Dr. Sheppard Ordered Back to Prison

May 5, 1965 - Dr. Sam Sheppard’s new freedom was jolted today by a Federal court which ordered him back to a life prison term for his wife’s slaying. But his attorney, F. Lee Bailey, vowed to keep him permanently free.

The 41-year-old osteopath, convicted after a trial which drew worldwide attention in 1954, was guaranteed 20 more days of freedom with the 35-year-old German divorcee he married soon after a Federal judge ordered him released from prison last July 15.

Bailey said in Boston that an appeal would be carried to the U.S. Supreme Court if necessary. “We are satisfied still that the end result will be that Dr. Sheppard’s freedom will become permanent,” Bailey said.

Sheppard and his new wife, the former Ariane Tebbenjohanns, got the news at the suburban Cleveland home where they have lived quietly since U.S. District Judge Carl Weinman ruled he had not received a fair trial because of publicity. The state had appealed the ruling.

Even if Sheppard goes back to prison, he will be eligible to apply for parole immediately. He served 10 years.

“After this paradise, Sam said the thought of possibly going back to prison would be more than he could stand,” the new Mrs. Sheppard said. “It came as a terrible shock.”

“When you’ve gone through 10 years of hell,” Sheppard said, “you know how precious your freedom is.”

Sheppard has maintained his innocence since he was arrested 16 days after his pregnant wife, Marilyn, was found bludgeoned to death July 4, 1954, in their suburban Cleveland home.

He steadfastly maintained a “bushy-haired” intruder killed her. He contended he was asleep at the time.

Sheppard’s conviction was upheld by the Ohio Supreme Court, and the U.S. Supreme Court refused to review it.

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