The Sheppard Experience 1954 project will share the headline of the day each day from July 5, 1954 to January 8, 1955. Read Sam Reese Sheppard’s invitation to join us on this journey, and please share this page and its companion Facebook & Twitter posts.
Headline posts are now complete, but you can still invite Sam to speak about his story to your group, school or community. Find out more.
January 8, 1955: Sam to Attend Mother’s Rites
January 7, 1955: DR. SAM’S MOTHER ENDS LIFE
December 31, 1954 through January 6, 1955: The case did not appear on the front page during these dates. Check back on January 7 and 8 for the final two headline posts.
December 30, 1954: Sam’s ‘New Evidence’ Due Jan. 8
Retrial Moves Pushed
Corrigan Asked About Visitor, Houk Reports
December 29, 1954: Sam Sees “Killer’s” Face More Clearly
December 25-28, 1954: No headlines on the Sheppard Case
December 24, 1954: State Won’t File Answer to Dr. Sam’s Appeal (page 2 article)
December 23, 1954: Sam to Get Chance to Clear Mysteries (page 2 article)
December 22, 1954: Inside Story of Jury Debate — 2 VOTED TO ACQUIT IN 1ST BALLOT
Dr. Sam Under Suicide Guard
Opens Fight for Bail and New Trial
Sheppard Jurors Relax at Home
Hum of Jury Buzzer Signals Trial Climax
December 21, 1954: JURY DEADLOCK BREAKS RECORD — Argue Sam’s Fate for Fifth Day
Attorneys Planning for Second Trial
December 20, 1954: BLYTHIN PLANS TO TALK TO JURY
Both Sides Say Enough Time Used
December 19, 1954: This date was a Sunday in 1954 and the Cleveland Press did not publish on Sundays.
December 18, 1954: SAM’s FREEDOM HOPE FADES — Jury Deadlock Seen
Long Debate Over Fate Continuing
Faces Reflect Trial’s Tension
December 17, 1954: JURORS DEBATE DR.SAM’S FATE — Judge Gives Life-Death Charge
Their Verdict Is Possible by Nightfall
December 16, 1954: SAM, JURY WEEP AT FINAL PLEAS
This is Where Dr. Sam’s Fate Rests
Newspapers, Officials Hit by Corrigan
Corrigan Makes Plea for Sam’s Acquittal
December 15, 1954: STATE ASKS DEATH FOR DR. SAM — Jury to Receive Case Friday
December 14, 1954: CHARGE UNTRUE, UNFAIR — SAM
Denies Self-Injury as He Quits Stand
Cross-Examination of Sam Completed
December 13, 1954: SAM ADMITS DATE UPSET WIFE — Accuses Hoversten of Lying
Dr. Sam Asked About Blood and Divorce
December 12, 1954: This date was a Sunday in 1954 and the Cleveland Press did not publish on Sundays.
December 11, 1954: State Ready to Blast at Sam’s Love Affairs
December 10, 1954: IT WAS LIKE A HORRIBLE DREAM, SAYS SAM AS HE DENIES KILLING
Hazy on Battle With Intruder
Sam’s Words Paint Scene of Murder
December 9, 1954: SAM TAKES STAND TO TESTIFY TODAY
Witnesses Tell of Man Near Home
December 8, 1954: CHARGES SAM FAKED INJURIES
Defense Acts to Build Clew of Loiterer
December 7, 1954: SAYS SAM’S JOB UPSET MARILYN
Dr. Richard Cites Dislike of His Hours
December 6, 1954: NAMED SUSPECTS, STEVE TELLS JURY
State Hits “Protection” of Brother
Judge Rips Winchell on Sheppard ‘Gossip’
December 5, 1954: This date was a Sunday in 1954 and the Cleveland Press did not publish on Sundays.
