Ex-Oklahoma doctor faces hearing on murder charges

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) – A preliminary hearing is set for a former Oklahoma doctor who’s facing murder and drug distribution charges in connection with the deaths of patients who prosecutors say were given prescription drug overdoses.

Prosecutors are to present evidence against William Valuck in Oklahoma County District Court on Wednesday. Valuck faces nine counts of first-degree murder and 72 counts of distribution a controlled substance. Authorities say eight of Valuck’s patients died from overdoses of drugs he prescribed them and that another patient caused a fatal traffic accident after taking prescription medication he allegedly prescribed.

Valuck has pleaded not guilty. He previously surrendered his license to practice medicine.

The hearing will determine whether crimes were committed and if there is probable cause Valuck committed them and should be tried on the charges.