Joseph Kalina was one of four patients who died under suspicious circumstances while recovering from heart surgeries at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital in Tyler, Texas. Kalina’s condition deteriorated suddenly on January 25, 2018, which prompted a hospital investigation. Surveillance footage later showed a hospital employee entering the rooms of recovering patients shortly before each patient’s health took a drastic turn.

Medical testimony at trial said brain scans of the victims were consistent with air embolism, and prosecutors showed evidence that the defendant injected air into patients’ arterial systems, causing fatal complications. The accused was a former nurse at the hospital, and prosecutors presented internet search history and a theory that the assaults prolonged ICU stays so the nurse could work more hours. A Smith County jury found the defendant guilty of capital murder and returned a death sentence.

If anyone had contact with Joseph Kalina while he was hospitalized or has information about security or staffing at the ICU in January 2018, please share what is known.