Dr. Cyril Wecht, a pathologist and attorney known for his sharp wit and contentious views on notable deaths, including the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, passed away on Monday at the age of 93.
The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts announced the death of Wecht. They did not reveal the cause or location of his death, but stated that he passed away peacefully.
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In 1964, Wecht’s journey to fame took off rapidly. This occurred just three years after he left the military and returned to civilian life following a short period at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama. During that time, Wecht held dual roles as an assistant district attorney in Allegheny County and a pathologist at a hospital in Pittsburgh.
A group of forensic scientists approached Wecht with a request: to analyze the Warren Commission’s report, which concluded that Lee Harvey Oswald was the sole assassin of Kennedy. Wecht, known for his meticulousness, accepted the challenge. This marked the beginning of his lifelong fixation with proving his theory that there were multiple shooters involved in the assassination.
Upon reviewing the autopsy documents, gaining knowledge about the president’s missing brain, and examining an amateur video of the assassination, Wecht came to the conclusion that the commission’s assertion of a single bullet causing both Kennedy’s death and Governor Connally’s injuries was “absolute nonsense.”
Wecht’s theory, which he presented during his lecture circuit demonstration, asserts that it was not feasible for a single bullet to cause the extensive damage witnessed on the fateful day in Dallas. This theory caught the attention of Oliver Stone, who sought Wecht’s expertise for his movie “JFK.” As a result, Wecht’s explanation was incorporated into the film, particularly in the well-known courtroom scene depicting the trajectory of the infamous “magic bullet.”
According to Attorney F. Lee Bailey, Wecht played a crucial role in challenging the Warren report. Wecht’s verbal exchanges with Sen. Arlen Specter, a member of the commission, also gained significant attention. In his book “Cause of Death,” Wecht boldly accused Specter of supporting a “ridiculous, pseudoscientific hoax.”
Despite their differences, Wecht and Specter managed to form an unexpected bond, developing something resembling a friendship. This connection proved invaluable when Wecht found himself embroiled in a relentless, five-year legal battle that drained his finances and left him vulnerable. Specter, however, stood by his side, defending him throughout the arduous ordeal, which finally concluded in 2009.
In the end, Wecht came out on top. Through a series of legal tactics and court rulings, prosecutors were compelled to dismiss all charges of fraud and theft against him. The case centered around allegations that he had leveraged his position as Allegheny County medical examiner to advance his lucrative private practice, valued in the millions.
Wecht’s bold stance on the Kennedy assassination and the attention it garnered quickly established him as a trusted pathologist in numerous other high-profile cases. Among these cases were those involving the likes of Elvis Presley and JonBenet Ramsey, the young beauty queen whose tragic death still remains a mystery.
During the homicide trial of school head Jean Harris, who was accused of murdering the famous “Scarsdale Diet” Dr. Herman Tarnower, Wecht provided testimony in support of the defense. However, his testimony did not lead to a successful outcome for the defense in this particular case. Another significant trial where Wecht testified was the Claus von Bulow trial, where von Bulow was charged with attempting to murder his wife and heir, Sunny. Wecht’s testimony may have played a role in von Bulow’s eventual acquittal.
In the months leading up to the O.J. Simpson murder trial in 1994, Wecht made regular appearances as a guest on talk shows like the “Today” show and “Good Morning America.” During these appearances, he discussed his insights on the importance of blood samples and other evidence.
In 2009, when Michael Jackson passed away, Wecht once again appeared on the airwaves, engaging in discussions about the fatal combination of drugs and sedatives that led to the death of the iconic King of Pop.
Despite being exposed to death for over 50 years, Wecht maintained a generally positive attitude, his infectious laughter emanating from the depths of his being. He often found amusement in his own jokes, even if they were occasionally sharp and cutting.
In 2009, during a series of interviews with The Associated Press, Wecht expressed his concerns about the future. He openly discussed the fear of experiencing pain and relying on loved ones for assistance if his health were to deteriorate.
“I want to experience life fully until the day I die. Reflect on that,” Wecht expressed. “Consider the profound question: what does it truly mean to be alive?”
He emphasized the importance of passing away while being aware of the presence of loved ones. He believed that when one meets their demise, their loved ones will no longer be present.
Wecht, the son of a grocer, studied at the University of Pittsburgh for his undergraduate degree and went on to earn both medical and law degrees from the same institution. He held the position of Allegheny County’s coroner twice, with his second tenure ending in 2006. However, he resigned following his indictment on charges of fraud and theft.
During his initial tenure, spanning from 1970 to 1980, he encountered his fair share of challenges. Similar to his current predicament, allegations emerged that he had utilized county morgue facilities for personal gain as the coroner. Consequently, he was embroiled in a prolonged legal battle and eventually had to pay $200,000 in restitution. Additionally, he fulfilled a four-year term as an Allegheny County commissioner.
Surviving him are his wife, Sigrid, along with their four children: David, who serves as a Justice on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court; Daniel, a clinical professor within the Neurosurgery Department at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center; Benjamin, an accomplished freelance writer and teacher; and Ingrid, a dedicated doctor specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. Additionally, he leaves behind eleven cherished grandchildren.
