Template:Healthcare serial murderers table

The “healthcare serial murder” cases

Name	Date	Situation	Reason for suspicion	Direct evidence	Key evidence	Evidence of foul play	Motive	Tendency	Status
Beverley Allitt (UK)	1991	Unusually high number of child deaths. While originally statistical, post-mortem examinations revealed toxins which could not have been administered accidentally or for legitimate medical reasons.	Suspect was present during a disproportionate number of incidents. A pattern of sudden deterioration when suspect took over their care.	None. Witnesses saw suspect “behaving suspiciously” around patients.	Suspect signed out medications that were found in lethal doses in the victims. Statistical analysis suggested an improbable concentration of incidents during suspect’s shifts.	Some symptoms consistent with poisoning. Some toxicology reports indicated presence of toxins.	None.	Some evidence of attention-seeking behaviour and prior mental illness.	In prison. No significant campaign challenge to her conviction.
Lucia de Berk (Netherlands)	2010	Unusually high number of deaths (from infants to elderly).	Suspect was present during a disproportionate number of incidents. A pattern of sudden deterioration when suspect took over their care.	None. Witnesses saw suspect “behaving suspiciously” around patients.	Statistical analysis suggested an improbable concentration of incidents during suspect’s shifts.	Some symptoms consistent with poisoning. Some toxicology reports indicated presence of toxins.	None.	None.	Acquitted on retrial. Use of statistics heavily criticised.
Susan Nelles (Canada)	1981	Unusually high number of infant deaths. Initially attributed to natural causes	Suspect was present during a disproportionate number of incidents. A pattern of sudden deterioration when suspect took over their care.	None. Witnesses saw suspect “behaving suspiciously” around patients.	Statistical analysis suggested an improbable concentration of incidents during suspect’s shifts.	Post-mortem evidence of toxins in some infants. Experts opinion concluded that the causes of death were “not natural”.	None.	None.	Charges dropped due to lack of evidence.
Daniela Poggiali (Italy)	2014	Unusually high number of adult deaths.	Suspect was present during a disproportionate number of incidents.	None. Witnesses saw suspect “behaving suspiciously” around patients.	Statistical analysis suggested an improbable concentration of incidents during suspect’s shifts.	Post-mortem evidence of toxins.	None.	None.	Acquitted on retrial. Use of statistics heavily criticised.
Jane Bolding (USA)	1998	Unusually high number of adult deaths.	Suspect was present during a disproportionate number of incidents.	None. An alleged confession obtained through coercive methods, was later retracted, and excluded from the trial.	Statistical analysis suggested an improbable concentration of incidents during suspect’s shifts.	Post-mortem evidence of toxins.	None.	None.	Acquitted on retrial due to lack of evidence.
Ben Geen (UK)	2003	Unusually high number of adult deaths.	Suspect was present during a disproportionate number of incidents.	None.	Statistical analysis suggested an improbable concentration of incidents during suspect’s shifts.	Post-mortem evidence of muscle relaxants.	None.	None.	Currently in prison. Active campaign to challenge conviction.
Colin Norris (UK)	2002	Unusually high number of adult deaths.	Suspect was present during a disproportionate number of incidents.	None. A syringe containing insulin was found hidden in suspect’s locker. Witnesses saw suspect “behaving suspiciously” around patients. Was seen injecting a patient.	Statistical analysis suggested an improbable concentration of incidents during suspect’s shifts.	Post-mortem evidence of high levels of insulin.	None.	None.	Currently in prison.
Rebecca Leighton (UK)	2011	Experienced nurse noticed a sudden and inexplicable drop in patients’ blood sugar levels.	Bags of saline solution that were sabotaged with insulin	she had access, was present at the scene and was found in possession of prescription drugs	Not clear	Post mortem evidence of toxins	None.	Theft (of prescription drugs — for her own use!)	Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence. See Victorino Chua
Lucy Letby (UK)	2015-6	Unusually high number of infant deaths. Multiple apparent causes. Initially attributed to natural causes	Suspect was present during a disproportionate number of incidents. A pattern of sudden deterioration when suspect took over their care.	None. Witnesses saw suspect “behaving suspiciously” around patients.	Statistical analysis suggested an improbable concentration of incidents during suspect’s shifts.	Post-mortem evidence of toxins in some infants. Experts opinion concluded that the causes of death were “not natural”.	None.	None.	Currently in prison. Active campaign to challenge conviction.