Book Review: The Super Sleuths: The World's Greatest Real-Life Detectives and Their Toughest Cases
| Author | Dorothy Zorichich |
| DOI | 10.1177/000486587901200313 |
| Published date | 01 September 1979 |
| Date | 01 September 1979 |
| Subject Matter | Book Reviews |
188 BO()K REVIEWS ANZJ
Crim
(1979) 12
standard such as the
Autopsy
Manual of the US Armed Forces Institute of
Pathology. It is difficult to find a just cause for the deviation
from
objective and
logical practice which occurred at
the
autopsy of the late President's body. It
would
appear
that extreme
and
damaging political pressure must have been
exerted on the pathologists involved who, under normal circumstances, would
not have
had
to tolerate interference in the conduct of their professional duties.
Wilber raises many valid questions concerning the Warren Commission's
findings in relation to the post-mortem examination
and
the resulting conclusions
drawn
by the Commission from the medical evidence. It appears extraordinary
that not even the pathologists present at the autopsy
were
subsequently
permitted to see, or examine, photographs allegedly
made
at the autopsy.
Despite the
huge
gaps present in medical information released, or
made
available through
the
Commission's
open
hearing, Wilber still manages to show
just how untenable
were
the Commissioner's findings on the ballistic behaviour
of the single bullet which allegedly struck the President in the throat,
and
then
Governor Connally, inflicting multiple injuries.
The
bullet was reportedly then
found in almost "mint" condition on a stretcher at the Parkland Hospital. It is of
interest to note
that
late in 1978 the US House Select Committee on
Assassinations finally concluded that
more
than one firearm was discharged at
the time President Kennedy was assassinated.
The
Committee apparently based
this conclusion on acoustic examinations of a
tape
recording
made
at the scene of
the shooting on 22
November
1963
and
additional recordings
made
in 1978.
It is through books such as Wilber's that
we
clearly see the value of having
objective, scientifically-based evidence available to enable accurate
reconstruction of criminal events. Wilber clearly demonstrates, as a pathologist,
how
·the Warren Commission either ignored significant medical evidence or
simply passed over substantial matters which were contrary to its findings.
The
theme of political-based interference prior to, in the conduct of
and
after the
autopsy makes fascinating reading.
How
could so many persons
permit
this type
of unethical activity to continue?
Despite Wilber's repetitive
and
emotionally-tinged style
of
writing Iwould
recommend this volume for those interested in reaching the truth
about
the
circumstances surrounding President Kennedy's assassination.
Wilber's
book
is a significant contribution to other works on the subject. I have
anumber of concerns lingering as a result of reading this
book
and
wonder
how
well would the assassination of an Australian Prime Minister
be
dealt with and
what forensic science
and
forensic medicine resources would
be
employed
in the
subsequent investigation. Have we in Australia learned anything from our
American colleagues in this regard?
The
relevant authorities should
read
Wilber's
book as
part
of their contingency planning.
Canberra
MALCOLM
C
HALL
The
Super Sleuths:
The
World's Greatest Real-Life Detectives
and
Their
Toughest Cases. Bruce Henderson
and
Sam Summerlin, Cassel &Co
London (1976) 291
pp
$9.95. .
Crimes of an horrendous nature invariably
command
public attention. They
attain their notoriety for a
number
of reasons, some of which include nature of
the offence, circumstances of the offence, degree of violence used, age of the
To continue reading
Request your trial