Physician's Assistant To Stand Trial For Deaths At Claremore Vet Center

A physician's assistant at the Claremore Veteran's Center will go on trial in connection with the death of two patients.

A Rogers County judge decided there was enough evidence for Kenneth Adams, 60, of Fort Gibson to be tried for second-degree murder, caretaker neglect and failing to initiate a medicolegal investigation after two patients, Peter Minter, 85, and Louis Arterberry, 86, at the center died under Adams' care.

Prosecutors say Adams' neglect killed Minter who was scalded in a whirlpool bath in 2012, and in another case, he waited ten hours to get help for Arterberry who was having a stroke and later died.

They also say Adams gave the state Medical Examiner's Office misleading information about one of the deaths so the ME wouldn't investigate.

Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt issued the following statement following the judge's decision.

"We're encouraged by the latest court decision to send this case to trial and give the state an opportunity to hold this defendant accountable for his actions in the deaths of Mr. Minter and Mr. Arterberry.  The families of these dedicated veterans deserve justice and we look forward to presenting the case to a jury."

Adams' next court appearance is set for April 10, 2014.

6/3/2013 Related Story: Former Employee Of Claremore Veterans Center Named In Murder Indictment