Topline: Dr. Ben Brown’s manslaughter trial is scheduled to begin May 4 in Gulf Breeze, Florida, following a court hearing on October 14.
Published: October 17, 2025 4:30 pm ET
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Right: Hillary Ellington Brown, Left: Dr. Benjamin Brown. (via Rose Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery/Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office)
GULF BREEZE, FL — A Florida plastic surgeon accused of manslaughter in the death of his wife is scheduled to stand trial next spring.
Circuit Court Judge Clifton Drake tentatively scheduled Dr. Ben Brown’s trial to begin May 4. Brown was arrested June 17, 2024, and charged with manslaughter in the death of his wife and former patient, Hillary Ellington Brown.
Brown, a former Gulf Breeze-based plastic surgeon, is accused of causing his wife’s death during a series of cosmetic procedures performed at his clinic. Prosecutors allege that Brown failed to properly monitor Hillary Brown’s condition during the procedures, leading to her suffering a cardiac arrest.
The case has drawn attention due to Brown’s professional background and the circumstances surrounding the incident. According to the Pensacola News Journal, the trial date remains subject to change, but Judge Drake said May was far enough out to accommodate a full week of testimony.
Brown did not attend the October 14 hearing. His attorney, Mark O’Mara, requested that Brown be allowed to sit in on depositions of medical professionals expected to testify.
Prosecutor Mark Alderman objected to the motion, which was originally filed September 24. Judge Drake said he would hear arguments from both sides before issuing a ruling. That hearing is expected to take place before the next status conference in March.
The criminal case is one of three legal matters currently pending against Brown, as per Duckswire. In addition to the manslaughter charge, he faces a civil lawsuit filed by a former patient, Wendy Carden, and her husband, William Carden. The suit, filed in Escambia County, alleges medical negligence during a breast reconstruction procedure in 2018 and seeks damages exceeding $30,000.
Efforts to resolve the civil case through mediation have failed twice, most recently on October 9, according to court records. The mediation report, filed by attorney Craig A. Dennis, stated that the parties reached an impasse.
Brown’s medical license is also under scrutiny, according to Yahoo News. The Florida Department of Health imposed emergency restrictions and asked the Division of Administrative Hearings to consider additional penalties, including possible suspension or permanent revocation. Brown testified at a September 17, 2025, administrative hearing regarding the department’s actions.
The criminal proceedings stem from events that occurred in 2023, when Hillary Brown reportedly underwent multiple cosmetic procedures at Restore Plastic Surgery, the clinic operated by her husband. According to People magazine, she suffered cardiac arrest during the procedures and later died.
Brown was charged with manslaughter nearly a year later. The indictment alleges that his conduct during the procedures was reckless and directly contributed to his wife’s death.
The upcoming trial is expected to include testimony from medical professionals, law enforcement, and expert witnesses. Prosecutors have indicated they will present evidence regarding Brown’s actions before, during, and after the procedures.
Judge Drake emphasized the need for adequate time to hear all testimony and review evidence. The May 4 trial date is intended to allow both sides to prepare and accommodate the court’s schedule.
Brown remains free on bond pending trial. His legal team has not publicly commented on the charges beyond court filings. Prosecutors have declined to discuss the case outside of formal proceedings.
The next status conference is scheduled for March, when Judge Drake is expected to rule on pending motions and finalize the trial schedule.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Trial Set for Florida Plastic Surgeon Accused in Wife’s Death
Dr. Ben Brown’s manslaughter trial is scheduled to begin May 4 in Gulf Breeze, Florida, following a court hearing on October 14.
By Kate Byrd
Published: October 17, 2025 4:30 pm ET
Right: Hillary Ellington Brown, Left: Dr. Benjamin Brown. (via Rose Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery/Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office)
GULF BREEZE, FL — A Florida plastic surgeon accused of manslaughter in the death of his wife is scheduled to stand trial next spring.
Circuit Court Judge Clifton Drake tentatively scheduled Dr. Ben Brown’s trial to begin May 4. Brown was arrested June 17, 2024, and charged with manslaughter in the death of his wife and former patient, Hillary Ellington Brown.
Brown, a former Gulf Breeze-based plastic surgeon, is accused of causing his wife’s death during a series of cosmetic procedures performed at his clinic. Prosecutors allege that Brown failed to properly monitor Hillary Brown’s condition during the procedures, leading to her suffering a cardiac arrest.
The case has drawn attention due to Brown’s professional background and the circumstances surrounding the incident. According to the Pensacola News Journal, the trial date remains subject to change, but Judge Drake said May was far enough out to accommodate a full week of testimony.
Brown did not attend the October 14 hearing. His attorney, Mark O’Mara, requested that Brown be allowed to sit in on depositions of medical professionals expected to testify.
Prosecutor Mark Alderman objected to the motion, which was originally filed September 24. Judge Drake said he would hear arguments from both sides before issuing a ruling. That hearing is expected to take place before the next status conference in March.
