A former nursing assistant with Alexandria (La.) Veteran's Affairs Medical Center was indicted for negligent homicide by a Rapides Parish grand jury on Feb. 14 for his alleged role in the death of a patient in 2013, according to a report from KALB.
In March 2013, 70-year-old patient Charles Johnson suffered a closed head injury while under the care of Alexandria VA employee Frederick Harris. Mr. Johnson later died and the cause of death was determined to be blunt force trauma to the head. Mr. Harris was subsequently charged with manslaughter. He was allowed to return work at the VA after clearing an internal investigation, according to the report. After being charged with negligent homicide, the VA has suspended Mr. Harris.
"We are aware of the indictment and have taken appropriate action regarding this employee, pending the outcome of the court proceeding. Out of respect for all those involved, we cannot discuss this matter further," said Alexandria VA Medical Center in a statement, according to the KALB report.
The former nursing assistant's manslaughter trial is set for May 1. Mr. Harris is set to be arraigned on the negligent homicide charge March 3.
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