October 11, 2005
The attempted murder trial of pediatrician Dr. Iain Gainov began Tuesday in Albemarle County Circuit Court. The doctor is accused of three counts of child abuse. In one of those incidents his daughter Megan almost died.
In court Tuesday, we heard from attorneys on both sides as well as some witnesses for the Commonwealth.
Prosecutors said when Megan was 3 months old her dad severely burned her face with a hair dryer. The defense said it was an accident.
When Megan was seven months old, prosecutors said Dr. Gainov shook his baby and fractured her skull. The defense claimed Daddy was trying to teach Megan to sit up when she fell off the sofa.
Most disturbing, when Megan was just 8 and a half months old she almost died, prosecutors say, of water intoxication at the hands of her father. The defense said Megan had a respiratory infection and was dehydrated causing her symptoms.
In all three cases, Dr. Gainov was the only one with Megan at the time of the incidents.
Both Megan?s pediatrician and the emergency room doctor testified that they were suspicious of Megan?s injuries and they did call Child Services. But on cross examination they did admit that Dr. Gainov?s explanation for the incidents could be possible.
If convicted, Dr. Gainov could spend the rest of his life in prison.
Attempted Murder Trial Begins