A 41-year-old registered nurse from Pennsylvania stands accused of several counts of murder and attempted murder after allegedly administering lethal doses of insulin to patients at various healthcare facilities. The charges have mounted as the investigation has uncovered additional victims over the past three years.
In May, Heather Pressdee was initially charged with the murder of two nursing home patients and the injury of a third.
Recent court proceedings revealed that the scope of the case had broadened significantly. Pressdee was arraigned on additional charges, including two new counts of first-degree murder, 17 counts of attempted murder, and 19 counts of neglect of care-dependent persons. Seventeen patients in the care of Pressdee died, ranging in age from 43 to 104 years old.
The investigation into Pressdee’s conduct alleges that she provided excessive doses of insulin to 19 patients at five healthcare facilities from 2020 onwards. This includes administering the substance to both diabetic and non-diabetic patients, resulting in dire consequences.
Pressdee, who was employed at various health care centers, reportedly engaged in these activities primarily during night shifts.
After waiving her right to a preliminary hearing, she remains detained at the Butler County jail. If Pressdee is found guilty of first-degree murder, she may face the death penalty under Pennsylvania law.
One of the known victims identified was 68-year-old Marianne Bower, who died in September 2021 while under Pressdee’s care at a rehabilitation center. Bower’s family initially believed her death was due to natural causes, only later to find out it may have been the result of Pressdee’s alleged actions.
Law enforcement and health care facility representatives have not released detailed timelines, or the names of all facilities involved, pending the ongoing investigation.
The case has drawn significant attention due to the number of victims, and the time span over which the incidents occurred. The Pennsylvania Board of Nursing is also likely to review Pressdee’s actions as part of a professional conduct investigation. Her nursing license has already been suspended.
Court documents reveal that from April 2022 to May 2023, Pressdee sent texts to her mother saying she was unhappy with her patients and coworkers and talked about harming them.
As the legal proceedings advance, more details are expected to emerge, providing a clearer picture of the events that led to the numerous charges against Pressdee. The community and families of the victims await these developments as they seek justice.