Health & Medicine

Houston Oncologist Poisoned Boyfriend's Coffee With Antifreeze Chemicals

Kathleen Lees
First Posted: Jun 10, 2013 12:49 AM EDT

A Houston oncologist has been charged with allegedly poisoning her lover and coworker's coffee with an antifreeze chemical, resulting in serious health problems including renal failure.

Breast cancer oncologist at the University of Texas M.D., Ana Maria Gonzalez-Angulo, was charged last week with aggravated assault against Dr. George Blumenschine, a specialist in lung and head and neck cancers at the institution. According to various reports, the two were in "a casual sexual relationship."

Blumenschein, who allegedly joined the group in 2000, suffered a protracted loss of the use of his kidneys and is still being treated for the problem.

"She is a distinguished citizen and scientist, and these allegations are totally inconsistent with her personal and professional life," Hollingsworth said in a statement, according to ABC News

Gonzalez-Angulo, who joined M.D. Anderson in 2003, is free on $50,000 bail.

Authorities have said that Blumeschine was allegedly poisoned on Jan. 27 when he was at Gonzalez-Angulo's home.

Authorities have reported that he complained that his coffee tasted sweet and Gonzalez-Angulo told him she had added splenda to the drink.

However, within a few hours, he begin experiencing slurred speech and was unable to stand upright, upon which he went to the emergency room. Doctors apparently found problems with his central nervous system, cardiopulmonary complications and renal failure, and he later had to undergo dialysis.

A 24-hour urine test found that he had been poisoned, according to a county toxicologist.

A cancer center research administrator found that Ethylene glycol, a solvent and starting material for the synthesis of more complex molecules, was present in his body.

At this time, investigators are still looking into the situation further.

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