Terror at the Morgue

February 27, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

🎙️ The Voices & The Context

The Format: Narrative true-crime documentary blending dramatic reenactments, witness interviews, and archival footage in a Dateline-style investigative report.
The Key Players:
- Dr. O.C. Smith: Shelby County Medical Examiner, respected crime scene expert turned suspect; known for tireless work on homicides.
- Lt. Jerry Blum & Major Mike Willis: First responders and bomb squad who defused the device; key voices expressing shock.
- Philip Workman: Death row inmate whose case linked to the attack via Dr. Smith's testimony.
- Prosecutors (Pat Harris, Bud Cummins): Argued Smith staged it; defense attorneys Jerry Easter and Jim Gartz defended his innocence.
The Vibe: Intense and shocking, with a true-crime thriller edge—gripping mystery, betrayal twist, and unresolved tension.

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What you'll learn

1 (01:22) **The Bizarre Attack on Dr. O.C. Smith**
2 (03:52) **Dr. Smith's Role as Memphis Medical Examiner**
3 (07:07) **Detailed Assault Sequence**
4 (10:52) **Prior Bomb Scare and Initial Investigation**
5 (14:52) **Suspect Focus: Death Row Inmate Philip Workman**
6 (18:11) **Threatening Letters and Religious Motifs**
7 (21:01) **Rising Doubts: Did Smith Stage It?**

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Show Notes

On June 1, 2002, Memphis police responded to an alleged attack outside a morgue. The victim was the medical examiner, Dr. O.C. Smith, who was found wrapped in barbed wire with a bomb strapped to his neck. Dr. Smith survived but was concerned his assailant might attack again. “48 Hours" Correspondent Troy Roberts reports.

This classic "48 Hours" episode last aired on 7/8/2006. Watch all-new episodes of “48 Hours” on Saturdays, and stream on demand on Paramount+.

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