Dentist’s ‘Depraved Heart’ Murder Case Set to Begin Trial

UPDATE
Aug 13, 2023 7:25 AM CDT

Jury selection will commence on Monday for a highly publicized murder case in Maryland. James Ryan, a 50-year-old dentist, stands accused of providing his girlfriend with anesthesia drugs stolen from his office, resulting in her death. According to the Washington Post, Ryan’s defense attorneys will argue that he did not kill 25-year-old Sarah Harris, asserting that she took her own life. Prosecutors claim that Ryan assisted in administering drugs such as ketamine and propofol to Harris prior to her fatal overdose in 2022. He is charged with “depraved heart” second-degree murder, as prosecutors allege that he continued to supply drugs to Harris despite being aware of their potency.

Mar 24, 2022 4:25 PM CDT

James Michael Ryan, a 48-year-old dentist from Maryland, has been indicted on charges of second-degree murder following the death of his girlfriend, Sarah Harris. Harris, a former patient and employee, was living with Ryan in Clarksburg for seven months when she succumbed to an anesthesia overdose on January 26, as reported by the Washington Post. During the investigation, authorities found seven bottles typically restricted to medical settings, filled with or containing traces of injectable propofol, midazolam, and ketamine, along with hypodermic needles, syringes, and tourniquets.

Concerns about Harris’ drug use were raised by her family months before her death, after they observed needle marks and bruises on her arms. Following her passing, a family member gained access to text messages exchanged between Harris and Ryan, who operated Evolution Oral Surgery in Germantown. Investigators allege that the conversations frequently featured Harris requesting different drugs from Ryan. He would respond with a list of drugs and supplies he was bringing home, essentially providing her with a continuous supply of drugs. At times, he instructed Harris to retrieve drugs from his car, discussed the effects of ketamine and neurontin on her, and recalled events that she had no recollection of.

According to investigators, Harris developed a worsening addiction due to Ryan’s continuous supply of drugs over several months. Ryan faces multiple charges, including “depraved heart” second-degree murder, reckless endangerment, and other drug-related offenses, which collectively carry a maximum sentence of 78 years in prison. Defense attorneys argued in court for Ryan’s release to seek addiction treatment, asserting that there is no evidence he provided drugs to Harris. WUSA reports that authorities dispute this claim. Despite the defense’s argument, a judge denied bond, considering Ryan to be a “dangerous man.” Sarah Harris’ mother, Tina, expressed gratitude for the decision, stating, “Thank you Jesus for this victory.”