A West Virginia nursing assistant admitted in Federal Court Tuesday that she skilled seven veterans and assaulted another with intent to commit murder. Reta Mays, 46, of Harrison County, pleaded guilty to seven counts of second-degree murder and one count of assault with intent to commit murder.
The Victims
Mays worked at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg, West Virginia. Eight veterans under her care on the night shift died of hypoglycemia while being treated at the hospital. Mays admitted to administering insulin to several patients with the intent to cause their deaths.
Her murder victims were listed as:
- Robert Edge, Sr.
- Robert Kozul
- Archie Edgell
- George Shaw
- Felix McDermott
- Raymond Golden
Another victim was mentioned only by the initials W.A.H. The victim in the assault to commit murder was known only as R.R.P.
Evil Acts
“These cases are tragic and heartbreaking,” said Veterans Affairs Inspector General Michael J. Missal. “I thank the VA OIG agents and our law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to ensure justice was served and that the victims’ families have some measure of closure. They are in our thoughts and prayers as we work with the VA to help prevent anything like this from ever happening again.”
U.S. Attorney Bill Powell called Mays’ actions ‘evil’ and said he hoped the plea deal would east the pain of the victims’ families. “I want to thank the incredible work by the FBI, the VA-OIG, the West Virginia State Police, the Greater Harrison Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force, and our prosecution team. I also want to especially thank Attorney General Barr and the families of the victims who never wavered in their support of this investigation.”
Powell said his office would seek the maximum penalty.
Mays faces up to life in prison for each count of second-degree murder. Mays faces up to 20 years in prison for assault with intent to commit murder.