Registered Nurse in Western Pennsylvania Charged with Homicide Over Insulin Overdoses

A registered nurse from Natrona Heights, Western Pennsylvania, has been charged with multiple counts of homicide, attempted murder, aggravated assault, and neglect of a care-dependent person. Heather Pressdee, 40, is accused of administering lethal doses of insulin, leading to the death of two patients and the hospitalization of a third.

The charges were announced by Attorney General Michelle Henry, who expressed her deep concern over the alleged abuse of vulnerable patients by a professional nurse. The incidents reportedly took place at Quality Life Services, a skilled nursing facility in Chicora, where Pressdee was employed.

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The victims, a 55-year-old man and an 83-year-old man, tragically lost their lives due to the alleged insulin overdoses. A third victim, a 73-year-old man, survived following emergency hospitalization. Interestingly, two of the three victims were not diabetic, raising further questions about the necessity of the insulin doses.

Pressdee was taken into custody at her home and is currently being held at Butler County Prison without bail. The investigators have determined that the victims were under Pressdee's care when they received the overdoses of insulin that led to medical emergencies and, in two cases, death.

The two fatalities occurred on December 4, 2022, and December 25, 2022. The surviving victim was administered a potentially lethal dose of insulin on August 31, 2022.

Attorney General's Office Seeks Tips from Public

The Attorney General's office has urged anyone with concerns about the care their loved ones received involving Pressdee to contact their tipline. The investigation is being conducted by the Office of Attorney General Medicaid Fraud Control Section and Bureau of Narcotics Investigation.

The charges against Pressdee are accusations at this stage, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The case continues to unfold, shedding light on the serious consequences of medical malpractice in the healthcare industry.

"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,” stated Attorney General Michelle Henry.

This news was originally released by the Pennsylvania Attorney General News & Media.