Terror At The Morgue

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

(CBS) 
In February 2004, Smith was indicted for lying to agents, and illegal possession of a bomb. County Mayor A.C. Wharton reluctantly asked for Smith's resignation as medical examiner. "I just never dreamed it would end like this," says Smith, his hard-earned reputation in ruins.

Prosecutors offered Smith a plea deal: no jail time in exchange for a confession. But Smith rejected the offer, and hired prominent attorney Jerry Easter.

"I'm never going to quit, and I'm never going to surrender, and I'm never gonna sign that piece of paper," says Smith.

But things are about to get a lot worse as Smith's trial begins.

Memphis radio talk show host Mike Fleming has been following this story from the beginning. "It's the most unusual story that I've dealt with in my adult professional career," he says.

"Why in the world would anybody do this to themselves?" asks Easter. "How in the world would anybody do this to themselves."

As the trial begins, prosecutors admit they may not have a smoking gun, but they believe their evidence does add up. They say they know why and how Smith could have done this.

Pat Harris demonstrates how Smith could have caused the injuries to himself on a 48 Hours producer. Although it was not easy, the producer was finally able to do it.