Charles Cullen, a former nurse at several hospitals in New Jersey and Pennsylvania who has been charged with one count of murder and attempted murder, claims he has "mercy killed" 30 to 40 patients since 1987. Cullen, 43, told investigators he killed dozens of "very sick" patients to alleviate their pain and suffering. Authorities are analyzing the records of 10 hospitals where Cullen worked during his 16-year career.
Cullen was arrested on December 12, 2003 and charged with the murder of Rev. Florian Gall, a Catholic priest who went into cardiac arrest and died on June 28 at Somerset Medical Center in New Jersey. An excessive level of the heart medication digoxin was later found in his blood. Cullen was also charged with the attempted murder of a 40-year-old patient at Somerset. The unidentified woman was also found to have an elevated level of digoxin in her blood but recovered from the overdose. She died three months later.
Cullen, who told authorities of his "mercy killings" after being arrested, has pled guilty to all charges and says he does not "plan to fight this." Investigators are focusing on why Cullen's activities went undetected for so many years.
If you feel you may have a case against Charles Cullen or a hospital where he worked, it may be important for you to
contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be
time limits within which you must commence suit.
See Also
- Nurses & Assistants