  |
|
|
|
Dr Cyril H.WechtHigh Profile Forensic Pathologist From JFK to Anna Nicole Smith
Controversial Dr Cyril H Wecht has been one of America's most high profile forensic pathologists since he testified in the JFK shooting. Today he is still in the news.
What do John F Kennedy, Elvis Presley, Jon-Benét Ramsey, Laci Peterson, Chandra Levy, OJ Simpson and Senator Robert F Kennedy have in common? The watchful eye and sharp intellect of internationally renowned, high profile forensic pathologist, Dr Cyril Harrison Wecht, who often seems to get himself into trouble with his outspoken opinions. Read - On Trial: Dr. Cyril H. Wecht, former Allegheny County coroner, accused of using county workers and equipment for his private pathology business. Wecht and JFKDr Cyril H. Wecht was one of the medical experts who testified before the House Select Committee in 1978. During his testimony, Wecht argued against the idea that President John F. Kennedy was shot by one gunman from the Texas Book Depository in Dallas. It was partly because of Wecht's testimony that the final report stated, "the committee believes, on the basis of the evidence available to it, that President John F. Kennedy was probably assassinated as a result of a conspiracy." Education and CareerDr. Wecht, who was born on 20 March 1931, received his medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and his law degree from the University of Maryland. . He served on the staff of St. Francis Hospital in Pittsburgh before becoming Deputy Coroner of Allegheny County in 1965. Four years later, he was elected coroner. Wecht served as coroner from 1970 to 1980, and again from 1996 to 2006. During his career, Wecht has served as president of the American College of Legal Medicine and the American Academy of Forensic Science, as well as chair of the boards of trustees of both the American Board of Legal Medicine and the American College of Legal Medicine Foundation. He is also is a fellow of both the College of American Pathologists and the American Society of Clinical Pathologists. He is a clinical professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and an adjunct professor of law at Duquesne University. High Profile Media Forensic PathologistThe media frequently engages outspoken and controversial Dr. Cyril Wecht in discussions of high-profile cases. Wecht became famous as the forensic pathologist of choice appearing on television and consulting on deaths with a high media profile. Some of the cases include; Robert F. Kennedy, Sharon Tate, The Symbionese Liberation Army shootout, John F. Kennedy, The Legionnaires’ Disease panic, death of Elvis Presley, Jon Benet Ramsey, Dr. Herman Tarnower (the Scarsdale diet guru), Danielle van Dam, Sunny von Bulow, the Branch Davidian incident, Vincent Foster, Laci Peterson and recently Daniel and Anna Nicole Smith. During his career, Wecht has personally performed over fourteen thousand autopsies. Cyril H. Wecht and Pathology AssociatesSince 1962, Dr. Wecht has an established private practice and has served as a medical-legal and forensic pathology consultant in both civil and criminal cases. Dr Wecht's BooksWecht is the author of several books including:
Cyril H. Wecht Institute of Forensic Science and LawThe Cyril H. Wecht Institute of Forensic Science and Law at the Duquesne University School of Law was established in the fall of 2000. It offers graduate degree and professional certificate programs in forensic science and law. The Wecht Institute also hosts an annual conference. Sources: Cyril H. Wecht - Forensic pathologist, attoreney, medical-legal consultant. Pittsburg Post-Gazette
The copyright of the article Dr Cyril H.Wecht in Criminalistics is owned by Karen Lotter. Permission to republish Dr Cyril H.Wecht in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
