The Life and Deaths of Cyril Wecht: Memoirs of America's Most Controversial Forensic Pathologist

by Cyril H. Wecht, Jeffrey M Sewald (Contributor)

For six decades, Pittsburgh-based forensic scientist Cyril Wecht has been an outspoken authority when horrible things happen to everyday people--murders, childhood deaths, tragic accidents and police brutality. His expertise and testimony have been called upon in high-profile cases, including the deaths of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr., Elvis Presley, JonBenet Ramsey, Laci Peterson and others. As a criminal defendant, in 1979, he was acquitted on charges of personally profiting from his office as Allegheny County Coroner; a federal public corruption charge was dismissed in 2008. Both cases, his attorneys argued, were politically motivated. Wecht's memoir describes his work on famous cases, his life in the public eye and his legal battles with determined and powerful authorities, from his hometown DA to a U.S. Attorney and the FBI.

Genres: Biography

238 pages, Paperback

Published October 2, 2020

Reviews

[Brent · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read it straight through except for having to sleep. Everybody should read this to understand the insights of a highly intelligent person going on a legal/political hell ride.

[Thomas Schulte · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the Audible audiobook edition narrated by Mike Hennessy.

For me, this book is in three parts: the first has a lot on his Democratic Party involvement in elected office. At a time when he forensically and publicly outed brutal cops, before it was cool, rathe r than adulation he received bullsh*t public corruption charges. (He's also facile with coarse language.) This cost him stress and over four million dollars to win.

A middle part recounts globe-trotting forensic adventures in Israel, The Bahamas, across the States, etc. It feels like this lawyer-pathologist was in an exclusive, chummy club of defense attorneys (Mark Geragos, F. Lee Bailey, etc.) and other forensic scientists and coroners(Thomas Noguchi, Michael Baden, Thomas Noguchi, etc.) They are recounted and quoted here.

Then, finally, there is the rapid-fire, review of famous cases he has touched:

* JFK (This many hounded by the government sees a CIA conspiracy)
* RFK (kill shots from close behind when Sirhan Sirhan was in front)
* OJ (Oj was probably involved, but not alone)
* Anna Nichole Smith and son and Elvis: "polypharmacy"
* Scott Peterson (enough circumstantial evidence for guilt, not enough remains for an autopsy)
and more!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book especially the pictures of a young Dr Wecht. Here in Pittsburgh we were so fortunate to have him as our County Corner.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been a fan of Dr Wecht for a long, long time. The first part of the book covers his life from birth to the present and is filled with accolades from Pittsburgh and around the world. I enjoyed that part of the book ( especially the insider details of his trial in 2008 which I followed in the local papers- I’ve always felt it was politically motivated and the facts certainly support that.)
The second part of the book covers several well known and lesser known cases and his opinions about them. That part of the book deserves 5 stars
Dr Wecht is still going strong and working full time at the age of 90. In fact, he was quoted in the local paper today!

[Jillo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I obviously didn't read the book blurb very closely as I expected this to be a medical book about the cases in which Dr. Wecht took part while coroner. And, while some of the book told these stories at a high level, the book was mainly about the politics during Dr. Wecht's time in practice. The book tells Dr. Wecht's side of the story. He is obviously still massively angry and that comes across clearly throughout. Those curious about the politics of the time told in a narrative of near unrelenting anger may enjoy. For me, it was exhausting.

[cheryl senkow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

I enjoyed this book on Dr Wecht’s amazing career and life. As a Pittsburgh resident , I remember his political foes and battles. I appreciate that he is a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend.

[Evan Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little too egocentric for my tastes, but the second half of the book is quite fascinating with Cyrils takes on many cases that he has either been consulted on or has an expert opinion on.

[Jessica Bellas · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding account of how provincial and petty the politics are in Pittsburgh. Cyril Wecht is a great story teller with many great stories to tell. Highly recommend!

[S.B. McEwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just OK. I was under the impression these were stories of cases. Interesting memoir of the life and upbringing of Dr. Wecht, but a lot about corruption and politics in his career. Not so exciting.

[Lucy Leigh J · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[Gail Johnson, Ph.D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Keep doing you Dr. Wecht. A good man is never alone.

[J Jr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Cyril H. Wecht was one of the country's foremost forensic pathologists. Not only did he have a medical degree but also a law degree. He served as the coroner of Allegheny County in Pittsburgh, not once, but twice. This book spells out what was not only a remarkable life a but colorful one in many ways. Wecht never hesitated to give his opinion on numerous murder cases. He was one of the foremost critics of The Warren Report, dealing with the JFK assassination. He was called upon to review the many aspects of this case and his findings are spelled out eloquently in this book. He was also asked to lend his expertise to review evidence in many national cases such as the Jon Benet Ramsey case, The O.J. Simpson case, The assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., the death of Elvis Presley and the Laci Patterson case. All of these cases, and more, are detailed in this incredibly absorbing book. Wecht was never at a loss for words and the details of his famous cases, as well as many local Pittsburgh cases, are not only interesting but also entertaining in many ways. Even if you do not have a close interest the cases he covered, this book is worth a read because it will acquaint you with one of the most intelligent minds in the world when it comes to criminology. Being the sort of person Wecht was he was also the target of political opponents and those are dealt with at length in the book. A very entertaining read.