Western Pa. Doctor Charged In Autistic Boy's Death

A western Pennsylvania doctor was charged with involuntary manslaughter Wednesday because state police said he caused the death of a 5-year-old autistic boy two years ago.

Dr. Roy Eugene Kerry, who has offices in Greenville and Potersville, was charged in the death of Abubakar Tariq Nadama.

The boy suffered from autism, which some people believe can be caused by heavy metal poisoning, and authorities said he died of cardiac arrest after receiving chelation treatment. The federal government has approved chelation for cases of acute heavy-metal poisoning, but not to treat autism.

The boy's parents have already filed a wrongful death suit against Kerry, and the Department of State was trying to revoke Kerry's license for his treatment of the boy.

The receptionist at Kerry's Greenville office said he was too busy treating patients to come to the phone.

It was not clear if police plan to arrest Kerry or mail the charges to him.

Previous Stories: June 28, 2007: Researchers Study Ways To Detect Autism In Babies April 10, 2007: Doctor Under Investigation In Autistic Child's Death February 24, 2006: Autistic Basketball Manager Scores Big