The criminal case is one of three legal matters currently pending against Brown, as per Duckswire. In addition to the manslaughter charge, he faces a civil lawsuit filed by a former patient, Wendy Carden, and her husband, William Carden. The suit, filed in Escambia County, alleges medical negligence during a breast reconstruction procedure in 2018 and seeks damages exceeding $30,000.
Efforts to resolve the civil case through mediation have failed twice, most recently on October 9, according to court records. The mediation report, filed by attorney Craig A. Dennis, stated that the parties reached an impasse.
Brown’s medical license is also under scrutiny, according to Yahoo News. The Florida Department of Health imposed emergency restrictions and asked the Division of Administrative Hearings to consider additional penalties, including possible suspension or permanent revocation. Brown testified at a September 17, 2025, administrative hearing regarding the department’s actions.
The criminal proceedings stem from events that occurred in 2023, when Hillary Brown reportedly underwent multiple cosmetic procedures at Restore Plastic Surgery, the clinic operated by her husband. According to People magazine, she suffered cardiac arrest during the procedures and later died.
Brown was charged with manslaughter nearly a year later. The indictment alleges that his conduct during the procedures was reckless and directly contributed to his wife’s death.
The upcoming trial is expected to include testimony from medical professionals, law enforcement, and expert witnesses. Prosecutors have indicated they will present evidence regarding Brown’s actions before, during, and after the procedures.
Judge Drake emphasized the need for adequate time to hear all testimony and review evidence. The May 4 trial date is intended to allow both sides to prepare and accommodate the court’s schedule.
Brown remains free on bond pending trial. His legal team has not publicly commented on the charges beyond court filings. Prosecutors have declined to discuss the case outside of formal proceedings.
The next status conference is scheduled for March, when Judge Drake is expected to rule on pending motions and finalize the trial schedule.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Trial Set for Florida Plastic Surgeon Accused in Wife’s Death
Dr. Ben Brown’s manslaughter trial is scheduled to begin May 4 in Gulf Breeze, Florida, following a court hearing on October 14.
By Kate Byrd
Published: October 17, 2025 4:30 pm ET
Right: Hillary Ellington Brown, Left: Dr. Benjamin Brown. (via Rose Lawn Funeral Home & Cemetery/Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office)
GULF BREEZE, FL — A Florida plastic surgeon accused of manslaughter in the death of his wife is scheduled to stand trial next spring.
Circuit Court Judge Clifton Drake tentatively scheduled Dr. Ben Brown’s trial to begin May 4. Brown was arrested June 17, 2024, and charged with manslaughter in the death of his wife and former patient, Hillary Ellington Brown.
Brown, a former Gulf Breeze-based plastic surgeon, is accused of causing his wife’s death during a series of cosmetic procedures performed at his clinic. Prosecutors allege that Brown failed to properly monitor Hillary Brown’s condition during the procedures, leading to her suffering a cardiac arrest.
The case has drawn attention due to Brown’s professional background and the circumstances surrounding the incident. According to the Pensacola News Journal, the trial date remains subject to change, but Judge Drake said May was far enough out to accommodate a full week of testimony.
Brown did not attend the October 14 hearing. His attorney, Mark O’Mara, requested that Brown be allowed to sit in on depositions of medical professionals expected to testify.
Prosecutor Mark Alderman objected to the motion, which was originally filed September 24. Judge Drake said he would hear arguments from both sides before issuing a ruling. That hearing is expected to take place before the next status conference in March.
The criminal case is one of three legal matters currently pending against Brown, as per Duckswire. In addition to the manslaughter charge, he faces a civil lawsuit filed by a former patient, Wendy Carden, and her husband, William Carden. The suit, filed in Escambia County, alleges medical negligence during a breast reconstruction procedure in 2018 and seeks damages exceeding $30,000.
Efforts to resolve the civil case through mediation have failed twice, most recently on October 9, according to court records. The mediation report, filed by attorney Craig A. Dennis, stated that the parties reached an impasse.
Brown’s medical license is also under scrutiny, according to Yahoo News. The Florida Department of Health imposed emergency restrictions and asked the Division of Administrative Hearings to consider additional penalties, including possible suspension or permanent revocation. Brown testified at a September 17, 2025, administrative hearing regarding the department’s actions.
The criminal proceedings stem from events that occurred in 2023, when Hillary Brown reportedly underwent multiple cosmetic procedures at Restore Plastic Surgery, the clinic operated by her husband. According to People magazine, she suffered cardiac arrest during the procedures and later died.
Brown was charged with manslaughter nearly a year later. The indictment alleges that his conduct during the procedures was reckless and directly contributed to his wife’s death.
The upcoming trial is expected to include testimony from medical professionals, law enforcement, and expert witnesses. Prosecutors have indicated they will present evidence regarding Brown’s actions before, during, and after the procedures.
Judge Drake emphasized the need for adequate time to hear all testimony and review evidence. The May 4 trial date is intended to allow both sides to prepare and accommodate the court’s schedule.
Brown remains free on bond pending trial. His legal team has not publicly commented on the charges beyond court filings. Prosecutors have declined to discuss the case outside of formal proceedings.
The next status conference is scheduled for March, when Judge Drake is expected to rule on pending motions and finalize the trial schedule.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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