A Pennsylvania nurse, Heather Pressdee, is now facing a substantial number of additional charges related to allegations of administering lethal doses of insulin to patients under her care.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry recently announced these new charges against Pressdee, who had previously been charged with mistreating three patients. The fresh charges pertain to the purported mistreatment of 19 patients across five different facilities from 2020 to 2023.
The charges against Pressdee encompass two counts of first-degree murder, 17 counts of attempted murder, and 19 counts of neglect of care-dependent individuals. These new charges increase the total number of patients allegedly harmed by Pressdee to 22.
In cases where the patient survived or the exact cause of death could not be determined, 17 counts of attempted murder have been brought against her.
Attorney General Henry expressed her dismay, saying, “The allegations against Ms. Pressdee are deeply disturbing. It is difficult to fathom how a nurse, entrusted with the care of her patients, could consciously and systematically cause them harm. The harm inflicted upon the victims and their families cannot be emphasized enough.”
According to prosecutors, Pressdee administered excessive insulin doses to patients in her care, including those with diabetes. Tragically, 17 patients she cared for did not survive.
Pressdee purportedly administered the insulin during overnight shifts with reduced staffing, making it less likely for patients to be immediately hospitalized. The victims ranged in age from 43 to 104.
Court documents reveal that the investigation into Pressdee’s actions uncovered a pattern where she would face allegations of abusive treatment at a facility, and then either resign or be fired. The complaint also notes that if Pressdee believed a patient would survive, she would either administer more insulin or induce an air embolism to ensure their death.
These alleged crimes occurred while Pressdee worked as a nurse at five Pennsylvania facilities: Concordia at Rebecca Residence, Belair Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Quality Life Services Chicora, Premiere Armstrong Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, and Sunnyview Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.
Pressdee was arraigned on Thursday, although it is unclear how she pleaded. She is currently being held without bail at the Butler County Prison.
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