BUTLER, Pennsylvania — Heather Pressdee, 41, was sentenced to three consecutive life terms and an additional 380-760 years in prison for her role in the deaths of at least 17 patients in Pennsylvania healthcare facilities between 2020 and 2023. The victims, aged 43 to 104, suffered from Pressdee’s actions at five different health facilities in four counties.
Prosecutors revealed that Pressdee displayed disdain toward her patients, often making derogatory comments about them. Colleagues raised concerns about her behavior, which ultimately led to her arrest and subsequent charges. Pressdee pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree murder and 19 counts of attempted murder, initially facing charges related to the deaths of two nursing home patients.
The plea hearing, expected to span several days, accommodated victim impact statements from those affected by Pressdee’s actions. Prosecutors alleged that Pressdee administered excessive amounts of insulin to patients, regardless of their diabetic status, during overnight shifts with low staffing, avoiding immediate detection of medical emergencies.
Despite having her nursing license suspended early in the investigation, court documents revealed a troubling history of abusive behavior towards patients and staff across multiple healthcare facilities. Pressdee’s disturbing text messages to her mother indicated unhappiness with patients and colleagues, outlining potential harm towards them.
Pressdee’s pattern of short employment stints across western Pennsylvania healthcare facilities further underscored her problematic behavior. The sentencing marked a resolution to a series of crimes that had deeply impacted multiple communities and institutions. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable populations in healthcare settings.