Attorney General Michelle Henry has announced charges against Heather Pressdee, a registered nurse from western Pennsylvania, who stands accused of administering unnecessary medication resulting in the death of two patients and the hospitalization of another. The charges include two counts of homicide, one count of attempted murder, one count of aggravated assault, three counts of neglect of a care-dependent person, and three counts of reckless endangerment.
Pressdee, 40, worked at Quality Life Services, a skilled nursing facility in Chicora. The alleged incidents occurred at the facility, where the nurse had been employed. She now faces homicide charges in relation to the deaths of a 55-year-old man and an 83-year-old man. Fortunately, a 73-year-old man who received emergency hospitalization managed to survive.
Attorney General Henry emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “The allegations in this case outline the callous abuse of incredibly vulnerable patients by a professional nurse. These deliberate and intentional acts were perpetrated by a caregiver who was trusted to care for these victims. Rest assured, my office will vigorously pursue justice for the families of those who were killed, as well as the third victim who is fortunate to have survived.”
Pressdee was apprehended at her residence on Wednesday and subsequently arraigned on the charges. She is currently being held without bail at Butler County Prison.
According to investigators, the victims were under Pressdee’s care when they received overdoses of insulin, resulting in medical emergencies and, in two instances, death. The fatal incidents occurred on December 4, 2022, and December 25, 2022, while the survivor was administered a potentially lethal dose of insulin on August 31, 2022. It is worth noting that two of the three victims were not diabetic.
The investigation into these incidents is being conducted by the Office of Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Section and Bureau of Narcotics Investigation. Authorities urge anyone with concerns about their loved ones’ care involving Pressdee to contact the OAG’s tipline at 888-538-8541.
It is important to remember that all charges against Pressdee are merely accusations at this point, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
