A Pennsylvania nurse, aged 41, has pleaded guilty to three counts of murder and other charges after administering lethal or potentially lethal doses of insulin to multiple patients. The nurse, Heather Pressdee, was sentenced to three consecutive life terms in prison, along with an additional consecutive term of 380-760 years behind bars.
Pressdee's actions led to the deaths of at least 17 patients residing in five health facilities across four counties between 2020 and 2023. The victims, aged between 43 and 104, were subjected to excessive amounts of insulin, even if they were not diabetic. Coworkers reported concerns about Pressdee's behavior, citing her disdain for patients and derogatory comments towards them.
Initially charged with killing two nursing home patients and injuring a third in May 2023, further investigation uncovered additional victims, resulting in a total of 22 patients affected. Pressdee pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree murder and 19 counts of attempted murder during a court hearing.
During the plea hearing, Pressdee admitted her guilt, stating, 'Because I am guilty,' in response to questioning. Several individuals provided victim impact statements, condemning Pressdee's actions as an attempt to 'play God' and labeling her as 'evil personified.'
Prosecutors revealed that Pressdee had a history of abusive behavior towards patients and staff, leading to disciplinary actions at various facilities where she worked. Her nursing license was suspended following the initial charges.
Similar cases of healthcare workers convicted of harming patients include a Texas nurse convicted of capital murder for injecting air into patients' arteries and another nurse who killed multiple nursing home patients in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Pressdee's sentencing serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding ethical standards and ensuring the safety and well-being of patients under the care of healthcare professionals.
