Family of Teenager Settles Malpractice Suit with Doctor Jailed for Murder

By Daniel Hawn

Published on February 09, 2007

Chua is currently imprisoned and faces murder charges stemming from the drug overdose death of James Carter III, aged 19, which occurred in Chua’s home in 2005. The settlement of the civil suit alleging medical malpractice will have no effect on the upcoming criminal trial.

In December 2005, St. Marys police responded to a reported drug overdose at Chua’s home. Autopsy results from Carter's death revealed that he had methadone and prescription narcotics in his system. According to Adam Ferrell, the Carter family's attorney, methadone keeps a person from feeling the effects of narcotics. He said Carter likely overdosed trying to get high on narcotics while on methadone.

Ferrell said he intended to present evidence at trial showing Carter began to associate with Chua in September 2005, three months before he died. Carter's family was pleased that he had befriended a doctor, because he wanted to pursue a career in medicine. They did not become aware of Carter's drug use until after he died, when his insurance statements showed he had filled numerous prescriptions for painkillers, as well as one for 90 doses of methadone.

In the criminal case against Chua, he is accused of prescribing Carter a variety of powerful drugs for no medical reason. He has been charged with murder and other criminal counts in connection with Carter's death. Chua’s assets and medical records have been seized for inspection.

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