Terror At The Morgue

Did A Medical Examiner Strap A Bomb To His Own Neck?

(CBS) 
The others felt they could not convict without a smoking gun, and they were even angry that the prosecution had presented a case without one.

And as for Smith's alleged motive, factitious disorder, and Dietz's testimony, Dietz says, "The benefits are psychological."

After the trial, prosecutors met with the jurors and got an earful of opinions. U.S. Attorney Bud Cummins realizes it will be just as tough to convince another jury. So he reluctantly drops all the charges against Dr. Smith. Though disappointed, Cummins says he has no regrets.

"Nothing that happened in trial did anything to undercut my belief or my satisfaction that he, in fact, did this to himself," says Cummins. "But we still have an obligation to prove that beyond a reasonable doubt to 12 citizens and we weren't able to do that."

While this trial is now behind him, it's clear that Smith faces another uphill battle. Does he think he'll ever get his reputation back? "Well, my reputation belongs in the minds of others," says Smith. "All I can do is live my life well and hope for the best on that."

Smith still believes that his assailant is out there. But Memphis police are no longer looking for the mystery man who attacked Smith. And the U.S. attorney says this case is closed.

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Doctor Smith says he tried to get his old job back as Shelby County medical examiner, but was unsuccessful.

There have been no threats against Doctor Smith since the incident in 2002 but he says he still fears for his life.