March 29, 2024

One count of involuntary manslaughter against Des Moines doctor dropped

DES MOINES (AP) — A Des Moines doctor will face one less count of involuntary manslaughter as his trial gets underway.

Jury selection began Monday for the trial of Dr. Daniel Baldi. Prosecutor Jaki Livingston says she decided to drop a charge stemming from the drug-overdose death of Carla Davis. Livingston did not say why she made that decision. Baldi now faces nine counts instead of 10.

Prosecutors have said Baldi prescribed large amounts of narcotic painkillers to patients including Paul Gray, founder of the band Slipknot, who died in 2010.

Baldi’s lawyers say his patients either took more of their medications than prescribed or took other drugs along with them.

Lawyers for both sides are expected to make their opening statements on Wednesday.