The Sheppard Murder: Court Timeline

  • The First Trial's Decision

    On December 21, 1954, the jury of the trial against Sam Sheppard returned a guilty verdict for second-degree murder. Sam is arrested and imprisoned
  • New Trial Denied

    The Eighth District Ohio Court of Appeals denies Sam Sheppard's motion for a new trial
  • Conviction Affirmed

    Ohio Supreme Court judges affirm Sam Sheppard's conviction from the original trial
  • Supreme Court Declines

    U.S. Supreme Court judges decline to hear Sheppard's motion for a new trial
  • Judge Weinman's Decision

    Judge Carl. A Weinman, chief justice of the Southern District of Ohio, reverses Sam Sheppard's conviction on constitutional grounds, as he believes Sheppard's right to due process was violated in the original trial due to pre-trial media publicity of the case.
  • Appeal Against Weinman

    The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Ohio reverses Judge Weinman's decision to reverse Sheppard's conviction on state's appeal
  • Supreme Court Makes a Decision

    On an 8 to 1 vote, U.S. Supreme Court judges reverse the reversal of Judge Weinman's reversal of Sam Sheppard's conviction on due process grounds. New trial is set.
  • Second Trial's Decision

    The jury of Sam Sheppard's second trial, State of Ohio v. Sheppard, returns a unanimous "not guilty" verdict. Sam Sheppard is now a free man.
  • Sam Reese's Civil Suit

    Sam Sheppard's son, Sam Reese Sheppard, filed a civil suit for wrongful imprisonment of his father. Jury rules against him in trial.
  • Sam Reese's Appeal Denied

    The Eighth District Court of Appeals declines to hear Sam Reese Sheppard's appeal after his defeat in trial.
  • Sam Reese's Appeal Declined Again

    The Ohio Supreme Court declines to hear Sam Reese Sheppard's appeal.