Author
"UPSIDE DOWN" Available at Amazon and Barnes&Noble
OVERVIEW:
Upside Down winds through the twisted passageways of the killer’s mind, helping readers discover how the “perfect marriage” could end in murder, and how Professor Wells could then contemplate killing the rest of his family. Until now, no one has been able to answer the “Why Dunnit?” of this convoluted murder. The twisted psychological defenses employed by Professor Wells to shield himself from the brutal strangulation of his wife are stripped away by Dr. Fisher’s forensic psychological analysis.
Upside Down has chilling relevance to anyone who reads it. If the timid and gentle Professor Wells could murder his wife, Christine, then the most unlikely neighbor, close friend, or loving spouse may also be capable of similar murderous actions. After all, there is a little bit of Tim in all of us.
To their friends and neighbors, Timothy Wells and Christine Sevilla were the perfect couple.
They met in the church choir, and they had never stopped making sweet music together. He was a professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology. She was a nature photographer and outspoken environmentalist. People marveled at how they always wanted to spend time together. Everyone wished their marriage could be as perfect as Tim and Christine's.
That was before Christine’s body was discovered, rolled up in a green lawn tarp, in the trunk of Tim's car. Her skin was turning blue and purple--because Tim had been driving around for 14 hours, looking for the perfect spot to lay her to rest. The question wasn't who had done it. Tim himself had called 911 at two o'clock in the morning, and when the police found him, he was kneeling in an empty parking lot, crying his heart out. The question was: Why? What would make the good professor strangle his wife with his two bare hands?
On the morning of December 1, 2009, the sleepy citizens of Rochester, New York were stunned by the headlines of an inexplicable murder. The case sparked a media frenzy. This was the kind of crime that could tear the heart out of a community. Tim and Christine lived the American Dream. They had a loving marriage, a nice little white house, and an adorable dog. Those that knew the couple took positions at opposite sides of a bitter divide. What had happened to quiet, kind Tim Wells? Had Christine, well-known for being demanding and loud, finally gone too far? Tim received a steady stream of visitors at the jail where he was incarcerated. He told them how sorry he was. With his two Master's Degrees he began to help other prisoners in jail to prepare for their own trials. When his defense lawyer and the forensic psychologist assigned to the case asked this highly unusual murderer if he would help them write his story, he eagerly agreed. He wanted everyone to know how much he still loved Christine.
"UPSIDE DOWN" was a finalist for the 8th Annual Killer Nashville SILVER FALCHION AWARD in the Nonfiction True Crime category.
REVIEWS:
Upside Down: Madness Murder, and the Perfect Marriage by forensic neuropsychologist, Dr. Jerid Fisher, is a powerful and intriguing story that systematically explores the mind and personality dynamics of a murderer who defies description in traditional psychopathological terms. Is he a clever psychopath or an injured, insecure, and depressed narcissist who cannot access his true feelings? Fisher wrestles with this issue and logically presents the facts of this case of "madness" and contradictions. Dr. Fisher is a talented writer who gets to the point while taking the reader on a fascinating forensic journey.
- Jeffrey T. Barth, Ph.D., ABPP-CN
John Edward Fowler Professor
Head, Neurocognitive Study Section
Director, Brain Injury and Sports Concussion Institute
Director, Neurocognitive Assessment Laboratory
Dept. of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences
Dept. of Neurological Surgery
University of Virginia School of Medicine
Jerid M. Fisher’s book, UPSIDE DOWN, is an immediately captivating, engrossing, and sometimes chilling insider’s account of a tragic homicide. Even a top-flight forensic psychologist cannot fully explain why Timothy Wells murdered his wife, but Dr. Fisher’s deep expertise and thorough analysis gets us as close to the answer as we’ll ever get.
- Dr. Charles Patrick Ewing
SUNY Distinguished Service Professor
President, American Board of Forensic Psychology
In Upside Down Dr. Jerid Fisher gives us a first-hand look inside the work of a forensic psychologist as he probes the mind and behavior of a notorious killer. Searching for insights and understanding, he shares his own gripping, immersive, and fascinating analysis of the madness behind the murder.
- Daniel A. Martell, Ph.D., A.B.P.P. (Forensic)
Forensic Psychologist
David Geffen School of Medicine at U.C.L.A.
“Dr. Fisher takes the reader on a journey into the abyss of the human psyche and ultimately sheds light on a beast that is potentially within each of us.”
