Nearly four years after her arrest, California dermatologist Yue “Emily” Yu’s case for allegedly poisoning her husband with Drano has been dismissed by an Orange County judge.
Original Charges
Yu was indicted on three felony counts of poisoning and one felony count of domestic battery. Authorities alleged she poured drain cleaner into her husband Jack Chen’s tea in 2022, causing him stomach ulcers.
Dismissal of Indictment
On Friday, May 29, the judge dismissed the indictment after learning that the Orange County District Attorney’s Office had withheld evidence that may have cleared Yu. This is the second time the indictment has been dismissed; previously, the D.A.’s Office had sought dismissal in January to add an attempted poisoning charge and address a key witness issue.
Yu’s Response
Yu’s attorney, Scott Simmons, said she was “relieved” and “really wants to move on with her life.” He noted that Yu has been unable to practice medicine or see her children during the legal proceedings. Simmons also criticized the indictment process as “fundamentally flawed.”
District Attorney’s Statement
Orange County D.A. spokeswoman Kimberly Edds stated that the office plans to refile the case, citing strong evidence and commitment to justice. She described Yu as a licensed medical professional who allegedly intended to harm her husband.
Evidence and Divorce Proceedings
According to the Irvine Police Department, Chen installed cameras in the home after noticing his drink tasted different and feeling ill. The footage reportedly showed Yu seemingly poisoning his tea on multiple occasions.
Chen has filed for divorce and requested full custody of their two children, citing verbal and physical abuse. Yu’s attorney denied all claims, suggesting they may be used to influence the divorce case.
