By George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law
A Houston, Texas, doctor is accused of spiking her co-worker’s coffee with a toxic chemical. Both the female doctor and the male co-worker she allegedly tried to poison worked as oncologists at The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. It’s reported the two were also dating at the time of the incident. The female oncologist was allegedly arrested on May 29, 2013, and charged with aggravated assault, according to ABC News.
Click here to read the ABC News article.
I’d like to point out that these are just allegations made against the female oncologist at this point in time and have not been proven by the state. “All persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.” (Cops.)
Do You Take Your Coffee With or Without Antifreeze?
According to Associated Press, January 27, 2013, is when the alleged poisoning actually occurred. The female oncologist allegedly put ethylene glycol in her coworker/boyfriend’s coffee. When he mentioned it was too sweet, she said it was because she added Splenda to it. The female oncologist allegedly made him finish the cup and made him a second glass. It’s reported the second glass contained more of the chemical.
Currently, there is no reported comment from the maker of Splenda regarding the alleged incident.
Victim Left Severely Sick After Alleged Poisoning.
Four hours later, the man allegedly experienced slurred speech, blurred vision and loss of motor skills. At the emergency department he was found to have central nervous system depression, cardiopulmonary complications and renal failure. A test allegedly found crystals consistent with ethylene glycol poisoning, according to ABC News.
Ethylene glycol is present in all M.D. Anderson laboratories, according to the Associated Press. Therefore, the oncologist allegedly had access to the chemical.
Female Oncologist Not Currently Working.
According to the Associated Press, the oncologist accused of doing the poisoning is on paid administrative leave from M.D. Anderson. She has since bonded out of jail, but was ordered to surrender her passport.
To read the entire Associated Press article, click here.
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Sources:
Shaw, Alexis. “Houston Oncologist Allegedly Poisoned Boyfriend’s Coffee with Antifreeze Chemicals.” ABC News. (June 8, 2013). From: http://abcnews.go.com/US/texas-doctor-accused-lacing-boyfriends-coffee-poison/story?id=19356031#.UbdoB9jgXwk
Associated Press. “Houston Doctor Charged with Poisoning Her Lover.” Associated Press. (June 9, 2013). From: http://www.chron.com/default/article/Houston-doctor-charged-with-poisoning-her-lover-4589978.php
About the Author: George F. Indest III, J.D., M.P.A., LL.M., is Board Certified by The Florida Bar in Health Law. He is the President and Managing Partner of The Health Law Firm, which has a national practice. Its main office is in the Orlando, Florida, area. www.TheHealthLawFirm.com The Health Law Firm, 1101 Douglas Ave., Altamonte Springs, FL 32714, Phone: (407) 331-6620.
“The Health Law Firm” is a registered fictitious business name of George F. Indest III, P.A. – The Health Law Firm, a Florida professional service corporation, since 1999.
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