Doctor From Md. Planned To Divorce Husband Accused Of Poisoning Her
TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) -- There are new details into the shocking death of a prominent neurologist from Maryland.
Mary Bubala reports her husband is accused of poisoning her with cyanide.
Dr. Autumn Klein, 41, was chief of women's neurology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. She was a wife and mother from Towson, and married to prominent researcher Dr. Robert Ferrante--also at the university--who now stands accused of poisoning her with cyanide.
She collapsed at their home April 20 and died.
"The death certificate lists the cause of death as acute cyanide toxicity and the manner of death as homicide," said Dr. Karl Williams, Allegheny Co. Medical Examiner.
Ferrante was caught in West Virginia last week and extradited back to Pittsburgh to face charges of criminal homicide. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment.
"He's devastated by losing his wife. He's double devastated the fact that he's being accused of being the cause. So it's been very rough for him. But I'm confident he'll get through it and we'll get through it," said William Difenderfer, defense attorney.
But an affidavit says Dr. Autumn Klein had told at least one witness she planned to divorce her husband, and he had accused her of having an affair.
It goes on to say that two days before the poisoning, Ferrante ordered cyanide at his lab, even though he had no experiments involving cyanide.
The affidavit also talks about the energy drink Creatine. Dr. Ferrante was observed mixing it in his lab. And on the day of the poisoning, he texted his wife at home advising her to drink some.
She was trying to get pregnant.
Dr. Klein: "I have an aura. According to my calendar, I ovulate tomorrow."
Dr. Ferrante: "Perfect timing. Creatine :0)"
Dr. Klein: "Right."
Dr. Ferrante: "I'm serious. It will make a huge difference. I'm certain of it."
Ferrante will have a preliminary hearing on Aug. 9.
