Judge orders UCLA professor to stand trial in lab death case

A Los Angeles judge recently ordered UCLA chemistry professor Patrick Harran to stand trial to face felony charges in connection with the death of a UCLA researcher in a 2008 lab fire.

The judge denied a motion to dismiss the criminal charges against Harran, which includes violating state occupational health and safety codes, the Los Angeles Times reported Monday.

If convicted, Harran could face up to four and a half years in prison.

Two years ago, Harran and the UC Board of Regents were charged with felony accounts after a chemical ignited the sweater of research assistant Sheharbano “Sheri” Sangji. She died from injuries sustained in the fire soon after.

Charges against the regents were dropped last year as part of a plea deal, and the University put its support behind Harran.

Compiled by Erin Donnelly, Bruin senior staff.