Local News in Brief : Charge Dropped in Death
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An involuntary manslaughter charge was dismissed Wednesday against a West Hollywood dentist in the death of a patient.
Following a three-day preliminary hearing, Municipal Judge Lourdes Baird dismissed the single manslaughter count against Dr. William G. Miller, 31, on grounds of insufficient evidence.
Deputy Dist. Atty. Robert Dawson said prosecutors will review the judge’s ruling, then decide whether to appeal, re-file the case or let the dismissal stand.
Prosecutors said West Hollywood resident Jody Safier, 27, a marketing consultant for a Hollywood hotel, went to Miller’s office to have her wisdom teeth extracted Sept. 4, 1986, and was given anesthesia. She then stopped breathing, suffered cardiac arrest and fell into a coma. She died about four hours later without regaining consciousness.
Prosecutors alleged that Dafier’s vital signs were not properly monitored while she was under anesthesia and that, once she stopped breathing, there were improper attempts at resuscitation.
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