On Wednesday, a doctor found not guilty of 14 counts of murder for overprescribing fentanyl to critically ill patients. Husel and his lawyer hugged at the defence table after the 14th and final not guilty verdict. He was then dismissed from court.
Judge Michael Holbrook of Franklin County instructed the jury to continue their deliberations after they declared they were at a deadlock and could not reach a unanimous verdict less than a week after they began deliberations.
“The State of Ohio v. William Husel was carefully tried and prepared by both the Prosecution and the Defense,” he said. “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.”
Defense attorney Jose Baez celebrated the acquittal and criticized the investigation that led to charges. In a Zoom call with reporters, he said Husel hopes to eventually practice medicine again.
“I can tell you he’s incredibly happy and grateful. He wants this time right now to spend with his family,” Baez said. “They’re incredibly relieved that this nightmare is finally over.”
