Doctor Held in Infant Deaths Again Seeks Judge’s Removal
A Newhall obstetrician charged with second-degree murder in the deaths of eight infants and one fetus filed papers again Wednesday seeking to remove a judge from hearing his case on grounds that she is biased against him.
In his latest effort to prevent Superior Court Judge Judith C. Chirlin from presiding over his pending trial, Dr. Milos Klvana, 47, alleged that the judge’s refusal to lower his $750,000 bail is evidence that she is prejudiced.
Another judge must be assigned to rule on Klvana’s motion against Chirlin. Since Klvana refuses to allow any judge in Los Angeles County to hear it, a jurist from another county will be selected by the state Judicial Council.
Deputy Dist. Atty. Brian R. Kelberg said that Klvana’s motion is at least the third time he has tried to have Chirlin removed from his case. His previous efforts have been unsuccessful.
Klvana faces trial on nine counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of eight babies and a fetus he delivered outside hospitals between 1982 and 1986.
Prosecutors said Klvana and a midwife he employed were negligent in failing to take appropriate steps when confronted with serious complications.
Klvana remained in custody in lieu of his bail.
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