Natrona Heights nurse accused of giving multiple patients lethal doses of insulin
NATRONA HEIGHTS, Pa. (KDKA) -- A nurse from Natrona Heights is now being charged in the death of two patients as well as the hospitalization of a third.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry announced charges against 40-year-old Heather Pressdee with two counts of homicide, one count of attempted murder, one count of aggravated assault, and three counts of neglect of a care-dependent person to go along with three counts of reckless endangerment.
The patients were located at Quality Life Services in Chicora where Pressdee was a nurse. At the time, the attorney general's office says Pressdee was in charge of all nursing staff at Quality of Life Services and in charge of investigating reports of abuse.
According to the attorney general, Pressdee is accused of giving the three patients lethal doses of insulin. An 83-year-old man and a 55-year-old man died as a result and a 73-year-old man survived after an emergency hospitalization. They said two of the three men were not diabetic.
According to a criminal complaint, on different occasions, at least three patients under Pressdee's care were suddenly rushed to the hospital. Investigators say doctors determined three were seen for hypoglycemia. According to experts, insulin is used to help your body use sugar for energy and its primary effect is to lower blood sugars, but too much can cause blood sugars to drop, resulting in hypoglycemia.
On Wednesday, Pressdee was interviewed by investigators and apparently admit to the crime, saying she "felt bad for their quality of life and she had hoped that they would just slip into a coma and pass away."
"The allegations, in this case, outline the callous abuse of incredibly vulnerable patients by a professional nurse," Attorney General Henry said. "As the charges indicate, these were deliberate and intentional acts perpetrated by a caregiver who was trusted to care for these victims. Be assured, my office will zealously pursue justice for the families of those who were killed, as well as the third victim who is fortunate to have survived."
Two of the three men were not diabetic. The two men died on Dec. 4, 2022, and Dec. 25, 2022. The victim who survived was administered the dose on Aug. 31, 2022.
Quality Life Services provided this statement, saying they were "devastated and sickened."
"As a family owned organization that prides itself on providing safe and compassionate care, Quality Life Services is shocked and devastated to learn that the charges brought against Ms. Pressdee by the Attorney General's Office include alleged illegal activity that occurred at our QLS – Chicora facility. We will continue to fully cooperate with the Attorney General's Office as needed in the investigation and prosecution of this matter. We can assure our community, our residents, our families and our staff that all residents of Quality Life Services - Chicora are safe and are receiving appropriate care and services.
"I appreciate the opportunity to share this sentiment with you."
This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call the attorney general's tipline at 888-538-8541.