COLUMBUS (AP) — A jury on Wednesday acquitted a former Mount Carmel doctor in the deaths of multiple hospital patients.
Dr. William Husel was accused of ordering excessive painkillers for 14 patients in the Mount Carmel Health System.
He was indicted in cases involving at least 500 micrograms of the powerful painkiller fentanyl.
Prosecutors said ordering such dosages for a nonsurgical situation indicated an intent to end lives.
The State of Ohio v. William Husel was carefully tried and prepared by both the Prosecution and the Defense. The Jury after review of all the evidence was not convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that William Husel was guilty of any charges submitted to them. We accept the jury verdict. -statement from Franklin Co. Prosecutor Gary Tyack
Husel’s attorneys argued during a weekslong trial that Husel was only practicing comfort care for his patients.
Husel would have faced a sentence of life in prison with parole eligibility in 15 years had he been convicted of a single count of murder.