December 4, 1954: Dr. Steve Facing New Duel
December 3, 1954: STATE HITS STEVE’S NOTEBOOK
Sparks Fly During His Cross Exam
Here’s How Steve and State Clash on What Happened in Murder Probe
December 2, 1954: FOUND DR. SAM’S COAT ON FLOOR, STEVE SAYS
December 1, 1954: SUSAN SAYS SAM LOVED HER, WANTED TO DIVORCE MARILYN
State Rests After Trysts Are Revealed
Angry Sam Beat Son, Wife’s Kin Charges
November 30, 1954: TELLS OF HAIR IN SAM’S POCKETS
Expert Says It Resembles Marilyn’s
November 29, 1954: DISPUTE EXTENT OF SAM’S INJURY
State Hits Tactics Used by Corrigan
Employers Pay Men on Sheppard Jury
November 28, 1954: This date was a Sunday in 1954 and the Cleveland Press did not publish on Sundays.
November 27, 1954: State, Defense Map Surprises in Trial
November 26, 1954: TRACE KILLER’S BLOODY TRAIL
Jurors See Line Leading to Garage
November 25, 1954: SEEKS TO LINK BLOOD TO VICTIM
State Will Call Stain Specialist
November 24, 1954: SAYS MARILYN CALLED SAM A “JEKYLL-HYDE”
Describes 50 Blood Spots on Stairway
November 23, 1954: FINGERPRINT MAN TELLS OF CLEANUP IN HOUSE
Houk Visited Frequently, Maid Says
Ex-Convict Admits Sheppard Story Hoax
November 22, 1954: SAYS DR. SAM TALKED DIVORCE
Hoversten Recalls Four-Year-Old Talk
November 21, 1954: This date was a Sunday in 1954 and the Cleveland Press did not publish on Sundays.
November 20, 1954: SCHOTTKE AIDED SAM: DR. STEVE
Cites No Tests for Intruder’s Fingerprints
November 19, 1954: Hoversten Says Steve ‘Gagged’ Sam
SAM DECLINED JULY 4 LIE TEST
Officer Tells Jury Why He Accused Him
November 18, 1954: OFFER SUSAN’S PHONE NUMBER
Corrigan Accused of Marring Exhibit
November 17, 1954: DEFENSE TRIES TO SHOW GERBER BUNGLED PROBE
Dr. Sam Writes to His Son
November 16, 1954: GERBER TELLS OF SURGERY TOOL IMPRINT ON MARILYN’S PILLOW
Coroner Says Dr. Sam Had Normal Pulse
Gerber Describes Stains on Pillow
November 15, 1954: BAY COP REVEALS SAM’S STORY
No Weapon Used on Dr. Sheppard
November 14, 1954: This date was a Sunday in 1954 and the Cleveland Press did not publish on Sundays.
November 13, 1954: State Maps Surprise in Dr. Sheppard Trial
November 12, 1954: BAY OFFICER HITS AT DEFENSE CLAIMS
Cites Locked Windows in Death Room
November 11, 1954: Lab Crew Readies Attack on Dr. Sam
Murder Home Open to Kin
November 10, 1954: ‘CONFESS IF YOU DID IT,’ MAYOR HOUK TOLD SAM
November 9, 1954: SAM ASKED DIVORCE: MRS. AHERN
Says His Affairs Troubled Marilyn
Marilyn’s Neighbor Parries Corrigan’s Sharp Quizzing
November 8, 1954: DR. SAM DIRECTS OWN DEFENSE
Coaches Corrigan on Quiz of Adelson
November 7, 1954: This date was a Sunday in 1954 and the Cleveland Press did not publish on Sundays.
November 6, 1954: Blythin Acts to Speed Up Sam’s Trial
Women Jurors Give Colorful Backdrop to Drab, Grim Scene at Murder Trial
November 5, 1954: DR. SAM SAYS AUTOPSY BUNGLED
Missed Weapon Clew, Defense Tells Jurors
November 4, 1954: LOVE LETTERS TO SUSAN BARED AS STATE ASKS DEATH FOR SAM
November 3, 1954: Drop Juror; Panel Visits Death Home
November 2, 1954: HOVERSTEN BARES DIVORCE TALK
November 1, 1954: JUDGE TO OUST SHEPPARD JUROR
October 31, 1954: This date was a Sunday in 1954 and the Cleveland Press did not publish on Sundays.
