By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-05-30 20:30:18 | Updated at 2026-06-09 08:52:57
1 week ago
Following a years-long saga into a California dermatologist's alleged poisoning of her husband, a judge has tossed out the case in the story's latest twist.
Yue 'Emily' Yu was indicted in 2023 on one felony count of domestic battery and three counts of poisoning after her husband at the time, Jack Chen, claimed she had been spiking his drinks with Drano.
However, an Orange County Superior Court judge decided on Friday to toss out the case on the grounds that the district attorney's office withheld evidence.
Yu is not yet in the clear. Kimberly Edds, the Director of Public Affairs for the Orange County District Attorney's Office, told the Daily Mail that they were planning to refile the case.
'We believe in the strength of the evidence in this case, and in the professional conduct of our prosecutors,' Edds said in a statement.
'We will continue to litigate this in a court of law as we pursue justice for an individual who was being methodically poisoned by his wife, a licensed medical professional whose intent was to inflict pain on him.'
The case has endured multiple legal obstacles. A new indictment was filed against Yu earlier this year with charges of attempted poisoning.
Superior Court Judge Patrick Donahue had previously told prosecutors that they would have to prove Chen was injured from the alleged poisoning, prompting the district attorney's office to change the charge to attempted poisoning instead.
A judge has dismissed the case against Emily Yu on the grounds that prosecutors withheld evidence
Yu was accused of poisoning her husband, Jack Chen, with Drano. He set up a hidden camera to allegedly catch her in the act
Chen said he believed his wife was pouring Drano into his drinks. The FBI later confirmed the confirmed that drain cleaner was present in the drinking glass
The allegations first came to light after Chen set up a hidden camera in their kitchen, claiming he caught his wife spiking his drinks at least three times in July 2022.
He allegedly began to suspect that he was poisoned after feeling sick for months and noticing a 'chemical taste' in his lemonade. Chen said he was also diagnosed with stomach ulcers, gastritis and esophagitis.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed that drain cleaner was present in the drinking glass.
However, Yu's attorneys argued at the time that consuming Drano would have caused more severe internal injuries, adding that it was more likely Chen was suffering from a different gastrointestinal disease.
After Yu was arrested in connection with the alleged poisoning, Chen filed for divorce, and a bitter custody battle ensued.
Yu had previously worked as a dermatologist before the allegations against her surfaced. Her attorneys said she has not been able to practice medicine since her arrest
Jack Chen accused his wife of poisoning him with the toxic substance. He said his lemonade had a 'chemical taste' and he later developed stomach ulcers, gastritis and esophagitis
Yu has also been accused of abusing her children. A judge withdrew the temporary physical custody of her two children in 2024 after her daughter told school officials she was afraid of her.
Yu was arrested in 2020 for the alleged poisoning
A declaration signed by a school therapist, previously reported on by the Daily Mail, revealed that Yu's daughter said she did not want to 'make her mom angry.'
'Her mom uses her phone to type lines for [the daughter] to say regarding the Drano that was used in the house,' the school therapist wrote.
The declaration also alleged that Yu would coach her daughter about what to say if asked about the alleged poisoning, directing the child to explain that the Drano was used to get rid of ants.
When asked by the school therapist if she was afraid her mom would kill her, the 11-year-old girl replied, 'Yes.' Yu has vehemently denied the abuse allegations against her.
Her attorneys have argued that the Drano present in the lemonade was a concoction used to get rid of ants, not to poison Chen.
Yu's attorneys also filed a brief stating their intentions to prove that Chen's allegations against his estranged wife were a ploy to win his custody battle.
Yu's lawyer, Scott Simmons, said in a statement to NBC 4 Los Angeles that his client was 'relieved' the judge tossed out her indictment, adding, 'She really wants to move on with her life.'
Yu's lawyer, Scott Simmons, said in a recent statement that she was 'relieved' the judge tossed out her indictment
Yu has also been accused of abusing her children and coaching them to corroborate her story, which she has denied
'She hasn't practiced medicine this whole time. It's really a bummer for her and she hasn't been able to see her children.'
Simmons added that the legal team was 'grateful' following the judge's latest decision.
'Emily Yu should not have been indicted. From the outset, Emily has maintained that she did nothing wrong and has placed her faith in a fair and impartial legal process,' he said.
'We thank the court for its diligence and ask only that Emily Yu now be allowed to rebuild her life in peace.'
The Daily Mail has reached out to Yu's representation for further comment.
