A former Pennsylvania nurse, Heather Pressdee, has confessed to trying to kill more than a dozen other people, according to authorities. Pressdee, who was arrested in May for the murder of two patients, allegedly admitted to attempting to end the lives of 19 additional patients with toxic doses of insulin at five different nursing homes. She is now facing charges of two counts of first-degree murder, 17 counts of attempted murder, and 19 counts of neglect of a care-dependent person over a five-year period.
The victims range in age from 43 to 104, and the alleged incidents took place during Pressdee’s shifts when staffing was lowest. Investigators discovered that Pressdee often took steps to ensure her victims would expire before shift change to avoid detection. If she suspected a victim would survive after receiving a megadose of insulin, she would allegedly administer a second dose or inject the patient with air to ensure their death.
Pressdee’s cellphone was also searched, revealing an obsession with murder and death. In text messages to her mother, she allegedly spoke of a resident, stating, “I can’t with this lady. She’s going to get pillow therapy.” Additionally, she made threats to kill individuals such as a “man at Taco Bell,” a “pizza man,” and an “Arbys guy.”
Staff at the Belair Healthcare and Rehabilitation became alarmed when they noticed a pattern of patients dying during Pressdee’s shifts. However, an internal investigation concluded that there was no evidence to support the claims. Despite this, five patients died under Pressdee’s direct care in 10 months. At Sunnyview Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, where Pressdee worked as a manager, four patients allegedly died on her watch. A nursing assistant reported that Pressdee often said that patients “just needed to die.”
Pressdee’s nursing license was suspended in July 2023 amid the criminal investigation. Attorney General Michelle Henry expressed disbelief at how a nurse, entrusted with the care of patients, could choose to harm them deliberately and systematically. Pressdee was arraigned and is currently being held without bail at Butler County Prison.
The impact of these crimes on the victims and their loved ones cannot be overstated. The investigation into Pressdee’s actions continues, as authorities work to ensure justice is served for the lives lost and affected by her alleged crimes.
