial
Cleveland Plain Dealer
The article describes how Sam Sheppard's lawyer's will want a jury trial rather than a 3 judge panel in the murder trial.
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54/09/07 Dr. Sheppard's trial may start Oct. 17
Cleveland Press
Trial date for the Sam Sheppard murder trial is set as Oct 17, according to article waiting it's proper turn as stated by Judge Blythin. Dr Sheppard attorneys do not think he can get fair trial in Cuyahoga county due to press coverage.
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54/09/07 Sheppard asks bail; dared to take stand
Cleveland Press
This article states how the legal team for Dr Sam Sheppard filed a demand that he be released on bail bond until his trial, while the prosecution challenged that Dr Sheppard take the witness stand and face cross-examination during trial.
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54/09/07 Sheppard asks for bail bond: murder trial may be called in September,
Cleveland News
A second motion to allow bail for Sam Sheppard pending trial with Judge Edward Blythin, was filed by his attorneys. The judge stated that there were six murder cases ahead of this one, they would get to it as soon as they could. The details of the of the first bail bond release are given in the article
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54/09/08 Dr. Sam Won't Testify at Bail Hearing
Cleveland Press
Prosecutor, John J. Mahon, dares Samuel H. Sheppard to testify at his own bail hearing which is set for two days from now. At the hearing, Sam Sheppard's attorneys have to prove that the evidence against him does not appear to be conclusive. The Ohio State Constitution states, "All persons shall be bailable by sufficient sureties, except for capital offenses where the proof is evident or the presumption great".
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54/09/08 New Angle on Case
Cleveland News
Article asserts that the Sheppard trial, which starts on Oct. 17th, sets a precedent for being the first one in the history of the county to start on a Sunday.
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54/09/08 Own Sleuth Put On Case By Corrigan
Cleveland Plain Dealer
William J. Corrigan claimed he has hired a private detective to track down the murderer of Marilyn R. Sheppard. He declined to say who it was, or how long the person had been at work.
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54/09/08 Sheppard Calls 8 to Testify
Cleveland News
Eight people have been subpenaed to testify at a bail bond hearing for Sam Sheppard in two days. Assistant county prosecutor, John J. Mahon, said, as a matter of law, the issue of bail is left to the discretion of the court, "but the court must base his discretion on good cause."
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54/09/09 Hearing May Give Dr. Sam Some Hint of State's Case
Cleveland Press
Prosecutors indicate they may decide to include evidence at Sheppard's bail hearing tomorrow that tends to prove his guilt. Assistant prosecutor, John J. Mahon, said they will do this if it becomes necessary for the state to show that the "presumption of guilt is great".
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54/09/09 Sheppard Lawyers to Cite Five Murder Bail Cases
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Samuel H. Sheppard could go free a second time if his bail hearing before Judge Blythin tomorrow is successful. His lawyers must produce evidence to show that his first degree murder indictment is not sufficient presumption of guilt.
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54/09/10 Counsel Reports No Decision on Sheppard Taking Stand
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Sam Sheppard's attorney, William J. Corrigan, gave no hint as to whether his client would take the witness stand at his own bail hearing. Eight witnesses have been subpoenaed, but no witnesses were summoned yet by Prosecutor, John J. Mahon.
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54/09/10 Dr. Sheppard Battles For Bail
Cleveland Press
Seven persons were called today as witnesses at Sam Sheppard's bail hearing. Dr. Sam's bid for freedom rests on the ability of his lawyers to convince Judge Blythin that the evidence against him is not overwhelming or conclusive. The courtroom was jammed with more than 100 spectators.
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54/09/10 Mayor Houk in Hospital
Cleveland News
Two hours after a subpoena to appear at Sheppard's bail hearing had been left at his house, J. Spencer Houk was taken to the Hospital. He had collapsed under a nervous strain that also caused him to lose sleep and 30 pounds in the past two months.
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54/09/10 Seltzer Outlines Main Duties of Newspaper
Cleveland Press
A report on a speech given by Cleveland Press editor, Louis B. Seltzer, where he outlines the three important duties that a newspaper should perform. When asked about the Sheppard case he said, "The circumstances immediately surrounding the murder of Mrs. Sheppard convinced us that unless the 'protective shield' placed around the case was broken there was no possibility of its ever being solved" and he adds, "we believed that The Press' larger obligation in this case was to the whole community."
