DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF News ) – The trial for the North Texas doctor accused of injecting heart-stopping medication into patient’s IV bags starts next Monday.
One person died and eleven others suffered cardiac emergencies after receiving the tainted bags.
Surveillance video captured 60-year-old anesthesiologist Doctor Raynaldo Ortiz allegedly placing the IV bags into a warmer at Baylor Scott and White Surgicare North Dallas minutes before nurses took the bags out.
Prosecutors allege Doctor Melanie Kaspar was killed due to Ortiz’ actions.
They argue that Ortiz was upset with hospital administrators after they launched an investigation in early 2022 based on allegations he failed to act when a patient stopped breathing during surgery.
Ortiz was already under investigation for a similar incident at Baylor’s North Garland Surgery center, which resulted in disciplinary actions taken by the Texas Medical Board.
He was arrested on tampering charges in September 2022 and has pleaded not guilty.
Ortiz, who has been in custody since his arrest, appeared in federal court in Dallas Tuesday morning to go over procedural aspects of his upcoming trial.
Jury selection will begin Monday and opening statements could begin that afternoon or early Tuesday.
If convicted, Ortiz faces up to life in federal prison.
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