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Judge Michael J. Holbrook said he will likely approve prosecutors' plan to dismiss a portion of the 25 murder counts against former Mount Carmel doctor William Husel.
Husel is accused of killing 25 intensive-care patients at Mount Carmel West Hospital. The victims were given at least 500 micrograms of the opioid fentanyl.
"A prosecutor [generally] has discretion" to dismiss charges, Judge Holbrook told WOSU.
When asked how many charges might be dismissed, Holbrook said a source told him the prosecution is ready to let go of 11 counts and forge ahead with 14 remaining counts.
Prosecutors are expected to make their intentions known at a hearing set for Thursday at 1 p.m.
Victims' family members will be permitted to speak, however Holbrook said some of the witnesses will do so "in camera," meaning they will give their statements to the judge individually, without the presence of lawyers and the media.
Victims are required to be granted the chance to speak under the victim's rights amendment to the Ohio Constitution known as Marsy's Law, which Ohio voters approved in 2017.
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