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California Doctor Charged With Involuntary Manslaughter in Newborn’s 2024 Circumcision Death

Toxicology detected the opioid Demerol in the infant instead of a local anesthetic.

Overview

  • Dr. Hong-An Jan pleaded not guilty on February 19, 2026, after prosecutors filed a felony involuntary manslaughter charge tied to the 2024 procedure.
  • The Orange County coroner listed the cause of death as bronchopneumonia due to acute Demerol intoxication, and tests found high Demerol with no lidocaine.
  • Prosecutors and the parents allege Jan injected Demerol instead of a local anesthetic during a February 27, 2024 circumcision at his Garden Grove clinic.
  • The parents say their newborn became lethargic and refused feedings after the procedure, and that Jan reassured them without ordering lab tests.
  • The parents have filed a wrongful-death and malpractice suit, Jan’s medical license was suspended on February 19, and a pre-trial hearing is set for May 1.