Talk:Healthcare serial murder
| Name | Situation | Reason for suspicion | Direct evidence | Key evidence | Evidence of foul play | Motive | Tendency | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beverley Allitt | 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” and being overly enthusiastic. 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) |
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 (Scotland) |
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) |
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) |
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) |
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) |
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. |