October 30, 1954: Seek Way to Avoid Mistrial
October 29, 1954: State “Startled” by Data on Juror
October 28, 1954: SUSAN HIDES UNTIL TRIAL ORDEAL
Complete Sheppard Jury Picked
October 27, 1954: DR. SAM VISITS WITH KIN BARRED
“Everything Went Wrong” —Houk
Bay Mayor Reveals Inside Probe Story
He Asks to Go to Funeral
October 26, 1954: SAM, WOMAN JUROR SOB IN COURT
The Sheppard Experience 1954 project will share the headline of the day each day from July 5, 1954 to January 8, 1955. Read Sam Reese Sheppard’s invitation to join us on this journey, and please share this page and its companion Facebook & Twitter posts.
October 25, 1954: MARILYN’S FATHER WILL TAKE STAND
Reese to Tell What Dr. Sam Said July 4
October 24, 1954: This date was a Sunday in 1954 and the Cleveland Press did not publish on Sundays.
October 23, 1954: But Who Will Speak for Marilyn?
Probes Continue in Trial Interlude
October 22, 1954: OUST JUROR FOR DISCUSSING CASE
Mailman Seated as 11th on Panel
Wife Does Judging — Blythin Dresses Up
Sam’s Barkless Dog Given to 2 Nurses
October 21, 1954: 5 WOMEN, 4 MEN NOW ON JURY
Murder House Trip Planned Next Week
Dr. Sam Just Like a Brother, 2 Sisters-in-Law Say at Trial
October 20, 1954: 4TH SHEPPARD JUROR IS SEATED
Judge Defied by Defense on Love Quiz
Judge Has Soothing Touch
October 19, 1954: WOMAN JURY SEATED AS DELAY MOVE FAILS
Dad Pats Dr. Sam at Court Recess
October 18, 1954: SHEPPARD LOSES DELAY FIGHT
Decision Held Up on Venue Change
Dr. Sam, Newsmen Exchange Stares
October 16, 1954: Sheppards Map Fullest Moral Support for Sam
October 15, 1954: State Blasts Delay Move by Sheppard
October 14, 1954: SHEPPARD ASKS DELAY OF TRIAL
October 13, 1954: Sheppard to Testify in Own Defense
Will Face First Quiz by State
October 12, 1954: Call 20 to Testify Against Sheppard
Prosecutors Ready to Fight Any Effort at Delaying Trial
October 9, 1954: Dr. Sam’s Trial Shift Plea Due Thursday
October 8, 1954: DR. SAM POLLS PUBLIC ON GUILT OR INNOCENCE
Phone-Call Survey Made for Corrigan
September 24 to October 7, 1954: This case was not on the front page of the Cleveland Press on these dates. Check back on October 8 for the next headline.
September 23, 1954: 75 PICKED FOR SHEPPARD JURY
Panel Lists 37 Women and 38 Men
September 22, 1954: This case was not on the front page of the Cleveland Press on this date.
September 21, 1954: SHEPPARD TO SEEK TRIAL SHIFT
Dr. Sam Says Public Feels He Is Guilty
Lawyer Circulates Marilyn Death Photo
September 20, 1954: Sheppard Waits No on Bail
September 18-19, 1954: September 19 was a Sunday in 1954 and the Cleveland Press did not publish on Sundays. Also, this case was not on the front page of the Cleveland Press on September 18. Check back on September 20th for the next front page headlines.
September 17, 1954: DR. SAM WEEPS AT BAIL HEARING
Breaks Down as Neighbor Takes Stand
September 15-16, 1954: This case was not on the front page of the Cleveland Press on these dates.
September 14, 1954:
September 12-13, 1954: September 12 was a Sunday in 1954 and the Cleveland Press did not publish on Sundays. Also, this case was not on the front page of the Cleveland Press on September 13. Check back on September 14th for the next front page headlines.
September 11, 1954: DR. SAM’S BAIL PLEA IS STALLED
Blythin Sets Hearing for Next Friday
September 10, 1954: Dr. Sam Opens Battle for Bail
Bay Mayor in Hospital, Wife Called
September 8-9, 1954: This case was not on the front page of the Cleveland Press on these dates. Check back on September 10th for the next front page headlines.
September 7, 1954: SHEPPARD ASKS RELEASE ON BAIL
Prosecutor Urges Sam to Testify
August 31 – September 6, 1954: This case was not on the front page of the Cleveland Press during these dates. Check back on September 7th for the next front page headlines.
