In a shocking case that has sent shockwaves through the medical community, Heather Irene Pressdee, a former veterinary technician-turned-nurse, is believed to have embarked on a killing spree that claimed the lives of 17 patients and left many others injured. Described as having a "murderous rage," Pressdee's alleged crimes have drawn comparisons to notorious serial killer Charles Cullen.

Pressdee first came under suspicion in November 2022 when she was accused of injecting three patients with insulin, resulting in the deaths of two and the injury of another, according to a criminal complaint. Since then, authorities have added more than a dozen new charges to the case.

An investigation into Pressdee's background revealed a pattern of abusive behavior towards patients and colleagues, leading to her resignation or termination from 11 medical sites between 2018 and her arrest in May. Authorities now allege that Pressdee intentionally overdosed patients on insulin, even those who were not diabetic or did not require the drug.

The case has raised concerns among experts, with criminal profiler John Kelly suggesting that Pressdee may have exhibited signs of a "budding serial killer" even before becoming a nurse. Prior to her career in healthcare, Pressdee worked as a veterinary technician, administering anesthesia and euthanizing animals. Kelly believes that these experiences may have desensitized her and contributed to her later acts of violence.

Disturbing evidence uncovered during the investigation includes a text message found on Pressdee's cellphone, sent to her mother on Christmas Day, in which she discussed using "pillow therapy" on a patient. Tragically, just two days later, an 85-year-old woman under Pressdee's care passed away. Court documents allege that Pressdee eventually confessed to administering 60 doses of short-acting insulin to the patient. It is further claimed that Pressdee has admitted to 19 similar incidents.

Police allege that Pressdee intentionally timed the overdoses to coincide with shift changes, minimizing the chance of detection. Patients who appeared likely to survive were also given additional doses of insulin. Disturbingly, it is reported that Pressdee even searched for the obituary of one of her alleged victims online.

Former detective Tim Braun, who worked on the Charles Cullen case, expressed concern over Pressdee's behavior, noting the similarities between the two nurses. Braun and Kelly believe that there may be even more victims yet to be discovered.

Pennsylvania prosecutors announced on Friday that Pressdee faces additional charges, including two murder charges, 17 counts of attempted murder, and 19 counts of neglecting a care-dependent person. They stress that these charges only scratch the surface of the extent of the damage caused by Pressdee, with a total of 17 patients dying while under her care.

The motive behind these alleged crimes remains a haunting enigma. Kelly suggests that some serial killers derive a sense of power and gratification from having control over life and death, playing "God" in their own twisted way. The tragic fallout from Pressdee's actions has left grieving families and a shaken medical community grappling to understand how a trusted nurse could unleash such deliberate and systematic harm.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry has vowed to hold Pressdee accountable for her crimes and to ensure the safety and care of all individuals in medical and care facilities. As authorities continue their investigation, the true extent of Pressdee's actions and the number of her victims may only become fully known in the days to come.

The haunting question still remains: What drove Heather Irene Pressdee to commit such heinous acts of violence against vulnerable patients under her care?