More than three years , the murder trial of former Mount Carmel doctor William Husel began this morning with opening statements. Prosecutors say the former anesthesiologist ordered excessive doses of fentanyl that hastened the deaths of patients.
Husel was originally , but that was reduced to 14 after the following a December hearing in which Husel鈥檚 attorneys honed in on the standard that prosecutors used to decide when fentanyl doses became lethal.
Prosecutor Janet Grubb on Tuesday said the state intends to call a number of medical experts who will testify that Husel鈥檚 dosing practices were quote 鈥渦nwarranted and unprecedented.鈥�
鈥淎s William Husel possessed advanced training in the use of the drugs, he employed to end the lives of his patients, the state will show that his actions were not mere accidental or medical negligence,鈥� Grubb said. 鈥淭hey were in fact murder.鈥�
Lead defense attorney Jose Baez argued Tuesday that his client was exercising compassion for his patients and trying to free them from pain.
"These patients had just moments left in their lives,鈥� said Baez. 鈥淗e assisted them living well."
Baez also claimed Mount Carmel made Husel a scapegoat to protect its federal funding.
to the charges.
