From Deseret News archives:
Benoit doctor charged in drug probe
The seven-count indictment said Dr. Phil Astin dispensed drugs including Percocet, Xanax, Lorcet and Vicoprofen between April 2004 and September 2005.
The recipients were identified in the indictment by the initials O.G. and M.J. Benoit's initials were not listed.
Astin was expected to make an initial court appearance Monday afternoon.
A criminal complaint was also filed, but was under seal. A law enforcement official close to the case, who spoke on condition of anonymity before the hearing, said the case involves steroids.
Federal drug agents have taken over the probe into whether Astin improperly prescribed testosterone and other drugs to Benoit before the wrestler killed his wife and son and committed suicide in his suburban Atlanta home last month. State prosecutors and sheriff's officials are overseeing the death investigation.
Federal prosecutors are seeking the forfeiture of all property and proceeds Astin obtained through the illegal conduct if he's convicted.
Investigators have conducted two raids at Astin's west Georgia office since last week.
Toxicology tests on Benoit's body have not yet been completed, Fayette County District Attorney Scott Ballard said.
Anabolic steroids were found in Benoit's home, leading officials to wonder whether the drugs played a role in the killings. Some experts believe steroids can cause paranoia, depression and violent outbursts known as "roid rage."
"We're still asking questions and searching for answers with regard to the death so we can tie up loose ends," Ballard said.
Ballard said finding a motive in the case remains elusive.
"I think it will always be undetermined as to 'Why?"' Ballard said. "I think it's because there can't be any satisfactory reason why you kill a 7-year-old."
Authorities have said Benoit strangled his wife and son, placing Bibles next to their bodies, before hanging himself on the cable of a weight-machine in his home.
Benoit's father, Michael, said Monday that "it's impossible to come up with a rational explanation for a very irrational act."
"That's my feeling. Let the cards fall where they fall, we have no control over it at this point," he said. "It's just impossible to come up with a rational explanation for what happened."
Comments
- Older Americans go to food pantries 9:47 a.m.
- Idaho woman dies after fall 9:40 a.m.
- Iran could leave nuclear treaty 9:35 a.m.
- Boise State stops Pack, stays perfect 9:22 a.m.
- Police to talk to Woods about accident 9:21 a.m.
- Man sentenced in China 9:05 a.m.
- 'Pulp Fiction' writer taken off furlough 8:58 a.m.
- Relative sought in killings 8:51 a.m.
- Death toll from floods in Saudi 8:40 a.m.
- 3 Americans die in cargo plane crash 8:34 a.m.
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
267 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
212 - Thunder rolls by Jazz
136 - Letters: Rushing to judge Palin
133 - Boys basketball rankings
129 - Editorial: Poor welcome for Palin
112 - Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
109 - Letters: Trump card for believers
93 - Rivalry Week is highly profane
86 - Utah, BYU are top choices for bowls
75
It's finally time for the game that everyone has been waiting for all...
Its finally here, the big game. No matter what the circumstances are, it...
Carlos Boozer denied that playing so well against the Chicago Bulls held...
This was the first time I have had the chance to see the COugars play this...
Lets go WebCats!!! Congrats to Coach McBride and the entire squad for making...
Hey, Melting Ice Caps, this is a massive breach of the scientific method and...
Dubai is suffering from a catastrophic property slump. But more importantly,...
Far more likely the gate was manned by far-right wing authoritarians....
Great column! Lets all sit back and share a good laugh about some of the...
First, the Constitution is flexible because there is a provision to modify it...
Sounds like you need to call the police and have some JW's arrested for...
Incredible finish, wait a minute, Illinois was just whistled for another foul.

You can be the first to comment on this story.