August 30, 1954: STUDY WRENCH AS MURDER TOOL
Sheppard’s Instruments Are Checked
August 28, 1954: Today this case was not on the front page of the Cleveland Press. Check back on August 30th for the next front page headlines.
August 27, 1954: CHARGE DR. SHEPPARD CAN’T GET FAIR TRIAL
August 26, 1954: Today this case was not on the front page of the Cleveland Press. Check back on August 27th for the next front page headlines.
August 25, 1954: Doctor to Gamble Life on Jury Trial
August 21, 1954: Today is the first day since July 5th that this case was not on the front page of the Cleveland Press. Check back on August 25th for the next front page headlines.
August 20, 1954: DR. SAM FAILS TO ASK FOR BAIL
Not-Guilty Plea Entered in Hearing
Doctor Writes About His Past
August 19, 1954: Dr. Sam Is Anxious to Take Stand, His Brother Says
August 18, 1954: DR. SAM WRITES HIS OWN STORY
‘Loved Wife, Rejoiced at Second Child’
Two Other Women May Face Doctor
Like a Bad Dream to Sam’s Parents
August 17, 1954: SUSAN TELLS JURY OF DR. SAM
Affair Is Cited as Background in Wife Murder
No Suspect Wants to Talk to Them Now, Police Say
August 16, 1954: DR. SAM GOES FREE ON BAIL OF $50,000
“Innocent,” Said Sam in Jail
August 15, 1954: This day in 1954 was a Sunday, and The Cleveland Press did not publish on Sundays. Headlines from 1954 resume tomorrow.
August 14, 1954: JURY GETS CASE NEXT WEEK
“Lies, Lies,” Cries Houk at Dr. Steve
Cullitan Asks Indictment of Dr. Sheppard
August 13, 1954: STORY CALLS HOUK A SUSPECT, BRINGS HIM IN FOR QUESTIONING
Sheppard Wins Prejudice Fight
Bay Pastor Bares Advice to Dr. Sam
Father Brings Dr. Sam X-Rays
August 12, 1954: DR. HOVERSTEN TELLS MORE
Sheppard Guest Quizzed
Dr. Sam Tense at Hearing
Pitcher Rattled by “Sandy” Story
August 11, 1954: DR. SAM: “I Wish There Was Something I Could Get Off My Chest—but There Isn’t.”
New Bay Suspect Hunt Fails
August 10, 1954: DOCTOR EVIDENCE IS READY FOR JURY
Investigation Is Nearly Completed
August 9, 1954: SHEPPARD MURDER BED REMOVED
Sofa Also Taken for Court Exhibit
August 8, 1954: This day in 1954 was a Sunday, and The Cleveland Press did not publish on Sundays. Headlines from 1954 resume tomorrow.
August 7, 1954: START NEW FIGHT TO SHIFT HEARING
Doctor’s Lawyers Charge Prejudice by Acting Mayor
Drug Theft Theory in Murder Ripped
August 6, 1954: KILLER TRACED TO GARAGE
Hearing on Arrest Delayed to Monday
August 5, 1954: LINK 5 WOMEN TO DOCTOR
Patient Tells About Dates
Toil on Own Time to Track Killer by Secret Fluid
August 4, 1954: POLICE ABANDON DOCTOR QUIZ
Detectives Balked by Talk Strike
Susan Relaxes to Records While Awaiting Police Call
August 3, 1954: FIND KILLER’S BLOODY TRAIL
Cops Use New Science
Story Declines to Reveal Other Clews in Murder
August 2, 1954: COURT REFUSES TO FREE DR. SHEPPARD FROM JAIL
Police Plan to Question Houk Again
Pleas Heard by Merrick
August 1, 1954: This day in 1954 was a Sunday, and The Cleveland Press did not publish on Sundays. Headlines from 1954 resume tomorrow.
July 31, 1954: POLICE GRILL DOCTOR; FREEDOM BID FAILS
Dr. Sheppard Shocked as Warrant is Served
Find New Suspect, Dr. Steve Asks
July 30, 1954: Quit Stalling and Bring Him In!
