Statement to the Media
March 27, 2000 Enbargoed for end of court session, Today CONTACT: Abe Bonowitz/Joan Bryden U.S. SUPREME COURT IGNORED Terry Gilbert, lead attorney for the Estate of Dr. Samuel H. Sheppard, today re-asserted his outrage at the admittance of testimony from the coroners' inquest and the 1954 unfair trial of Dr. Sam Sheppard. At a brief press conference at the close of the today's court session, Gilbert, flanked by Sam Reese Sheppard, Cousins from both the Sheppard and Reese Families, and Sheppard family supporters, issued the following statement: "It is extremely frustrating that we, in this trial, have to constantly defend the pronouncement of the U.S. Supreme Court concerning the fundamental unfairness of the proceedings that occurred in 1954. In particular, the Supreme Court spent a great deal of time condemning the calling of an inquest as a result of media pressure, and the manner in which that inquest was conducted. For example, constant disruptions, the cheering, and the refusal to permit Dr. Sheppard to have advise of counsel and the ejection of Dr. Sheppard's own lawyer. Please see the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Sheppard V. Maxwell at samreesesheppard.org.
The media and the public are invited to visit samreesesheppard.org. For regular, informal updates from the Sheppard support team, subscribe to "Sheppardlist" using the subscription box available on the above noted web page. MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA, PLEASE NOTE: Sam Reese Sheppard as well as his family and legal team are engaged in a civil trial and their focus must be on the conduct of that trial. The Sheppard legal team, as well as a family representative will be available when appropriate, approximately ten minutes after the end of the daily court session for appropriate comments. Requests for in-depth interviews and appearances must be made by contacting Abe Bonowitz (Pager 888-319-1369/message 800-973-6548) or via e-mail at abe@samreesesheppard.org and will be considered if appropriate and as time permits.  |