Judge Sets Trial for May 31, Orders Production of Five Merck Witnesses

ANGLETON, Texas - A Texas trial court judge has entered a May trial date for a widow's claim that Vioxx caused her husband's death, and additionally ordered Merck to produce five witnesses, including the company's CEO, for deposition. Merck & Co. Ernst v. Merck & Co., et al., No. 19961 (Texas Dist. Ct., Brazoria Cty.).

According to sources and an order entered Feb. 28 in Brazoria County District Court, Judge Ben Hardin set May 31 as the trial date for the claims of Carol Ernst, who sued Merck for allegedly causing her husband's Vioxx-related death. Ernst had filed a Fifth …