Schwarzenegger rejects parole for dentist who killed 3 patients
A Costa Mesa dentist who killed three patients in his chair from 1983 to 1984 has lost his bid for freedom after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger rejected his parole application.
Schwarzenegger this month overturned the parole board's recommendation to free Tony Protopappas, 65, who has served more than 25 years of his 15-years-to-life sentence on three second-degree murder convictions.
In late 1983 and early 1984, Protopappas gave fatal doses of a general anesthetic to Kim Andreassen, 23, Cathryn Jones, 31, and Patricia Craven, 13. Protopappas was using narcotics heavily at the time and wasn't licensed to administer the drug, prosecutors said.
The governor's decision wasn't a surprise to Protopappas' attorney, Rich Pfeiffer, who earlier this year predicted Schwarzenegger's action if Protopappas was granted parole.
"The only thing that has changed since the court's last opinion is Tony got a much more favorable psychological evaluation and has continued to take positive steps in his journey through rehabilitation," Pfeiffer wrote in an e-mail.
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-- Joseph Serna, Daily Pilot / Times Community News
EDITOR'S PICKS:
Way to stand tough, girlie man. Too bad you couldn't stand tough on taxes.
Posted by: Neo Con | December 30, 2010 at 07:30 AM
He should provide free dental services to other jial inmates for the REST OF HIS LIFE.
Posted by: LAMom | December 30, 2010 at 08:03 AM
This is a reminder that when a general anaesthetic is used during oral surgery an anaesthesiologist should be in attendance!
Posted by: Claudine Willis | December 30, 2010 at 08:27 AM
Yay gov!
Posted by: D.vader | December 30, 2010 at 09:03 AM
Why is this clown even coming up for parole? He killed 3 people, 3!!! So why does a gang member get life without parole for killing 1 person gang member or not??
Posted by: Just | December 30, 2010 at 09:11 AM
Why was this animal allowed to continue his practice after the FIRST death?? How is it that he was still free to kill two more people?
If ever there was a case that demanded an eye for an eye...take him to the prison medical ward and administer the same dosages.
Posted by: Brainiac | December 30, 2010 at 10:00 AM
This animal should be EUTHANIZED.
Posted by: Macca Doo | December 30, 2010 at 10:10 AM
I think there was another crime involved and that was that he was allowed to continue practicing after he killed the first woman.
Posted by: Karen | December 30, 2010 at 10:41 AM
People just blindly trust and should learn that you just need to be numbed and not totally out for oral surgery. It can be uncomfortable but ask those two women and the teenage girl if they would rather be uncomfortable or dead.
Posted by: SicknTired | December 30, 2010 at 11:16 AM
very scary. serial killers come in all shapes and sizes and from all different kinds of backgrounds. this guy is the scariest kind.... someone you trust. my question is how did he get to continue after the first murder? i don't get it.
Posted by: Moe | December 30, 2010 at 06:47 PM
good job Arnol!
Posted by: irving | December 30, 2010 at 06:53 PM
Just
In reply to your comment. this doctor was doing reckless act that resulted in death 2nd degree. A gang member in a pre meditated murder with malice aforethought in furtherance of a gang would be eligible for the death penalty. The law is based on the act and the intent
Posted by: Auggie | December 30, 2010 at 06:54 PM
From Charles Simmers, California Citizen and member of the DGA..THANK YOU GOV. SCHWARZENEGGER!, and thank you for all your service to this great state!
Posted by: Chuck Simmers | December 30, 2010 at 07:05 PM
3-2nd degree murder convictions? Does the State of California allow for the possibility of parole for 2nd degree murder?
Posted by: Michael Boyd | December 30, 2010 at 07:07 PM
Boo hoo.
Posted by: Dick Bacon | December 30, 2010 at 07:10 PM
I think not right to let him out.
If you kill some one you need to stay in for life!
Posted by: orange county electrician | December 30, 2010 at 07:20 PM
I'm sure that Alan Alda, Mike Farrell, Martin Sheen and Jane Fonda are organizing a protest to this decision. The Hollywood liberal elite probably feel this person needs compassion, love and a 9th chance at redemption. Fools.
Posted by: Mike Jackson | December 30, 2010 at 07:50 PM
Forget it....don't let him out? he's right where he's needed , in prison working on all the inmates teeth!
Posted by: Gizmo | December 30, 2010 at 07:53 PM
I just stopped fearing dentists and now this? LOL
Posted by: Vancouver Luxury Condo | December 30, 2010 at 08:34 PM
@ Just:
He's up for parole,because he was convicted of "Second degree" murder. If that gang member gets life in prison without parole, it is probably for first degree murder. There is a profound difference.
Posted by: Dean | December 30, 2010 at 08:53 PM
you'd think he'd stop after killing the 1st one......so clearly he's a murderer!!!!
Posted by: lauren | December 30, 2010 at 09:00 PM
Keep those unionized prison guards employed forever!
Posted by: Alan Courtney | December 31, 2010 at 07:44 AM
We can rehabilitate Mr. Protopappas in a chair much like the one he used to kill three innocent women. And...we can give him a far more effective sleeping gas than he gave his victims. Just bring him on down to the dental clinic at San Quentin to the room with the BIG chair that has the leather straps on it.
Posted by: Sarah Marks | December 31, 2010 at 10:54 AM
Too bad he didn't perform dentristy on the steroidnator/Idiot. We would all be better off with the steroid induced moron with the Hitler complex not taking up any more oxygen.
Posted by: Sickof StupidIdiots | December 31, 2010 at 06:07 PM
YAY
Posted by: Dirk | January 04, 2011 at 09:13 AM