February 16, 2009

BECKHAM MEDIA GOES ONE ON ONE WITH FAMED FORENSIC PATHOLOGIST CYRIL WECHT

http://www.cyrilwecht.com/

Cyril H. Wecht, M.D., J.D., is a forensic pathologist, attorney and medical-legal consultant.

Cyril Wecht, MD, JD (Pittsburgh, PA), one of the world's leading pathologists, is the author of Tales from the Morgue, Mortal Evidence, Who Killed JonBenét 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, Larry King Live, 20/20, On the Record With Greta Van Susteren, Geraldo At Large, Burden of Proof, and many other

No one has performed more autopsies in high-profile cases than Dr. Cyril Wecht. During the past four decades, he has dissected more than 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 JonBenét 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 neighbor, 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.

BECKHAM MEDIA ONE ON ONE

Beckham: What message do you want readers to take away from your new book: A Question of Murder?  

Wecht:   Awareness of roles that forensic scientists play in various kinds of cases.   Importance and relevance of using forensic scientific principles and technics in solving cases.

Beckham:   In the new book, you and true-crime journalist Dawna Kaufmann present five fascinating mysteries, which one stays on your mind the most?

Wecht: All are truly fascinating.  The Memorial Hospital cases were the most complex and controversial.   The justice system failed to do its job in pursuing these bizarre deaths of hospital patients.

Beckham: You have performed autopsies on some of the nation's most famous and controversial individuals--how do you prepare yourself mentally for these highly publicized cases?  

Wecht: I always attempt to apply my best skills with an open mind.   I never forget the importance of my findings to everyone involved.  

Beckham:   During the past four decades, you have dissected more than 16,000 bodies to determine how and why they died, what have you lessons have you learned from your experience working as  one of the world's leading pathologist?  

Wecht:  Society benefits greatly from autopsy findings.   Health and safety considerations depend on understanding why and how people die.   The failure to perform post-mortem exams when necessary can lead to grave injustice and undetected health hazards.  

Beckham: Do you still believe John Benet Ramsey's father, John played a role in his daughter's death?

Wecht: Yes.   There definitely was no "intruder".   Read my book, Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey.  

Beckham: What do you like most about your job? And what experience has taught you the most?

Wecht: Helping families, physicians, attorneys, courts, etc. fulfill their roles.   Significant contribution to society through forensic science.

Beckham: How has Forensic Medicine changed since you first entered the field? What opportunities are available for future generations wanting to pursue this career?

Wecht: Overall sophistication of investigative technics and equipment.   New legal concepts.   Opportunities are great.   The use of forensic sciences will increase - no question.

Beckham: When you are not working, how do you relax? What is it that we don't know about you?  

Wecht: Family, friends, movies, reading, traveling.

Beckham: What are some of you future goals? Personal and Professional?  

Wecht: To continue to practice and do everything I am now doing for a long time.

Beckham: How do you accentuate the positive?    

Wecht: Think of all the good things in life, especially a loving family, good health, and many wonderful friends, fans, and supporters.

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