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NewsTelemundo 51 Miami – MainJuly 16, 2026United States

Dentist Charged Following Death of 4-Year-Old Patient in Fort Worth

A Fort Worth dentist, Dr. Chrishelle Hemphill, has been arrested and charged with causing serious bodily injury to a child following the death of a 4-year-old patient. The medical examiner ruled the death accidental, caused by meperidine intoxication during a dental procedure.

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Read the full story at Telemundo 51 Miami – Main

Why It Matters

The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners has suspended the dentist's license, and she faces criminal charges for the death of a child during a dental procedure in April 2026.

Key Facts

  • Dr. Chrishelle Hemphill was arrested on July 15, 2026, and charged with causing serious bodily injury to a child.
  • The Tarrant County Medical Examiner determined the cause of death was accidental meperidine (Demerol) intoxication.
  • The victim, Aithana Rodriguez Arriaga, had a meperidine concentration of 793 nanograms per milliliter in her system.
  • The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners has temporarily suspended Dr. Hemphill's dental license.
  • The incident occurred on April 1, 2026, at Cuddle Kids Dental Care, located at 5300 Sycamore School Road.
  • Medical experts concluded there were failures in monitoring the child and in the emergency response after she stopped responding to stimuli.
  • The suspect was released after paying bail.
  • The victim was a 4-year-old student at Dan Powell Early Learning Academy in the Everman school district.

Who's Mentioned

organizationDan Powell Early Learning Academy“School attended by the victim.”organizationTelemundo 39“News outlet reporting on the case.”locationFort Worth“City where the incident occurred.”locationTarrant County“County where the medical examiner is based.”organizationTexas State Board of Dental Examiners“Regulatory body that suspended the dentist's license.”personAithana Rodriguez Arriaga“4-year-old victim who passed away.”personChrishelle Hemphill“Dentist charged with serious bodily injury to a child.”organizationCuddle Kids Dental Care“Dental office where the procedure took place.”