Real-life forensic pathologist Dr. Richard Shepherd has conducted post-mortems on 23,000 deceased individuals, equivalent to a small town’s population. His work involves remaining emotionally detached while handling high-profile cases like the murders of Stephen Lawrence and Rachel Nickell, as well as the Bali bombings and the Hungerford massacre.
Despite the challenging nature of his job, Dr. Shepherd maintains professionalism, acknowledging the revolting aspects of dissecting human bodies but emphasizing the need to stay focused and switch off emotions during examinations. Reflecting on past experiences, he recalls the emotional toll of dealing with tragic events like the Hungerford massacre and the Bali bombings, which led to his diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Dr. Shepherd, known for his appearances on TV shows and his books on forensic pathology, is currently touring the UK with his show “Time of Death – More Unnatural Causes,” sharing insights into his career spanning over 40 years. He has worked on significant cases such as the Princess Diana inquiry, the Marchioness disaster, and the Rachel Nickell murder, contributing valuable expertise to investigations.
Despite his extensive experience in forensic pathology, Dr. Shepherd admits to a personal aversion to the sight of his own blood. He reflects on cases like the Gareth Williams mystery and the Dr. David Kelly incident, where his expertise led to conclusions that differed from public speculation, emphasizing the importance of thorough examination and professional judgment in determining causes of death.
Dr. Shepherd’s dedication to his profession is evident as he continues to conduct post-mortems and engage with audiences through his shows, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of forensic pathology and the mysteries surrounding death.