The Ohio doctor charged with 25 counts of murder is now scheduled for trial next June and has two new lawyers, including one known for successfully defending high-profile clients such as Casey Anthony and Aaron Hernandez.
Florida-based Jose Baez identified himself as William Husel's attorney in a filing seeking to be part of the defense, despite not practicing law in Ohio.
In Wednesday's procedural hearing, Judge Michael Holbrook set a trial date for next June and welcomed Baez to the case. Husel is also represented by Columbus lawyer Diane Menashe.
The defense and prosecution are planning to do jury selection in the case May 28 and 29 of next year.
Timeline: The Mount Carmel Scandal So Far
Mount Carmel Health System found Husel ordered "excessive" painkillers for dozens of hospital patients, all of whom died.
Husel pleaded not guilty in June. His previous defense attorney has said the 43-year-old doctor was providing comfort care for dying patients, not trying to kill them.
In related lawsuits, Mount Carmel has reached settlements totaling $13.5 million. The hospital also fired 23 nurses, pharmacists and managers after an institutional review. They aren't being criminally prosecuted.
