Why a Maryland oral surgeon became a murder suspect in girlfriend’s overdose death

This story originally aired on Oct. 5, 2024, and was updated on May 10, 2025.

On January 26, 2022, 25-year-old Sarah Harris was found unresponsive in her home by her boyfriend, 48-year-old Dr. James Ryan, who tearfully claimed she had struggled with drug addiction and mental health issues, suggesting her death was due to an overdose. Sarah’s mother, Tina Harris, suspected foul play and believed Ryan orchestrated the scene to appear as a suicide, recalling Ryan’s prior relationship with Sarah as her dentist and expressing concerns over his interest in her. Investigators found drug paraphernalia at the scene, raising questions about Ryan’s involvement in Sarah’s tragic death.