A Pennsylvania nurse, Heather Pressdee, has pleaded guilty to three counts of murder and other charges for administering lethal or potentially lethal doses of insulin to numerous patients. The 41-year-old nurse was sentenced to life in prison with three consecutive life sentences and an additional consecutive term of 380-760 years behind bars.

Prosecutors revealed that Pressdee played a role in the deaths of at least 17 patients residing in five health facilities across four counties between 2020 and 2023. The victims ranged in age from 43 to 104 years old. Pressdee's conduct had raised concerns among coworkers, as she frequently displayed disdain for her patients and made derogatory comments about them.

Initially facing charges in May 2023 for killing two nursing home patients and injuring a third, further investigation led to additional charges against Pressdee. In February this year, during a hearing, she expressed her intention to plead guilty. Pressdee ultimately pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree murder and 19 counts of attempted murder.

During the plea hearing, Pressdee answered most questions with a single word, confessing, "Because I am guilty," when asked why she was pleading guilty. The hearing is expected to continue with victim impact statements from several individuals. Some speakers denounced Pressdee, accusing her of wrongfully playing God and describing her as "evil personified." One emotionally charged speaker declared, "I looked into the face of Satan myself the morning she killed my father."

Prosecutors alleged that Pressdee administered excessive amounts of insulin to 22 patients, including those who were not diabetic. She carried out these acts predominantly during overnight shifts when staffing was low, and immediate hospitalization would not be prompted. The majority of the patients died either shortly after receiving the insulin or at a later time.

Pressdee's nursing license was suspended early last year following the filing of initial charges. Court documents also revealed that she had sent texts to her mother between April 2022 and May 2023 expressing discontent with various patients and colleagues, and even discussing potential harm to them. Pressdee had a history of disciplinary actions and abusive behavior towards patients and staff, resulting in her resignation or termination from each facility she worked at since 2018.

While the case of Pressdee echoes other instances of healthcare providers being convicted of killing patients, such as William Davis in Texas, who injected air into the arteries of post-operative patients leading to their deaths, and Charles Cullen, who killed numerous nursing home patients, including 29 confirmed victims, experts believe there could be even more victims attributed to Cullen.

The sentencing of Heather Pressdee serves as a stark reminder of the responsibility and trust placed in healthcare professionals and highlights the need for diligent oversight to protect vulnerable patients in medical facilities.