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54/09/11 Brothers say Dr. Sam was hit: Both assert wife's slayer attacked him
Cleveland News
The hearing for bail of Dr Sam Sheppard will continue on another day, after his brothers testified that he was severely injured by an intruder who killed his wife.
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54/09/11 Check on confession in Sheppard killing
Cleveland Press
A man in jail in Trenton N.J who confessed to the murder of Marilyn Sheppard. The man's name is Billy Williams a 6ft Black man who said he was in Cleveland for 13 day before July 4, and left the next day in a stolen car
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54/09/11 Civil Liberties' view of case
Cleveland Press
This article point out that the true due process in a court of law to any grand jury member in the Sam Sheppard case are and have been under enormous pressure do to so much press coverage.
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54/09/11 Deputy tells of quizzing Dr. Sam
Cleveland Press
The testimony of the of the Deputy Sheriff Rossbach by Sam Sheppard. Attorney Corrigan Also questioned was Sam Sheppard oldest brother Richard Sheppard and Don Ahern.
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54/09/11 Dr. Sam's bail plea stalled
Cleveland Press
Sam Sheppard bail hearing was postponed due to clashes between the prosecution and his defense attorneys. Dr Sheppard was upset to yet another delay as he has been in jail for a few weeks.
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54/09/11 Eight more to talk in doctor's bail fight
Cleveland Plain Dealer
There were 3 witnesses that testified in the bail hearing for Dr Sam Sheppard with no decision made. Eight more to testify the forwarding morning.
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54/09/12 Dr. Sam flinches at plea's delay, Plain Dealer (continues as: Dr. Sam winces at hearing delay)
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Dr Sam Sheppard flinches as his hearing for bail is recessed after stipulations were not met to carry out testimony beyond court closing hours. Sam Sheppard has been in jail since Aug 1st except for 30 hours.
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54/09/13 Corrigan will call jury's witnesses
Cleveland News
Sam Sheppard attorney threaten to subpena state witnesses who testied in his bail hearing in a effort to free him on bail. Civil Liverties Union chair charged that Sam Sheppard civil rights are endangered due to Publicity.
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54/09/13 Leaves to quiz Sheppard N.J. suspect
Cleveland Press
Homicide Detctive Pat Gareau working on the Sam Sheppard case went to Trenton N.J to interview Billy Williams who confessed to murder Marilyn Sheppard. The trip was authorized by Prosecutor Frank Cullitan.
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54/09/13 Return fugitive, Corrigan urges
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Corrigan, Sam Sheppard Lawyer want Billy William brought to Cleveland to see if he could be the killer of Marilyn Sheppard. Homicide Chief think Williams is mental case.
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54/09/14 Boy Fights Prowler In Bay Village Home
Cleveland News
A report of a 17 year old boy who told police today that he encountered a man, who had broken into his house, holding a "pipe wrench" inside his mothers room. His parents were away at the time.
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54/09/15 'Confession' In Bay Case Flops
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Homocide captain, David E. Kerr, reported yesterday that Billy O. Williams gave police a false confession. Williams was found out to have been on the east coast about the time of the crime.
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54/09/15 'Confession' In Sheppard Case 'False'
Cleveland News
A New Jersey prisoner's confession to the Sheppard crime was determined to be false by homicide detective, Patrick L Gareau, because the prisoner had no knowledge of the case and he was also trying to escape extradition to Florida for another crime.
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54/09/16 Bar Group's Survey Aims at County Detective Squad
Cleveland Plain Dealer
A committee has been launched by the Cuyahoga Bar Association to investigate complaints filed by lawyers for Dr. Samuel H. Sheppard. William J. Corrigan filed complaints concerning the treatment of Sam Sheppard after his indictment.
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54/09/16 Marilyn Sheppard Wills All Her Possessions to Husband
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Marilyn Sheppard's last will and testament, which was dated 132 days before she was murdered, leaves all her possessions to her husband. Her son "Chip" and members of the Sheppard family are also named as beneficiaries, but her own family is not mentioned in the papers.
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54/09/16 Murder Rule Could Disinherit Sam
Cleveland Press
If convicted of murder, Sam Sheppard could not inherit his wife's estate, as was made clear by Probate judge Walter T. Kinder. Other developments regarding Sheppard's bond hearing tomorrow morning are also reported here.
