Late Slipknot bassist’s doctor charged with manslaughter

The doctor of late Slipknot bassist Paul Gray has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the musician's fatal overdose in May, 2010.

Dr Daniel Baldi is facing charges of involuntary manslaughter for allegedly prescribing high amounts of painkillers to Gray and several other people. According to the Des Moines Register, Baldi began prescribing Gray the painkillers on 27 December 2005, despite the fact the musician was a `known drug addict’.

Baldi's attorney, Guy Cook, has labeled the charges `unprecedented'. 

"It is unprecedented to turn unfortunate deaths or medical results into a crime against a doctor," Cook told the Associated Press. "Unexpected deaths can occur in severe, chronic pain patients unrelated to medical treatment. This is especially true with patients who are drug addicts or drug abusers."

Baldi has pleaded not guilty to all charges, including four civil suits. NME reports Baldi could face up to 16 years in jail if convicted of all charges.

Gray was found dead in a hotel room in Des Moines on 25 May 2010. An autopsy revealed the 38-year-old had overdosed on morphine and fentanyl.

Slipknot released their first greatest hits album, Antennas to Hell, in July.