New Evidence Surfaces in Sheppard Murder Case
New forensic evidence in the Dr. Sam Sheppard case supports his son’s argument that another man committed the 1954 murder, a newspaper reported Thursday.
Indianapolis forensic scientist Mohammad Tahir told the Indianapolis Star that material taken from the body of Sheppard’s wife by the medical examiner after her July 4, 1954, beating death showed two men’s sperm present.
Sheppard contended that he was knocked out twice while struggling with a bushy-haired intruder who he alleged committed the murder. But the wealthy osteopath was convicted and sentenced to life in prison.
The case inspired the television series and movie “The Fugitive.”
In a retrial 12 years later, Sheppard was acquitted and released. But he died four years later from alcoholism.
Tahir was also comparing DNA from tissue samples taken from the body of Sheppard, which was exhumed last month. Genetic material has also been obtained from convicted killer Richard Eberling, the Sheppards’ window washer at the time of the slaying.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
