Former Pennsylvania Nurse Faces Criminal Charges in Connection With Patient Deaths

Heather Pressdee, a former Pennsylvania nurse, has been connected to the deaths of 17 patients who were in her care, ranging in age from 43 to 104. These patients were treated by Pressdee at five different nursing homes and locations throughout the state. According to multiple reports, Pressdee admits to “harming, with the intent to kill” 19 patients in her care. The charges against her currently include 2 counts of first-degree murder and 17 counts of attempted murder, alleging that she overdosed patients with insulin.

Pressdee had a questionable work history, which included a pattern of her being terminated for mistreating patients. She was also referred to the state Department of Health in 2022 when a hospital physician became concerned that Pressdee may be harming patients. Yet despite this known history, Pressdee continued working, and in fact, worked at 11 nursing facilities since 2018. Work colleagues at various facilities raised concerns about Pressdee’s behavior, including that she reportedly made comments about certain patients needing to die followed by their unexpected deaths.

A wrongful death lawsuit filed against Belair Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center accuses Pressdee of administering a lethal dose of insulin to a resident, resulting in her death. Allegations suggest that Belair neglected warnings from Pressdee’s co-workers and overlooked red flags during her hiring process.

According to a news report, the Attorney General’s Office highlighted multiple complaints and concerns from staff about Pressdee’s actions while she was at Belair. Despite internal investigations clearing her, concerns persisted, and patients continued to suffer under her care as she moved from one facility to another, repeating her pattern of behavior.

Attorney Robert Peirce III emphasized a worrying trend where facilities prioritize profits over patient well-being, expressing concern over the inadequate response to the complaints and red flags raised against Pressdee.

Heather Pressdee has not yet entered a plea, but she remains in custody without bond at the Butler County jail pending further legal proceedings.