NewsCrime and Courts

Actions

Hearing for former Florence doctor convicted of overprescription deaths moved to Helena

Chris Christensen Court.jpg
Posted at 7:01 AM, Mar 25, 2020
and last updated 2020-03-25 16:12:39-04

MISSOULA — The hearing for a former Florence doctor convicted of overprescribing medications resulting in the deaths of two patients is being moved out of Missoula because of the coronavirus shutdown.

Dr. Chris Christensen was convicted two years ago on 22-counts including negligent homicide in Ravalli County District Court.

However, the complexity of the case has led to numerous delays in his appeal to the Montana Supreme Court.

The high court had finally been scheduled to hear oral arguments in the case during a special field hearing at the University of Montana on April 3.

Now, with the UM campus closed, the hearing is being moved back to Helena.

Apparently, because of the precautions, no spectators will be allowed in the courtroom, a setback for some of the doctor's victims who had planned on attending the hearing in Missoula.

The hearing will be live-streamed.