A former neurosurgeon Christopher Duntsch is one of the most famous doctors to ever be tried in a criminal matter, and it’s not without reasons. Over a few months, Duntsch could kill and even injure more than 30 patients; two died just after having surgery alongside him.
Even though his coworkers were aware of his horrific crimes against his helpless patients, finding him guilty was a daunting task that was repeatedly put off until a young lawyer known as Michelle Shughart stepped in and took over the case. With her famous “sugary” appearance in courtrooms, as well as when you watch her clinical authentic crime series “Dr. Death’ which tells Duntsch’s shady tale, you’ll be amazed by the types of criminal cases she has handled. Curious? Let’s meet Michelle Shughart a little better.
Who is Michelle Shughart?
Michelle Lee Shughart was an assistant district attorney in Texas when she first investigated the Christopher Duntsch investigation. Shughart, a University of Florida graduate, who later attended the Dedman School of Law at Southern Methodist University, was fascinated by the investigation and continued investigating the matter until the boss (who already had plenty to do) gave the case to her. What Shughart had to deal with was a case that was of extraordinary complexity, not only due to Duntsch’s impeccable record — despite his poor patient record and his abysmal medical history, but also due to the requirement for expertise in neurosurgery which isn’t difficult to obtain.
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Luckily the doctors in the process of investigating the surgeon’s lapses, as specialists brought in to help in the investigation, were able to explain the details of neurosurgery, such as what a typical complication during the course of a procedure can be in contrast to what could be considered serious negligence or intentional intention. The deputy district attorney, who was then prosecuted, convicted Duntsch in 2017 by when she had enough evidence and expertise in the field to sentence him to life imprisonment.
In the early days and also during the trial, the Drs. Robert Henderson, Randall Kirby, and Martin Lazar were of particular aid in connecting testimonies and medical expertise to expose the seriousness of the surgeon’s heinous crimes and had the patient of one die when he was in for an uncomplicated procedure.
Then there were the additional issues of the charges that had to be presented. In a bid to not allow Duntsch to cause further harm to anyone else and cause further harm, the prosecution team headed by Shughart was contemplating accusing him of assault with a high degree, which could be a 2nd-degree criminal charge. The fact that Duntsch’s patient, Mary Efurd, was over the age of 65 allowed them to pursue charges for injuries to an elderly person and the possibility of a 1st-degree felony charge. Shughart was also (successfully) faced with the challenge of proving Duntsch’s mental health was stable and that the doctor was aware of the danger he caused his patients by inflicting harm on them.
In the final verdict, Christopher Duntsch became the first doctor to be sentenced for his actions toward the patient. It was a shocking verdict that was made even more significant because it was an eternal sentence. Shughart said that the potential for earning of neurosurgeons, as well as their financial incentives to the surgeon, as well as the institutions who hired him, played an important part in the propagation of a doctor who was recklessly hurting his patients.
Is Michelle Shughart Now?
Michelle has been appointed a District Attorney for Dallas County and continues fighting cases to ensure justice. The offices of her office are at 133 North Riverfront Boulevard. She also offers courses on dispute resolution and has worked as an individual consultant in teaching doctors and hospitals interpersonal abilities. She participated in an event at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2021.
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She also had a conversation alongside Actress AnnaSophia Robb who essays her on the television series “Dr. Death. The actress was truly amazed by the lawyer’s amiable behavior, considering the seriousness that she does. Shughart, in her description of herself, claimed she could be nice to someone but perhaps imprison them, perhaps best describing the skilled attorney who created history and put the dangerous surgeon in justice.
