Grand jury dismisses charges against former medical examiner Adel Shaker

NUECES COUNTY, Texas – A Nueces County grand jury has decided not to indict former Nueces County Coroner Dr. Adel Shaker.

On April 12, 2022, Shaker was arrested on 17 counts of violations of the Texas Occupations Code. Each count was a third-degree felony for which bail was set at $50,000.

About a week after his arrest, he resigned from his post.

According to a press release from Shaker's attorneys, a Nueces County grand jury met on Thursday, August 22. They reviewed the charges and evidence against him and concluded that there was insufficient evidence to charge Shaker with the crimes he is accused of.

Therefore, the grand jury decided not to indict him and issued a no-bill decision. His lawyers also say that the Texas Medical Board reviewed the complaints filed against Dr. Shaker and declined to take any action against him.

The press release states:

“Dr. Shaker is grateful for the grand jury's decisions and hopes to rebuild his life and restore his reputation. After the intense media scrutiny and attention, he hopes to enjoy privacy with his family..”

In February, Nueces County paid $300,000 as part of a settlement to 32 families who had filed complaints against the department.

Some families claimed that the coroner's office had treated the bodies negligently, mutilated some and falsified death certificates.

In 2022, KRIS 6 News spoke to the Canel family, who said the coroner mutilated their young son's body in 2016.