- Robert J. McCaffrey, Ph.D., ABN, ABPdN
Editor, Archives of Clinical Neuropsychology
Albany Neuropsychological Associates
Dr. Fisher has written about his courtroom work in the co-authored work The Practice of Forensic Neuropsychology: Meeting Challenges in the Courtroom. The book focuses the awareness of neuropsychologists on the critical areas of forensic practice that should be considered during each phase of a scientific neuropsychological examination/investigation. Written by three prominent neuropsychologists and a seasoned attorney, this important book contains practical information and guidelines for conducting valid and reliable forensic neuropsychological examinations that aid the "trier-of-fact" in both civil and criminal settings. The authors also include vital information to help attorneys evaluate neuropsychological claims put forth by their own or opposing experts. See on Amazon.
For a full listing of publications written by Dr. Jerid M. Fisher, please refer to his Curriculum Vitae.
About Jerid Fisher
Jerid Fisher, PhD, ABN is a forensic neuropsychologist with over four decades of experience. Dr. Fisher's extensive professional career includes the founding of innovative businesses, collaborative works, articles, publications, consultation and speaking engagements at the leading edge of neuropsychology
Dr. Fisher is also a leader in support of many community-based projects, charities and the National Academy of Neuropsychology Foundation.
Latest News
A Tradition Continues with Dr.Fisher's Support for Lollypop Farm's Humane Law Enforcement Department!
Dr. Fisher continues his commitment to preventing and prosecuting those who harm animals. Donations like this ensure that those in Humane Law Enforcement have the tools they require to protect innocent animals in our community.
Lollypop Farm, the Humane Society of Greater Rochester recognizies Dr. Fisher's support!
Dr. Fisher was recognized on 12/08/20 for his $15,000 gift to the 
Lollypop Farms Humane Law Enforcement Department that made possible the purchase of three new laptops and a police radio. The Humane Society Law Enforcement team plays a critical role addressing cruelty to animals in the local community and neighboring counties.
Dr. Fisher Receives Award from Powerful Minorities Moving Forward
Dr. Fisher has been recognized for his role as a charter supporter of Powerful Minorities Moving Forward, Inc. This exciting organization is driven by the philosophy of "Solving Problems by Becoming the Solution". Powerful Minorities Moving Forward, Inc. is dedicated to getting determined and honorable minorities out of their unproductive or non-supportive environments and placing them in an environment where they are not worried about their survival and the choices they have made, so they can thrive and become leaders within their communities to bring about an effective change to help other minorities avoid the injustice that we encounter on a regular basis.
$15,000 Pledged for New Laptops for Lollypop Farm Enforcement Vehicles
Dr. Fisher just pledged $15,000 to Lollypop Farm to underwrite the purchase of new laptops for all 4 law enforcement vehicles. This is the third time in 15 years that he has provided updated state of the art computers for his his law enforcement friends, ensuring more effective policing of those who choose to harm animals.
Matching pledge of $5,000 to the Tails of Hope Telethon
Once again Dr. Fisher has made a matching $5,000 pledge for the Tales of Hope Telethon to support Lollypop Farm’s Law Enforcement. The telethon broadcasts live from Eastview Mall on 13WHAM ABC, CW Rochester and 13wham.com on Saturday March 7th, 2020 from 3:00 to 9:00 pm.
New book chapter in the Textbook of Forensic Neuropsychiatry
Dr. Fisher and J. Richard Ciccone, M.D. have completed a book chapter titled Traumatic Brain Injury Litigation and Forensic Psychiatric Assessment for the forthcoming edition of Textbook of Forensic Neuropsychiatry. Edited by Manish Fozdar, M.D., Vivek Datta, M.D., M.P.H., Robert P. Granacher, Jr., M.D., M.B.A., and Hal Wortzel, M.D..
For the 16th consecutive year, Dr. Fisher has funded the Seymour Fisher Annual Dissertation Award
This year’s recipient was Dr. Aly Bailey for her dissertation titled Designing, Testing, and Implementing BIAS (Body Image Awareness Seminars): A Positive Body Image Program. Congratulations Dr. Bailey!
Dr. Fisher inducted into the 1873 Leadership Circle of Lollypop Farm’s new Bergh Society
Dr. Fisher's was inducted into the Leadership Circle in recognition of his 16 years of financial support for Lollypop Farm.
Dr. Fisher is recognized for helping find over 5,000 pets new homes in 2019
Dr. Fisher's continuing support of Lollypop Farm's mission has made it possible to place 5,007 pets in new homes in 2019.
