Trial for former Mount Carmel doctor William Husel set for February 2022
Dr. William Husel appears in a hearing on October 21. His lawyer says he is innocent of all 25 murder charges against him. (WSYX)
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The murder trial for former Mount Carmel doctor William Husel is set to begin in February 2022.
Husel was indicted on 25 murder charges nearly two years ago.
Husel pleaded not guilty in June of 2019. His attorneys then argued late last year that key evidence wasn't presented to a grand jury, proving he's an innocent man.
Prosecutors argue doses of fentanyl he prescribed for patients were deadly and simply not reasonable.
The pandemic, violence in Columbus, a change at the prosecutor's office, and the complicated nature of the case all play a part in the delay for the trial.
On Monday, a virtual hearing was held with the prosecution, defense, and judge. Husel was there but did not speak during the hearing.
The defense wants the entire case thrown out. There will be a hearing to discuss that motion in October.
There was even some back and forth between prosecutors and the defense team about when the trial should begin.
"That really isn't a good explanation as to why Mr. Husel, who has been waiting for his day in court for so long, and I haven't given any push back as to issues with the pandemic or things beyond everyone's control, but this is within someone's control," Husel's defense attorney Jose Baez said. "And the last team was ready to go and this court was quite adamant that the election would not impact this case too much...it is disturbing."
"Mr. Baez, you and Ms. Menashe owed us expert reports on January 1 of this year and we haven't seen anything in the five months since then," prosecutor Janet Grubb said. "So to flail about us not being ready is a little cheeky I would say."
The judge said right now, the pandemic is playing a big part too, saying with physical distancing requirements it will be hard to manage a large number of jurors. There is a lot to organize on that front.
