Memphis-- Popular medical examiner Dr. O.C. Smith was discovered June 1, 2002 in a stairwell at the forensics center where he worked, blinded with lye, wrapped in barbed wire, and with a bomb tied to his neck. Smith was not seriously injured.
After a 15-month investigation produced no suspects, Smith was charged with lying to agents and illegally possessing a bomb. He refused an offer to confess to staging the attack in exchange for no jail time. He faced 20 years if convicted.
The judge declared a mistrial when jurors deadlocked for 3 days after hearing 3 weeks of testimony from 60 witnesses. The prosecutor has dropped the charges. Police are no longer seeking Smith's assailant. Smith says he still fears for his safety.