Dr. Fisher's latest pro bono work in the Michael Orbino Case
Dr. Fisher acts as a pro bono expert in select criminal cases involving defendants accused of serious felonies who have histories of severe Traumatic Brain Injury and serious neurological disorders. In his current pro bono work in the Michael Orbino case, Dr. Fisher continues to help change societal views on mental health and incarceration. Click here to learn more about the Orbino case.
If you would like to be considered for pro bono work by Dr. Fisher, please complete the form here.
Dr. Fisher receives a three year reappointment as an Associate Professor at U of R
Dr. Fisher was recently given a three year reappointment as a Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
Listen to Dr. Fisher's latest interview on From My Mama's Kitchen® Talk Radio Show about "My Dad Got Hurt. What Can I Do?"
Dr. Fisher was interviewed on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 by From My Mama's Kitchen® Talk Radio Show host Johnny Tan about his book, "My Dad Got Hurt, What Can I Do."
Click Here to listen to this great in-depth interview!
Dr. Fisher is doing a charitable $5,000 dollar for dollar match to go to Lollypop Farm!
Dr. Fisher will be appearing live from Eastview Mall on 13WHAM ABC, CW Rochester and 13wham.com on Saturday March 3rd at 6:15 p.m. to present his charitable $5,000 dollar for dollar match to go to Lollypop Farm. He will be appearing with Reno DiDomenico, the Director of Law Enforcement at Lollypop.
Dr. Fisher has received a Certificate of Appreciation from Blue Star Families for his work with "My Dad Got Hurt. What Can I Do?"
Body Image: An International Journal of Research is pleased to announce and congratulate the recipient of the 2017 Seymour Fisher Outstanding Body Image Dissertation Award, Siân A. McLean!
Siân A. McLean is attends the School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University in Victoria, Australia.
Her winning dissertation was “Investigating Media Literacy and Appearance Comparison as Protective and Risk Factors for Body Dissatisfaction in Adolescent Girls: Implications for Prevention”
Dr. Fisher has funded the Seymour Fisher Dissertation Award for the doctoral dissertation for the past 10+ years, which is chosen annually by the editors of The Journal of Body Image, that best honors the spirit of his late father’s, Dr. Seymour Fisher’s, work in the field of body image and personality. Read more about Dr. Seymour Fisher in his son's tribute to his life.
Dr. Fisher discussed Veterans, Traumatic Brain Injuries and PTSD on the Brenna Boyce Law Forum Radio Show on WHAM 1180 on November 12th, 2017!
Listen to the complete interview here.
Dr. Fisher receives a Presidential Commendation for his philanthropic service to the National Academy of Neuropsychology Foundation!
The Presidential Commendation was presented to Dr. Fisher at the National Academy of Neuropsychology Conference in Boston, MA.
"My Dad Got Hurt. What Can I Do?" shared with NAN members in Boston!
Drs. Moser, Barth and Fisher raving about the new book My Dad Got Hurt. What Can I Do? by NAN Foundation at the National Academy of Neuropsychology Conference in Boston, MA
Listen to Dr. Fisher's radio interview about "My Dad Got Hurt. What Can I Do?"
8:00am EDT
Friday September 27, 2017
Paul Ciminelli, Host
Listen on WYSL NewsPower 1040NewsPower 1040 Rochester, NY
Watch the interview on Paul Ciminelli's Facebook page
The first project, a children's book addressing brain injury in military families is Now Available!
"My Dad Got Hurt. What Can I Do?"
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  See the Latest Reviews! |
This book targets children between the ages of 8-12 who, without any preparation and at a very young age, have been confronted by their mother or father coming home from their military service with a brain injury. Because brain damage is so often invisible, these children are confronted with an especially difficult reality. Although their parent is home from combat and may look like he or she did before deployment, mom or dad does not act or behave the same way they did prior to deployment.
Here is how you can help!
For every $15 you donate we will gift a book to a warrior family!
How many families do you want to help?
Listen to Dr. Fisher as he is interviewed on the Dr. Dee Show on KABC!
Enjoy the program as these two experts in neuropsychology discuss working with the families of wounded warriors with traumatic brain injury.
2017 marks Dr. Fisher's second year as Chair of the National Academy of Neuropsychology Foundation were his primary goal is to expand knowledge of the Foundation’s mission to a larger community of people, especially those in the military.
Dr. Fisher is spearheading two exciting Foundation projects in 2017!
