My name is Dr. Kevin Zuerlein, M.D. I am over the age of eighteen. I have never been convicted of a felony and I am competent to make this affidavit. I have personal knowledge of the facts stated in this affidavit, and if called to testify, under penalty of perjury, I would testify to the following :

1. In 1988 I was a doctor of medicine in my first year of psychiatric residence training. I was, as a part of my internship, assigned to the pediatric ward of Maricopa Medical Center.
2. I have reviewed the medical records of Christopher Milke, to refresh my memory, however, I have independent recollection of him and his mother, Debra Jean Milke, while Christopher was receiving treatment at the Medical Center, which was from 12-4-1988 to 12- 22-88. I was the intern assigned to Christopher's case.
3. I interacted with Christopher and his mother in the capacity of a pediatric intern. I helped both of them deal with their fears, which related to the serious surgery Christopher was to undergo. I dealt with both of them before and after Christopher under went surgery.
4. Christopher was treated for a swelling on the front of his neck, on his thyroid gland. It was diagnosed as Suppurative Thyroiditis. The surgery and recovery were successful and he was released in good condition. My involvement ended when he was discharged from the hospital.
5. I interacted with Christopher and his mother, several times a day, during the 19 days he was hospitalized.
6. Based on my interaction with them I made the following observations, and based on my training I formed the following conclusions:
   • Christopher was well mannered and displayed the usual age appropriate developmental milestones.
   • During his hospitalization, his mother, Debra Milke, was very concerned about him. She sought treatment within days of noticing a change in his physical condition.
   • Debra was often at his bedside.
   • Debra interacted well with the hospital staff.
   • Debra appeared to be well bonded to Christopher, and Christopher appeared to be well bonded to his mother.
   • There were no abnormalities noted in Christopher and his mother's relationship.
   • Compared to the many other families who's children were being treated at the Medical Center, and seen by me, Debra's presence and concern for Christopher was above average.
   • Debra did not display an increased nervousness during any of the questioning involving the history and relationship of her and her child.
   • Debra was genuinely concerned for her child. She was cooperative, helpful, informative, and pleasant throughout Christopher's stay in the hospital.
   • Christopher showed no signs of failure to progress at a normal rate; he appeared to be growing both physically and mentally at a normal rate.
   • Christopher showed no signs of physical or mental abuse.

Further affiant saith not.

VERIFICATION

DR. KEVIN ZUERLEIN, M.D., being first duly sworn, under penalty of perjury, upon his oath deposes and states:
That he has read the attached affidavit and all facts contained therein (paragraphs 1 - 6 inclusive) are true.

Signed: Kevin Zuerlein, M.D.

SUBSCRIBED AND SWORN to before me this 6th day of October, 1995, by Dr. Kevin Zuerlein, M.D..

Signed : Michael B. Plowman - Notary Public