A Maryland oral surgeon, Dr. James Michael Ryan, has been convicted and sentenced to 45 years in prison after his girlfriend, Sarah Harris, died from an overdose on January 26, 2022. This verdict was delivered by State Circuit Court Judge Cheryl A. McCally in Rockville, Maryland on Wednesday. The 50-year-old dentist was held responsible for providing drugs from his office that led to the discovery of Harris’s lifeless body in his home.
Dr. Ryan was found guilty of second-degree depraved heart murder and involuntary manslaughter, as well as charges related to the intent of distributing and distributing specific drugs. Prosecutors emphasized his expertise in anesthesia and accused him of knowingly putting Harris at risk by providing these drugs. According to Assistant State’s Attorney Jennifer Harrison, Dr. Ryan’s actions caused the death of Harris and created a life-threatening situation.
The relationship between Dr. Ryan and Harris began when she visited his practice as a patient and eventually started working there as a surgical technician. The romantic relationship between the two led to Harris living with Dr. Ryan permanently, despite concerns from her family. Dr. Ryan’s offer to provide sedatives from his practice as a way to alleviate Harris’s anxiety and help her sleep eventually led to her tragic death.
Harris’s family remembers her as a caring and loving individual with dreams of joining the Peace Corps to help people globally. Despite efforts from emergency responders, Harris passed away. Dr. Ryan was initially arrested and faced charges related to Harris’s death in March 2022. The tragic outcome of this case demonstrates the devastating consequences of drug distribution and misuse, which has resulted in a significant prison term for Dr. Ryan.