Sam Sheppard was an American neurosurgeon who gained national attention in the 1950s after being accused of murdering his wife, Marilyn. The case became a media sensation, leading to a highly publicized trial that raised questions about the fairness of the legal process. Sheppard maintained his innocence, claiming that an intruder was responsible for the crime. After serving ten years in prison, Sheppard's conviction was overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1966, citing prejudicial pre-trial publicity. He was retried and acquitted in 1967. The case inspired the television series and film titled The Fugitive, which further popularized his story.