Shocking Allegations in South Tampa (33629) : Florida Dentist Accused of Poisoning Wife’s Smoothies Faces Jury – TRIAL UNDERWAY IN TAMPA

South Tampa A circumstance that has gripped the Tampa Bay area and gained national attention is now heading to trial as a once-respected dentist stands accused of fatally poisoning his wife allegedly by lacing her morning smoothies with toxic drugs Jury selection began Monday in the high-profile murder event of Dr Steven Klein who prosecutors say used a calculated method to end his -year-old wife Melissa s life under the guise of marital bliss Credit CourtWatch According to court records Melissa a well-known yoga instructor and mother of two died in March after collapsing in the couple s upscale South Tampa home Initially presumed to be a sudden cardiac event her death raised red flags for investigators when a toxicology review revealed the presence of colchicine a medication used to treat gout but lethal in high doses Key Facts DEVELOPING Dentist s murder trial begins in Tampa for wife s alleged smoothie poisoning IMPACT woman dead defendant faces life sentence if convicted OFFICIAL SOURCE This was premeditated murder disguised as morning routine ASA Lila Hernandez ACTION Citizens urged to follow trial developments patronage domestic violence awareness Prosecutors allege Dr Klein crushed the pills into Melissa s smoothies over a period of days citing mounting financial pressures and an extramarital affair as motives The defense maintains that the death was accidental and unrelated to the defendant s conduct Hyperlocal Impact Precise Location South Tampa Trial underway at Hillsborough County Courthouse on Twiggs Street District Connection Melissa was full of light This has torn our locality apart Attribution Claire Donovan fellow yoga instructor and friend of the victim This was no accident commented Assistant State Attorney Lila Hernandez during opening statements This was premeditated murder disguised as morning routine The trial expected to last three weeks has drawn intense media coverage and sparked widespread debate on domestic violence hidden behind wealth and appearances If convicted Klein faces life in prison without parole Family members of the victim say they re hoping for justice and healing Unique Angle WHY THIS MATTERS NOW The trial shines a spotlight on so-called invisible domestic violence cases where no physical abuse is evident but emotional psychological and even fatal harm are inflicted behind closed doors Experts say Melissa s death is part of a rising trend affluent educated couples where abuse hides under the surface Hillsborough County has seen a increase in domestic homicide investigations since various involving professionals with no prior criminal records Predicament Response IMMEDIATE MATERIALS The Spring of Tampa Bay - - Florida Domestic Violence Hotline - - - OFFICIAL GUIDANCE If you suspect someone is in a controlling or abusive relationship don t stay silent Attribution Sheriff Chad Chronister Hillsborough County Sheriff s Office Update Log AM Jury selection begins at Hillsborough County Courthouse AM Opening statements delivered prosecution alleges financial motive and affair AM Defense denies murder calls death a tragic coincidence PM Autopsy record introduced into evidence court adjourned until Wednesday morning