From Crime Scene to Courtroom

Examining the Mysteries Behind Famous Cases

by Cyril H. Wecht and Dawna Kaufmann

Foreword by Geraldo Rivera

Published by: Globe Pequot

Sales Date: 10/25/2011

315 Pages, 6.00 x 9.00 x 0.50 in

Hardcover
9781616144470
Published: October 2011

$27.00

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eBook
9781616144487
Published: October 2011

$25.50

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From crime scene to morgue to courtroom, and finally the court of public opinion, this riveting narrative is essential reading for true-crime enthusiasts.If you think the media has told you everything there is to know about Michael Jackson and Casey Anthony, think again! This engrossing, almost cinematic page-turner, offers never-before-published information on the mysterious deaths of Michael Jackson and Caylee Anthony, plus five other ripped-from-the-headlines criminal cases. Based on the authors' long investigative experience, these two insiders offer revealing insights into the following high-profile cases:-Casey Anthony: An assessment of the Trial of this Century, during which a Florida mother stood accused of killing her young daughter, Caylee. At stake were issues that included accuracy of air sampling and cadaver dogs, post-mortem hair banding, chloroform, duct tape identification, computer clues, and deep family secrets.-Michael Jackson: The authors provide never-disclosed data on the autopsies of Jackson's body and a microscopic view of the singer's life and career, plus analysis of the cardiologist charged with his death: Was Dr. Conrad Murphy recklessly negligent or a fall guy for a hopelessly addicted celebrity?-Drew Peterson: Heroic Illinois SWAT team cop or wife killer? Did his third wife slip and fall in the bathtub, or was she beaten and drowned? The controversy over her death led to an exhumation and the filing of homicide charges against him, but can prosecutors prove their case? And what happened to his fourth wife, who remains missing?-Rolling Stone Brian Jones: Was the rock musician's death an accident or something more sinister? And was he impaired by drugs or alcohol when he died? After more than forty years, there is finally an answer.In addition, the authors examine the tragic death of twelve-year-old Gabrielle Bechen, whose rape-murder changed her community; Col. Philip Shue, whose demise was a battle of suicide versus homicide until Dr. Wecht solved the case; and Carol Ann Gotbaum, a respected Manhattan mother who died in police custody in Phoenix.

""From the moment the medical examiner gets a call about a suspected homicide, through the trial of the accused and beyond, this book provides rich forensic detail that will tantalize both scientists and civilians. Wecht and Kaufmann make a great team.”-Henry C. Lee, PhD, World-renowned criminalist and author, and founder of the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science at the University of New Haven in Connecticut“With Wecht's experienced eye for forensic medicine and law, and Kaufmann's talent for structure and narrative, this book offers a balanced and comprehensive view of seven very different deadly mysteries." -Mark Geragos, Criminal defense attorney, California Litigator of the Year for civil law,and frequent media commentator on legal issues“What happens when hard science intersects with compelling storytelling? You get a fresh analysis and incisive perspective. Wecht and Kaufmann explore seven cases as diverse as the death of Rolling Stone Brian Jones and the murder trial of Casey Anthony, without losing the humanity behind the scenes.”-Marc Klaas, Victims' advocate and founder of the KlaasKids Foundation whose goal is to ensure the safety of all children from predatory criminals“From Crime Scene to Courtroom is skillfully written, forensically intriguing, and highly recommended for anyone interested in the complex stories behind these notorious deaths. Wecht and Kaufmann collaborate in their dogged quest for not only the truth, but justice for the voiceless victims.”-Mark E. Safarik, Retired FBI profiler, partner in Forensic Behavioral Services International,and host of the television series Killer Instinct on the CLOO network“If you love real-world legal thrillers, this book is a must buy! Wecht and Kaufmann expose never-revealed facts and expert scrutiny of the cases that had you glued to television news night after night, and they also introduce you to other fresh cases with startling twists.”-Wendy Murphy, Former Boston prosecutor, faculty member at the New England School of Law,and frequent news commentator on high-profile crimes“For true-crime fans everywhere! Wecht and Kaufmann put you at the crime scene and take you right into the courtroom. Forget the TV and cable shows—you'll turn your TV off because you won't be able to put down this powerful book.”-Tricia Griffith, Co-owner of WebSleuths.com, the Internet's number one true-crime discussion forum