Joseph Emory – “The Cut‑Rate Osteopath”
Background
Joseph Emory, born in 1920 in California, was an osteopath practicing in Los Angeles. He first came under scrutiny in 1960 when one of his patients died during an illegal abortion—an incident that led to his conviction for second-degree murder. Though paroled in 1964, his troubles continued: in 1963 he was convicted again for performing an illegal abortion and served a three-year sentence, resulting in the revocation of his medical license. Remarkably, in May 1974 his license was reinstated, allowing him to set up a clinic known as the Highland Medical Center in north-central Los Angeles—where he would soon become linked to many infant deaths resulting from negligent medical practice.
Criminal Activities & Arrest
Following the reinstatement of his license, Emory delivered over 700 babies at the clinic between 1974 and 1976, primarily serving low-income and undocumented Mexican immigrant families. Fees were approximately $200–$300—significantly lower than hospital rates. However, the low-cost deliveries came with alarming consequences: at least 25 infants died at the clinic, and a 26th succumbed in the hospital hours after being transferred for emergency treatment. Emory, along with his wife and son Alan (32), was arrested on June 8, 1976, facing multiple murder charges related to these infant deaths. Prosecutors described his practice as showing “wanton and reckless disregard for life,” and did not rule out intentional killing.
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