Hearing Delayed For SoCal Doctor Accused In Prescription Drug Overdose Deaths

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Prosecutors will begin presenting evidence next week in the case against a Southern California doctor accused of second-degree murder in the prescription drug overdose deaths of three patients.

The preliminary hearing for Dr. Hsiu-Ying "Lisa" Tseng had been scheduled to begin Friday, but was postponed to Monday.

Authorities allege she wrote more than 27,000 prescriptions over a three-year period. She is among only a handful of doctors nationwide to be charged with murder related to prescription drugs.

The 42-year-old has pleaded not guilty to 24 felony counts. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 45 years to life in prison.

After listening to testimony, which could take up to two weeks, a judge will decide if there is enough evidence to send Tseng to trial.

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