Wrong organ removal results in doctor being indicted for manslaughter
A grand jury in Florida has indicted a doctor on criminal charges of second-degree manslaughter after he allegedly caused the death of a 70-year-old man—his patient—by removing the wrong organ during surgery.
Thomas Shaknovsky, MD, is charged in the alleged homicide, which occurred in August 2024. The patient, William Bryan of Alabama, is said to have had his liver extracted instead of his spleen, as scheduled during surgery.
An indictment of Shaknovsky followed an investigation by authorities, including police and the medical examiner. A grand jury in Walton County, Florida ultimately issued the formal criminal charge of manslaughter.
According to the complaint, it’s alleged that on August 21, 2024, Bryan was scheduled to have a laparoscopic splenectomy, which ended with him dying on the operating table after catastrophic blood loss when Shaknovsky pulled out his liver.
Manslaughter in the second degree does not imply intentional murder, but signals an act of negligence that led to a person’s death.
Much of the evidence has not been made public, as the trial against the doctor has not begun. He remains innocent until proven guilty by a jury of his peers.
Grand jury finds probable cause
In reviewing the evidence presented by prosecutors, the grand jury found probable cause to take action—which takes the place of a similar arrest by police, followed by charges from a district attorney.
Under Florida law, it was ruled that there was sufficient evidence for Shaknovsky to face a criminal trial. In a statement, Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson supported the decision.
“Our duty is to follow the facts wherever they lead, without fear or favor,” he said. “The grand jury has spoken, and our responsibility is to ensure the charges are carried out through the proper legal process. Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family and their unspeakable loss.”
“We are committed to seeing this case through with the professionalism and integrity our community expects,” he added.
As is customary, Shaknovsky was taken into custody. He awaits a formal arraignment in court.
Chad is an award-winning writer and editor with over 15 years of experience working in media. He has a decade-long professional background in healthcare, working as a writer and in public relations.