No one has performed more autopsies in high-profile cases than Dr Cyril Wecht. During the past four decades, he has dissected over 16,000 bodies to determine how and why they died. He has testified in hundreds of trials and exhumed dozens of corpses. He's investigated the deaths of presidents and princes, coal miners and Hollywood stars. From the tragic homicides of Laci Peterson and Nicole Brown Simpson to the mysteries that surround the deaths of Jon Benet Ramsey and Natalee Hollaway, CNN, MSNBC, FOX News, the "New York Times", and scores of other publications constantly call upon Dr Wecht to provide his expert analysis.In this new book, Dr Wecht and true-crime journalist Dawna Kaufmann present five fascinating mysteries: Who or what killed Anna Nicole Smith's young son, Daniel? Who or what killed Anna Nicole Smith? Was her son's death associated with her own demise just months later? Dr Wecht considers whether someone attempted to get one or both of them out of the way. Who killed twelve-year-old Stephanie Crowe, who was found stabbed to death in the hallway of her home? Dr Wecht's acumen helped straighten out a baffling whodunit that had left local law enforcement going down the wrong path. Should David Westerfield be on death row for the murder of his seven-year-old neighbour, Danielle van Dam? What were the mistakes and victories in that dramatic trial? During the horrific aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, did medical professionals at a distinguished New Orleans hospital purposely inject elderly patients with heart-stopping medications? What does the evidence say?The combined expertise of one of the leading forensic pathologists in the world and an accomplished true-crime journalist come together in this riveting page-turner filled with many details about these notable cases available nowhere else.
Cyril H. Wecht, MD, JD, one of the world's leading forensic pathologists/lawyers, is the author or co-author of A Question of Murder, Tales from the Morgue, Mortal Evidence, Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey?, Grave Secrets, Cause of Death, and hundreds of professional publications. He has served as president of both the American College of Legal Medicine and the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, and has appeared on numerous nationally syndicated television programs, including Dateline NBC, 48 Hours Mystery, 20/20, On the Record with Greta Van Susteren, Geraldo at Large, Issues with Jane Velez- Mitchell, and many others. Dawna Kaufmann is an accomplished true-crime journalist whose work has been heralded by law enforcement and the media. The co-author with Dr. Wecht of A Question of Murder, she has covered hundreds of high-profile homicide and missing-person cases for national magazines, including the National Enquirer, Star, and Globe, as well as countless other publications, and has contributed material to Criminalists: An Introduction to Forensic Science, the leading textbook on the subject for high schools and universities. In addition, she is an award-winning producer and writer, with a multitude of credits in television, including late-night and variety programming.
"They say that timing is everything. If that's true then 'A Question of Murder' couldn't come at a much better time. This fascinating and powerful book takes a look at high profile cases that resulted in deaths... Of particular note with respect to timing is the Stephanie Crowe case. Thought to have been completed with the conviction and sentencing of Richard Raymond Tuite to prison, the case has now been revisited by The Innocence Project, a group of attorneys who work to free the wrongly convicted. The two [co-authors] together make a tremendous team. It's a must read, particularly now that the San Diego area element has re-emerged. Wecht and Kaufmann stand by their findings on the Crowe matter and doubt the Innocent Project will prove otherwise." -- The Paper, Esondido, CA, March 12, 2009 "If you are intrigued by the scientific facts involved in crime solving, this book will keep your attention." --Jacksonville Times-Union March 13, 2009 "Hot Book: The circumstances of Anna Nicole's death are as mysterious today as they were when she died on Feb. 8, 2007. Leave it to a renowned forensic pathologist and the true-crime writer Dawna Kaufmann to get to the bottom of the mystery in A Question of Murder. Her death and others are explored in this juicy read" -- STAR magazine HOT Sheet, February 2, 2009 (circ. 1,428,767) "Written in a flowing narrative style, Wecht, a forensic pathologist, and Kaufman, a true-crime reporter, give the reader the inside scoop of several recent high-profile deaths. This will be of interest to true crime fans." -- Reference and Research Book News, February 2009 "Forthcoming story in Globe that compares Anna Nicole Smith to Marilyn Monroe will quote Dr. Wecht, identify him as author of this book" -- jan. 27 "Justice Interrupted" internet radio show, 8:40 pm PT (Dawna Kaufmann) "This is a great book if you love true crime, whodunits, or if you just love a fascinating story." -- Niagara Gazette, Sunday, April 26, 2009