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54/09/16 Sheppard Bail Plea Spotlights 'Intruder'
Cleveland News
Defense attorneys subpenaed nine new witnesses for tomorrow's bail hearing. Three of them are expected to testify they saw a man answering Dr. Sam's description of the slayer in the vicinity of the Sheppard home.
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54/09/17 Cleveland Press Article
Cleveland Press
Highlights of the testimony given at Sam Sheppard's bail hearing are published here.
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54/09/17 Dr. Sam wore t-shirt on eve of murder, bail hearing told, Cleveland News Final, p.1,5 (continues as: Says Dr. Sam wore t-shirt as host)
Cleveland News
Testimony by Nancy Ahern, at the bail hearing, says that Sam Sheppard was wearing a t-shirt and jacket when he fell asleep the night his wife was murdered. Testimony was also given by Police Chief John Eaton and Patrolman Fred Drenkham, also a truck driver that support Dr Sheppard version of what happened that night.
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54/09/17 Dr. Steve challenges prosecutor's charge
Cleveland News
Sam Sheppard brother issued a statement during the recess of the bail hearing that other suspects in the case are not "red herrings" but efforts to pursue every available lead.
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54/09/17 Fumbling in slaying described
Cleveland Press
The article describes police Chief Eaton testified how he took charge of the murder investigation but did not question Dr Sam Sheppard himself.
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54/09/17 Hits False Leads In Murder Case
Cleveland Plain Dealer
County prosecutor, Frank T. Cullitan, criticized the Sheppard family and their legal aides for their suggestions that Sam Sheppard had been mistreated by him and his staff. Cullitan states, "A reading of the record shows that the complaints that have been made about his treatment before and after his arrest are entirely baseless".
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54/09/17 See Sheppard Losing Bail Fight
Cleveland Press
After today's bail hearing, it was expected that Judge Blythin will refuse to set bail for Sam Sheppard. Several people testified for the defense, yet prosecutors called no rebuttal witnesses, because they considered the defense's testimony weak. Dr. Sam erupted in emotions at the "unique" proceedings when his neighbor, Nancy Ahern, testified regarding events that happened preceding the July 4 slaying.
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54/09/17 Witness describes 'prowler'
Cleveland News
The first testimony on the appeal for bail for Dr Sam Sheppard was about a report of an intruder near the murder scene. What follows is script of the questions and answers of those that testified in this hearing including Dr Sheppard brother and a truck driver as well as others.
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54/09/18 Dr. Sam to put three more on witness stand
Cleveland News
The attorneys for Dr Sam Sheppard is stated to have had a parade of witnesses. One such witness who stated that a wrench was wrested from a prowler in another Bay Village home. Yet another witness stated that they saw a man standing near the maple trees that are in front of the Sheppard home at the time of Marilyn Sheppard murder.
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54/09/18 Dr. Sheppard spends eighth week end in county jail
Cleveland Press
Article states that Sam Sheppard as spent eight week in jail waiting for the conclusion of his bail hearing while he waits for his trial to start. The date of the trial will be set following the close of the bail hearing.
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54/09/18 Sheppard is kept mum at hearing
Cleveland Plain Dealer
This article states that Sam Sheppard will not testify unless called during his trial of his wife murder as the hearing for bail continues. His attorneys state that they only have three more witnesses so they can wind up their case.
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54/09/19 Oct. 18 Seen Probable Date for Start of Sheppard Trial
Cleveland Plain Dealer
As the bail hearing nears and end, it seems likely that the Trial of Dr. Sam Sheppard may start on, or around, Oct. 18th. Judge Edward Blythin is expected to announce a definite date at the conclusion of tomorrow's hearing.
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54/09/20 Dr. Sam Stays Off Stand
Cleveland News
Defense attorney, William J. Corrigan, gives his closing arguments at today's bail hearing. Assistant county prosecutor, John J. Mahon, challenges Dr. Sam Sheppard to take the stand, contending that the defendant's own story of the murder could best contest the first degree charge. Sheppard did not take the stand.
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54/09/20 Dr. Sheppard Denied Bail
Cleveland Press
After a dramatic plea by William J Corrigan for Sam Sheppard's release on bail, and his calling of three witnesses to testify for the defense, Judge Edward Blythin refuses the petition for freedom on bail. Sheppard, and many members of family, cried openly during the proceedings.
