Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, today the prosecution intends to convict the defendant, Samuel Sheppard, with the heinous crime of murder in the second degree. Sheppard’s long-standing torrid affair with nurse Susan Hayes serves as his motive. On the fateful night of July 4, 1954, the defendant brutally bludgeoned his loving wife, Marilyn Sheppard, to death, after flying into a fit of rage over what would be the last of their many fights over his infidelity. Marilyn Sheppard was only 31, and four months pregnant with her second child at the time of her death. Samuel Sheppard held a reputation as both a liar and an adulterer. He was a selfish man whom bore no respect for his adoring wife, Marilyn. Marital difficulties were exacerbated by