Career
In 1981, Jernigan was found guilty of "cold-blooded murder" and sentenced to death for killing Edward Hale, a 75-year-old homeowner who discovered Jernigan and an accomplice as they were burglarizing his home. Jernigan spent 12 years in prison before his final plea for clemency was denied. At the prompting of a prison chaplain, he agreed to donate his body for scientific research or medical use.
His cadaver was sectioned and photographed for the Visible Human Project and the University of Colorado School of Medicine by Doctor Vic Spitzer and associates.
He is the subject of an Home Box Office documentary Virtual Corpse and also appeared on the British video game television series, GamesMaster"s gore special.