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54/09/20 Sheppard's Role Still Undecided
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Chief defense counsel, William J. Corrigan, is still undecided whether he will put his client on the stand at this morning's bail hearing. Only three remaining witnesses are presently in his view to testify: Bert R. Winston, Richard E. Knitter, and Betty Knitter.
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54/09/21 Death Photo Circulated by Lawyer
Cleveland Press
A former state senator, and Cleveland attorney, John Corlett, began indiscriminately circulating the official police photo of Marilyn Sheppard as she was found murdered on her bed. Among others, he showed it to Judge Samuel H. Silbert. The motivation behind doing so was not explicitly set forth in this article, but when asked by The Press, Corlett responded, "it got into my hands through a round-about, circuitous route". Chief James McArthur began an immediate investigation as to how that print got into the attorney's hands.
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54/09/21 Dr. Sam Asks Trial Out Of City
Cleveland Press
The moment after William J. Corrigan concluded his final argument at his client's bail hearing, Judge Blythin ruled from the bench that Sam Sheppard must remain in jail until his jury trial, set to start on October 18. Defense attorneys immediately began drafting a plea to have the trial be held in a different county than Cuyahoga County, Ohio.
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54/09/21 Dr. Sam to ask liberty on writ: Trial date set Oct 18; call 75 for jury
Cleveland News
After losing the fight to gain Dr Sam Sheppard freedom on bail his attorney William Corrigan try again with a Habeas corpus action. He charged that his client was being held unlawfully in County Jail.
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54/09/21 Sheppard Loses Fight For Bail
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Common pleas judge, Edward Blythin, rules that Dr. Samuel H. Sheppard is not entitled to bail. During the hearing, William J. Corrigan gave an impassioned concluding argument in which he turned to Dr. Sam and said, "Stand up and look at the judge", but Sheppard remained seated.
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54/09/22 Defense holds up on two moves to free Dr. Sheppard
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Lawyer for Sam Sheppard has made no decision to file the writ of Habeas corpus to attempt to get his client out on bail.
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54/09/22 Dr. Sam faces fight on trial out of city
Cleveland Press
This article covers how Sam Sheppard attorneys must prove that Dr Sheppard can not receive a fair trial in Cuyahoga County and had the trial to another Ohio courthouse
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54/09/23 75 picked for Sheppard duty
Cleveland Press
The 37 women and 38 men of prospective jurors will be notified within 48 hours to report to the Criminal Court Bldg. !2 of these will determine the facts in the trial of Dr Sam Sheppard.
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54/09/23 Call 75 for Sheppard duty
Cleveland News
The Jury Commissioner picks 75 prospective jurors for the murder trial of Dr Sam Sheppard from a teak jury wheel, those names have been made public
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54/09/23 Jury panel of 75 to report Oct. 18 in Sheppard case
Cleveland Plain Dealer
This article describes how 75 people have been selected to be perspective jurors in the Sam Sheppard trial, and some of the details of that selection.
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54/09/24 Asks prayers for Dr. Sam (Letter to the editor)
Cleveland Press
Letters to the Editor from one writer who thinks a terrible injustice is being done to Sam Sheppard who at this point who has been viewed as guilty before the trial has begun.
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54/09/24 McArthur to check on jury candidates in Sheppard case
Cleveland Plain Dealer
The Cleveland Detective Chief and his staff will be asked to investigate the background of the 75 jury candidates in the Sheppard murder case
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54/09/29 Blood Trail Found at Home of Dr. Richard n. Sheppard
Cleveland Plain Dealer
Blood spots were found on the outside steps of the home of Dr. Sam's brother, Richard N. Sheppard. Pathology reports indicated that the spots were made from animal's blood.
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54/09/29 Sheppard Home, Bloodstains Are Proven Animals
Cleveland News
Bloodstains that were found Aug. 7, 1954, leading from the porch at the home of Sam Sheppard's brother, Richard N. Sheppard, were determined to be those of an animal, and apparently placed there as a "crank" by someone.
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54/09/30 Bay Seeking County Aid on Sheppard Bill
Cleveland Press
After the suburb of Bay Village was handed a bill for $13,000.00 for services rendered by the police dept. of the City of Cleveland, a meeting was called by officials to discuss the bill.
