Dentist Found Not Guilty in Ecstasy Death
A San Diego-area dentist was acquitted Thursday of involuntary manslaughter in the party drug death of a woman who fell from a Long Beach hotel balcony.
The Long Beach Superior Court jury also acquitted Kami Hoss, 35, of a charge that he gave Sandra Rodriguez, 26, of Ontario, the illegal, mood-altering drug Ecstasy.
Prosecutors accused Hoss of giving Ecstasy to Rodriguez and two other women that the dentist and his wife met at a bar in Long Beach. Authorities alleged that Rodriguez had an adverse reaction to the drug after returning to Hoss’ hotel room for a drink. Hoss allegedly dragged Rodriguez out of the room when she became ill and left her in the hall. Her body was found in a flower bed outside the hotel.
Hoss’ lawyer said someone else gave Rodriguez the drug.
Jurors deliberated for less than a day before returning their verdict.
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