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
