Trial opens in attempt to clear the name of Doctor Sam Sheppard

(Cleveland-AP) -- Attorney F. Lee Bailey says prosecutors withheld evidence from him when he represented Doctor Sam Sheppard in connection with the murder of his wife.<br><br>Sheppard's son -- Sam

Monday, February 14th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Cleveland-AP) -- Attorney F. Lee Bailey says prosecutors withheld evidence from him when he represented Doctor Sam Sheppard in connection with the murder of his wife.

Sheppard's son -- Sam Reese Sheppard -- is suing the state of Ohio in an effort to clear the late doctor's name.

The 1954 case inspired T-V's "The Fugitive." Sheppard -- who died in 1970 -- had his murder conviction overturned and was
acquitted during a second trial.

Bailey testified today that prosecutors withheld a flashlight that could have been the murder weapon. Sheppard always contended
that a "bushy-haired" intruder killed his wife at their home.

Prosecutors contend Sheppard beat his wife to death because he had been unfaithful and felt trapped.

His son's lawyers hope D-N-A testing will clear Sheppard's name.