Eastern Ontario doctor facing 3 new murder charges
An eastern Ontario doctor who was charged with first-degree murder in the death of a patient is facing three new murder charges, Ontario Provincial Police have announced.
Brian Nadler, 35, was charged in 2021 in connection with the death of 89-year-old Albert Poindinger, of Pointe-Claire, Que on March 25. Nadler worked at the Hawkesbury and District General Hospital at the time.
Police said they were investigating multiple suspicious deaths at the hospital, but never revealed how many and indicated the investigation would be lengthy.
Nadler's medical licence was suspended shortly after he was charged. He was released on bail in July 2021 with several conditions, including a ban on practicing medicine.
In a news release, OPP said Nadler was arrested and charged Wednesday with three additional counts of first-degree murder.
Police say the charges stem from the deaths of Claire Briere, 80, of Rigaud, Que.; Lorraine Lalande, 79, of Hawkesbury, Ont.; and Judith Lungulescu, 93, of East Hawkesbury Township, Ont.
OPP Acting Sgt. Erin Cranton would not release any details on the investigation into the deaths of the three women.
"The investigation began March 25 in 2021 when officers from the Hawkesbury detachment were called to the Hawkesbury and District General Hospital to investigate deaths that had occurred," Cranton told CTV News.
The Hawkesbury and District General Hospital said Ontario Provincial Police notified staff that Nadler was facing three additional charges.
"These charges relate to the deaths of three patients under his care," Hawkesbury and District General Hospital said in a statement.
"HGH is fully collaborating with the OPP investigation and legal proceedings being initiated. Our immediate concern is for the families of the deceased patients and we are committed to providing them with the appropriate care and support."
Online obituaries show both Lorraine Lalande and Judith Lungulescu passed away at the Hawkesbury General Hospital on March 25, 2021.
Lalande was a mother of four, and had "many grandchildren," according to the obit on the Berthiaume Funeral Home website.
Lungulescu was a long-time resident of Hudson, Que. She is survived by a daughter and two grandchildren.
Nadler's lawyers said in a statement their client maintains his innocence.
"The allegations against Dr. Nadler will be vigorously defended. All four patients died of Covid-19 and Dr. Nadler provided excellent palliative care. When the facts are fully presented, we are confident that he will be vindicated." - Statement from Greenspan Humphrey Weinstein LLP
"The allegations against Dr. Nadler will be vigorously defended," Brian Greenspan, David Humphrey and Naomi Lutes said Wednesday afternoon.
"All four patients died of Covid-19 and Dr. Nadler provided excellent palliative care. When the facts are fully presented, we are confident that he will be vindicated."
The lawyers said Nadler was released from custody on consent on the same terms and conditions as his previous release.
Police say the investigation remains ongoing.
"This is a very complex case. In order to conduct a thorough investigation it takes time and the investigation is still ongoing," Cranton said, adding anyone with information should contact the Hawkesbury OPP Detachment.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Three dead, two hospitalized, following collision in Fredericton: police
Three people have died and two have been hospitalized after a speeding car struck a tree and landed on another vehicle in Fredericton Sunday morning.
Amid climate change warnings, Canadians lukewarm on electric vehicles
Amid scientists' warnings that nations need to transition away from fossil fuels to limit climate change, Canadians are still lukewarm on electric vehicles, according to a study conducted by Nanos Research for CTV News.
Montreal man on the hook for thousands of dollars after a feature on his Tesla caused an accident
A Montreal man is warning Tesla drivers about using the Smart Summon feature after his vehicle hit another in a parking lot.
Madonna's biggest-ever concert transforms Rio's Copacabana beach into a massive dance floor
Madonna put on a free concert on Copacabana beach Saturday night, turning Rio de Janeiro's vast stretch of sand into an enormous dance floor teeming with a multitude of her fans.
1 person killed and 23 injured in a bus crash in northern Maryland, police say
One person was killed and 23 others were injured when a bus crashed early Sunday on Interstate 95 in northern Maryland, police said.
Nylander defends Leafs' core after playoff exit, Toronto again picks up the pieces
The Maple Leafs battled back from a 3-1 series deficit against the Boston Bruins with consecutive 2-1 victories - including one that required extra time - in their first-round playoff series to push the club's Original Six rival to the limit before suffering a devastating Game 7 overtime loss.
El Nino weakening doesn't mean cooler temperatures this summer, forecasters say
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
‘Love has no boundaries’: Sask. couple in their 90s and 80s get married
Eighty-two-year-old Susan Neufeldt and 90-year-old Ulrich Richter are no spring chickens, but their love blossomed over the weekend with their wedding at Pine View Manor just outside of Rosthern.
Video shows gaggle of geese stopping traffic on Highway 1 near Vancouver
A mother goose and her goslings caused a bit of a traffic jam on a busy stretch of the Trans-Canada Highway near Vancouver Saturday.