CELEBREZZE SAYS BAY MAYOR IS PROTECTING MURDER SUSPECT
Tells Houk City Will Quit Case if Arrest Refused
July 29, 1954: CONFER ON MURDER ARREST
City Hits 25-Day Stall by Bay
“It’s Up to You,” Cleveland Tells Suburban Chief
Head of Bay Council Blasts Arrest Delay
July 28, 1954: DOCTOR LIES, SUSAN CHARGES; TELLS OF GIFTS, MARRIAGE TALK
Love Secrets Bared, Sue Glad It’s Over
Why Don’t the Police Quiz #1 Suspect
His Lawyers Pledge Full Cooperation
July 27, 1954: DOCTOR’S INDICTMENT NEAR IN MURDER OF HIS WIFE
Susan Hayes Admits Affair, Flies to City
Grand Jury Held Over for Probe
July 26, 1954: KERR ASKS DOCTOR’S ARREST
Reveals Sheppard Divorce Talk
Mrs. Ahern Says Marilyn Told Her About Discussion
Dramatic Words Bare Marital Woe
July 25, 1954: This day in 1954 was a Sunday, and The Cleveland Press did not publish on Sundays. Headlines from 1954 resume tomorrow.
July 24, 1954: SUSAN HAYES FACES QUIZ HERE
Data Sought on “Date”
Cleveland Police to See Girl, Other Friends of Doctor
July 23, 1954: DOCTOR IN TEARS ON STAND; DENIES AFFAIR ON WEST COAST
Mayor Predicts Break, 2d Woman
July 22, 1954: NEW DETAILS OF MURDER TOLD AS INQUEST OPENS
Variations in Story Are Bared
Doctor Played Records Waiting for Wife’s Funeral
July 21, 1954: CITY TAKES OVER BAY PROBE; STORY SURE HE KNOWS KILLER
Why No Inquest? Do It Now, Dr. Gerber
Doctor Rejects Official Request for Truth Test
July 20, 1954: BAY COUNCIL TO ASK CITY AID IN MURDER
Somebody Is Getting Away With Murder
Resolution Due Seeking Cleveland Control of Probe
July 19, 1954: CHECK SHOTGUN IN MURDER PROBE
July 18, 1954: This day in 1954 was a Sunday, and The Cleveland Press did not publish on Sundays. Headlines from 1954 resume tomorrow.
July 17, 1954: Dr. Sheppard Tells Press “Killer Will Be Caught”
July 16, 1954: DID PROBERS BUNGLE? Expert Analyzes Case
Give Up Gun, Probers Tell Dr. Sheppard
July 15, 1954: FAIL TO FIND BLOOD ON T-SHIRT
Murder Plot Story False, Drifter Says
July 14, 1954: FIND T-SHIRT ON BEACH
Garment Stains Being Analyzed
Discovery Made Near Death Home
The Sheppard Murder Clock
July 13, 1954: DOCTOR OFFERS TO BARE LIST OF GRUDGE PATIENTS
July 12, 1954: SAW BAY HOME LIGHTED AT 2:30, BEFORE MURDER
Weapon, Motive and Shirt Hunted
Passersby Report 3 Rooms Lit Up
July 11, 1954: This day in 1954 was a Sunday, and The Cleveland Press did not publish on Sundays. Headlines from 1954 resume tomorrow.
July 10, 1954: DOCTOR UNDERGOES NEW QUIZ
Nail Fibers Checked for Murder Clews
July 9, 1954: DOCTOR RE-ENACTS TRAGEDY
He Disperses Crowd, Bars Lie Test Now
Hunt Clews in Wife’s Letters
July 8, 1954: START QUIZ OF DOCTOR IN MURDER OF BAY WIFE
Husband Puts $10,000 Up for Slayer
“If Sam Did It I Would Know” Says Brother
JULY 7, 1954: DOCTOR IS WHEELED TO WIFE’S FUNERAL
Coroner Asks Death Details Re-Enacted
Chip’s Flowers Placed in Mother’s Casket
July 6, 1954: HUNT MURDER WEAPON AND DOCTOR’S T-SHIRT
Family Tells Why Lawyer Is Called
July 5, 1954: DOCTOR’S WIFE MURDERED IN BAY VILLAGE
