CLARKSBURG, MARYLAND: A dentist has been found guilty of multiple charges, including second-degree depraved heart murder and involuntary manslaughter, following the death of his girlfriend in Clarksburg, Maryland.
Dr James Ryan convicted of murder and drug possession
Sarah Harris, 25, died from a fatal overdose of anesthesia medications, administered using an at-home IV station that Dr James Michael Ryan, 50, had established in their shared residence.
"A jury in Montgomery County on Friday deliberated for less than three hours before finding Dr. James Michael Ryan guilty of one count of second-degree depraved heart murder and one count of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Sarah Harris," authorities announced.
During the two-week trial, jurors also reached a guilty verdict on charges of possession with intent to distribute midazolam, as well as distribution of ketamine and diazepam.
Prosecutors highlighted Ryan's expertise as a dentist and oral surgeon, emphasizing that he was well aware of the risks associated with the drugs in question.
"Dr James Ryan — a well-trained oral surgeon, skilled in what he did, an expert in his field. He knew the risks of these drugs better than anyone," stated Montgomery County Assistant State’s Attorney Jennifer Harrison.
She went on to say, "And despite his vast knowledge and training in the field, he continuously provided these dangerous, deadly anesthetic drugs to Sarah Harris over a period of time even as he watched her deteriorate before his eyes."
"Every time he gave her those drugs — whether he administered them or whether he instructed her on how to administer them to herself — a little bit of Sarah died... Until he gave them to her one too many times. And he killed her, he killed Sarah Harris. He created this risk," Harrison added.
James Ryan's version
The investigation was initiated when authorities responded to a call about an overdose at the home Ryan and Harris were renting on January 26, 2022. The residence was located in the 13900 block of Godwit Street in Clarksburg, Maryland.
According to court documents, Ryan provided his version of the events, stating that he went to bed at 10.30 pm on January 25, 2022. He claimed that Harris was "okay when he went to bed."
However, when he returned downstairs on the following day, January 26, he discovered her "unresponsive on the couch with used hypodermic needles and various vials of controlled dangerous substances bottles nearby," as indicated by the court paperwork.
Despite efforts from Montgomery County Fire Rescue to save Harris' life, she tragically succumbed to the overdose, as stated in a press release.
Ryan was initially arrested and charged in connection with Harris' death in March 2022.
James Ryan and Sarah Harris' relationship
Ryan met Harris when she visited his office for a medical procedure during the fall of 2020. During this encounter, Harris revealed her experience working in a dental office, which laid the foundation for their professional connection.
Subsequently, Ryan extended a job offer to Harris, and she became employed as a surgical technician in his office. As their personal relationship deepened, they began dating in January 2021.
Harris gradually spent more time at Ryan's residence, eventually leading to their decision to live together permanently during the summer of 2021.
Despite concerns expressed by her family members, Harris' relationship with Ryan endured until her tragic death due to an overdose.
Sarah Harris' cause of death
According to authorities, an autopsy determined that Harris' cause of death was ketamine and diazepam intoxication. The investigation at their home uncovered various vials of the drugs, along with hypodermic needles, syringes, and tourniquets.
The investigation also uncovered text messages that shed light on the dynamics between Ryan and Harris. In these messages, Harris requested drugs from Ryan's medical practice, and he provided instructions on how to use them.
Additionally, they discussed methods to enhance the potency of the drugs and ways to expedite Harris' recovery from their effects.
Ryan, who opted not to testify during the trial, now faces a potential sentence of up to 55 years in a state correctional facility, per The Washington Post.