- Writing the first in a series of books for the children of our wounded warriors with brain injuries
This first book will be targeted at children between the ages of 8-12 who, without any preparation and at a very young age, have been confronted by their mother or father coming home from their military service with a brain injury. Because brain damage is so often invisible, these children are confronted with an especially difficult reality. Although their parent is home from combat and may look like he or she did before deployment, mom or dad does not act or behave the same way they did prior to deployment.
- The production of a short educational film for the children of our wounded warriors. This film will help children understand changes in their mom or dad after a brain injury.
Dr. Fisher is featured in the Summer 2016 edition of Community Health Magazine for the LavaroGroup. Read about Dr. Fisher in the article "Master of the Mind".
Download a PDF of the Article Here
Read Dr. Fisher's latest book UPSIDE DOWN anywhere on your Kindle! Explore the chilling story of how the “perfect marriage” could end in murder.
Download it today at Amazon!
Community Involvement and Giving
Dr. Fisher believes strongly in the importance of supporting charitable causes. He was the Chairman of fundraising for Help Us Give Smiles from 2006 until 2011. In this capacity, Dr. Fisher’s efforts helped fund regular missions to developing nations where doctors provided life-saving surgical corrections to facially deformed children. Absent this care, these children would be regarded as social pariahs, often cast out of their own families, left to face doubtful and isolated futures. In recognition for his work, Dr. Fisher was bestowed with in 2009 the Outstanding Leadership Award by HUGS in grateful appreciation for his “Visionary guidance and tireless dedication to the HUGS Foundation.”
Dr. Fisher, an animal lover, has provided substantial monetary support to the Humane Society at Lollypop Farms since 2004. His most recent contribution was for upgraded communications systems for the Law Enforcement Fleet at Lollypop Farm. These communication upgrades allow officers to access the Internet and Police data bases to more quickly apprehend suspects who have abused or who are suspected of abusing animals. This gift builds on Dr. Fisher's previous donations of computers in all the fleet vehicles. In 2011 and 2012, he offered a $10,000 matching gift for a one-day fundraiser called ROC The Day (see ROC the Day information below). He served as the Honorary Chair of the 2012 Fundraising Gala titled, "The Great Catsby" at Sonnenberg Gardens for Lollypop Farms and has gone on to sponsor three galas since.
Dr. Fisher believes in the value of education as a tool for bettering our society and has made a 10-year commitment to The Rochester Broadway Theatre League as a Partner in Education at the Chairman Level of giving (ended in 2015). His financial support of Duke University (his Alma Mater, class of 1975) has qualified him as a member of the President’s Council while he has been a Bronze Laureate with the Phi Beta Kappa Society for 12+ consecutive years to the present time (2006-present). Dr. Fisher has been inducted into the Duke University Heritage Society in acknowledgment of his endowment of a $1,000,000 gift that will create the perpetual Jerid M. Fisher Scholarship Fund for a qualifying student studying the neuro sciences.
Dr. Fisher has also funded for the past 16+ years the Seymour Fisher Dissertation Award for the doctoral dissertation, which is chosen annually by the editors of The Journal of Body Image, that best honors the spirit of his late father’s, Dr. Seymour Fisher’s, work in the field of body image and personality. Read more about Dr. Seymour Fisher in his son's tribute to his life.
Innovations old
Dr. Fisher continues to foster innovation in his second year as Chair of the National Academy of Neuropsychology Foundation were his primary goal is to expand knowledge of the Foundation’s mission to a larger community of people, especially those in the military.
He is spearheading two exciting Foundation projects in 2017!
- The first children's book addressing brain injury in military families is going to print!
This first book is targeted at children between the ages of 8-12 who, without any preparation and at a very young age, have been confronted by their mother or father coming home from their military service with a brain injury. Because brain damage is so often invisible, these children are confronted with an especially difficult reality. Although their parent is home from combat and may look like he or she did before deployment, mom or dad does not act or behave the same way they did prior to deployment.
- The production of a short educational film for the children of our wounded warriors. This film will help children understand changes in their mom or dad after a brain injury.
Dr. Jerid Fisher developed inpatient and outpatient brain injury rehabilitation centers throughout New York State.
Jerid Fisher addresses the crowd of well wishers at the opening of Our Lady of Victory Brain Injury Center, James and Sarah Brady were featured guests in attendance.
Easy Street
As part of Neurorehab Associates, "Easy Street" offered rehabilitation opportunities to brain injured patients to experience a real world setting as part of their therapy. The street, located inside the rehabilitation center included a car, a small grocery store, a restaurant and a home.
In order for Easy Street to be installed, a car was lifted by a crane into the second story window of Neurorehab, and gently brought in through a large window.
