A Walton County Grand Jury has indicted Dr. Thomas Shaknovsky on a charge of second-degree manslaughter in connection with the August 2024 death of a 70-year-old man from Muscle Shoals, Alabama, according to an April 13 announcement by the Office of the State Attorney for the First Judicial Circuit.
The case concerns a fatal incident during surgery at which Dr. Shaknovsky allegedly removed the patient’s liver instead of his spleen during a laparoscopic splenectomy, leading to severe blood loss and death on the operating table.
Authorities said that an extensive investigation was conducted by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office alongside state and medical authorities before presenting evidence to the Grand Jury. The indictment states there is probable cause that actions taken in the operating room amounted to criminal conduct under Florida law.
“Our duty is to follow the facts wherever they lead, without fear or favor,” said Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson. “The Grand Jury has spoken, and our responsibility is to ensure the charges are carried out through the proper legal process. Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family and their unspeakable loss.
“We are committed to seeing this case through with the professionalism and integrity our community expects,” Adkinson said.
Dr. Shaknovsky was arrested Monday morning in Miramar Beach and transported to Walton County Jail where he awaits his first court appearance.
The broader implications of this indictment highlight issues surrounding surgical safety protocols and accountability within medical practice.
