A doctor from Ohio was released on Wednesday hastening the deaths of multiple critically ill patients by ordering large doses of the powerful painkiller fentanyl.

William Husel faced 14 counts of murder — one for each patient. In each case, Husel was not found guilty.

Seven days of deliberations were required by the jury In a trial lasted about two months. The case against the U.S. healthcare professional has been one the largest. This case ties together issues of morality and medical treatment as well as the appropriate dosage of opioids for comfort care at the end of life.

Husel had his medical license suspended in January 2019. He was facing life in prison without parole for at least 15 years, should he be found guilty even of one murder count. Husel had his medical license suspended in January 2019 and was now facing life imprisonment with no parole. Many of those who received 1,000 mg of fentanyl from the ICU were older than their peers and had to be assisted with their breathing via ventilators.

Husel was treating the patients between 2015 and 2018. They arrived at the Mount Carmel Health System, Columbus, with various ailments including pneumonia, cancer, and organ failure.

Franklin County prosecutor called over 50 witnesses including doctors, relatives of victims, and Husel’s ex-colleagues.

“Even if their death is assured as the sun is going to rise in the morning, if you hasten that along, you caused their death in the eyes of the law,” Assistant Franklin County Prosecutor David Zeyen said in closing arguments.

Jose Baez (high-profile lawyer) represented Husel’s defence team. He argued that there are no legal maximum dosages for fentanyl and that his client wanted to provide comfort care to those who were near or dying.

Why would this man take the risk of his family, career and 17 years spent trying to be an ophthalmologist, all of his work, just to speed up someone’s death? Baez said.

Husel did not give evidence and hasn’t spoken out since the claims were made in several lawsuits filed by families in 2019. Around 35 families brought wrongful death lawsuits against Husel, the hospital, and staff. Many of these families were settled for an estimated $13.5 million. 

This is an urgent news story. Keep checking back for more updates.