Dr. X killings

Series of suspicious patient deaths in New Jersey

The Dr. X killings refer to a series of suspicious patient deaths that occurred at Christ Hospital in Jersey City, New Jersey during the 1960s. These incidents were linked to Mario Jascalevich, a physician who was accused of administering lethal doses of curare, a muscle relaxant, to patients.

Background

Christ Hospital in Jersey City, New Jersey

Christ Hospital, located in Jersey City, was the site of the alleged murders. During the 1960s, the hospital was a bustling medical facility serving a diverse community. Dr. Mario Jascalevich, a surgeon at the hospital, became the center of a high-profile investigation following a series of unexplained patient deaths.

The Investigation

The investigation into the deaths began in 1966 when suspicions arose about the unusually high number of fatalities in the hospital's surgical ward. The deaths were initially attributed to natural causes, but further scrutiny revealed the presence of curare in the bodies of several deceased patients.

Role of Curare

Curare is a potent muscle relaxant that can cause paralysis and death if administered inappropriately. It was used in medical settings to relax muscles during surgery but required careful dosing and monitoring. The presence of curare in the deceased patients raised alarms and led to a deeper investigation into the practices at Christ Hospital.

Legal Proceedings

In 1976, Dr. Jascalevich was charged with the murder of five patients. The trial, which began in 1978, was one of the longest and most expensive in New Jersey's history. The prosecution argued that Dr. Jascalevich had access to curare and had used it to intentionally kill patients.

Defense and Acquittal

Dr. Jascalevich maintained his innocence throughout the trial, claiming that he was being framed. His defense team argued that the evidence was circumstantial and that the presence of curare could be explained by other means. In 1978, after a lengthy trial, Dr. Jascalevich was acquitted of all charges due to insufficient evidence.

Impact and Legacy

The Dr. X killings had a significant impact on the medical community and the public's perception of hospital safety. The case highlighted the need for stricter controls and monitoring of medications in hospitals. It also raised questions about the accountability of medical professionals and the systems in place to prevent such incidents.

Related pages

• Medical ethics
• Patient safety
• Medical malpractice