Fort Wayne, Ind. (WOWO): Threats of violence now get thrown into the mix in an escalating conflict with former Lutheran executive Brian Baur. According to the News Sentinel, a report from the Allen County Sheriff’s Department revealed St. Joseph Hospital CEO Karen Fordham suggested that Baur “Should be shot and killed for what he did.,” while speaking at a meeting on February 28th.   Former St. Joseph Chief Operating Officer Vincent Green, who was one of many people attending that meeting, told Baur of the comment made by Fordham.  Rumors had been going around that Green’s departure for the hospital had something to do with him telling Bauer of the comment, but Lutheran Health spokesman, Geoff Thomas says they are “Inaccurate.”

CHS is currently suing Bauer for allegedly using the information he got from working at Lutheran as CEO to seek ownership for the local network and to help IU Health establish a presence in Fort Wayne. Last month, a judge ruled that Bauer did reveal confidential information but could continue to work for IU Health.

Fordham reacted negatively to the judges ruling by  saying “The headline made it seem like he won, ‘We won.’ Our whole plan was to show IU Health what he did while working for us.  Who is to say he won’t do it to them?  He should be shot and killed for what he did.”

Community Health Systems (CHS) stated the comments Fordham made were “Intemperate and inappropriate comments” and she has been told that such comments were unacceptable. They believe there is no reason to believe Bauer was even under an actual threat. CHS believes Bauer “is using this incident as an obvious effort to further his personal agenda.”

Bauer believes it all had gone too far and that he was very troubled by the comment. He also adds that he feels as if he and his family are unsafe, not knowing if any of the threats would be carried out.  He wishes that all of the threats and negative talk would stop.

The Allen County Police are still investigating the incident, but don’t believe they will file charges.