Template:Healthcare serial murderers table

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The “healthcare serial murder” cases
Name Date Sex Situation Reason for suspicion Direct evidence Key evidence Evidence of foul play Motive Tendency Status
Beverley Allitt
(UK)
1991 F 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 F 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 F 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 F 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 F 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 M 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 F 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)[1] 2011 F Experienced nurse noticed a sudden and inexplicable drop in patients’ blood sugar levels. Tampering with saline solution. Leighton had access, was present at the scene and was found in possession of prescription drugs. None. Post mortem evidence of toxins None. Theft (of prescription drugs — for her own use!) Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence.
Lucy Letby
(UK)
2015-6 F 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.
Victorino Chua (UK)[2] 2016 M Experienced nurse noticed a sudden and inexplicable drop in patients’ blood sugar levels. None. Saline bags clearly sabotaged. Patient dosages amended by Chua. Aggressive behaviour in one case. Shift pattern analysis — only common denominator. Saline bags clearly sabotaged. None. None. Currently in prison. No active campaign to challenge conviction.
Kristen Gilbert (US) 1996 F Disproportionate number of deaths of low risk patients. Other nurses reported concerns about high levels of cardiac deaths. None. Motivation, access to epi­nephrine, the medical evidence of victim’s symptoms, peripheral behaviour. Symptoms of epi­nephrine poisoning. Reconciliation with/retailation against ex husband. history of psychiatric illness, violence, suicide attempts, behaviour on suspicion (called in a hoax bomb threat, left hospital). Currently in prison. No active campaign to challenge conviction.
  1. See also Victorinho Chua, charged and convicted for the same 2011 Stepping Hill Hospital poisoning incident.
  2. See also Rebecca Leighton, charged for the same 2011 Stepping Hill Hospital poisoning incident.