Infamous Crimes – The “Angel of Death” Murders – Saul Roth

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By Saul Roth

Donald Harvey was an American serial killer who was convicted of killing 37 patients while working as a nurse in Ohio and Kentucky. He was nicknamed the “Angel of Death” because he would often kill his victims by injecting them with lethal doses of drugs. Harvey was also known for his charm and his ability to gain the trust of his patients and their families. This made it difficult for anyone to suspect that he was capable of such heinous crimes.

Harvey was born in Akron, Ohio in 1952. He had a difficult childhood and was often abused by his parents. He also suffered from a number of mental health problems, including depression and schizophrenia. In 1970, Harvey graduated from high school and began working as a nurse’s aide. He quickly realized that he enjoyed working with the elderly and sick, and he decided to become a registered nurse.

Harvey received his nursing degree in 1975. He then began working at a number of hospitals in Ohio and Kentucky. During this time, he began to kill his patients. He would often inject them with lethal doses of drugs, such as morphine or insulin. He would also suffocate them or strangle them. Harvey would often kill his victims when they were alone and vulnerable. He would then cover up his crimes by making it look like the patients had died of natural causes.

In 1987, Harvey was arrested for the murder of one of his patients. He was convicted and was given a life sentence. However, investigators believe that Harvey may have killed as many as 80 patients. He is currently serving his sentence at the Ohio State Penitentiary.

Harvey’s crimes have had a lasting impact on the nursing profession. They have raised concerns about the safety of patients in hospitals and nursing homes. They have also led to increased security measures and more stringent background checks for nurses.

The Psychology of a Serial Killer

Serial killers are often motivated by a combination of factors, including mental illness, childhood trauma, and a desire for power and control. Harvey’s case is no different. He suffered from a number of mental health problems, including depression and schizophrenia. He also had a difficult childhood and was often abused by his parents. These factors likely contributed to his violent tendencies.

In addition to his mental health problems, Harvey also had a strong desire for power and control. He enjoyed feeling like he was in control of his patients’ lives. He also enjoyed the feeling of getting away with murder. This desire for power and control likely played a major role in his crimes.

The Impact of Harvey’s Crimes

Harvey’s crimes have had a lasting impact on the nursing profession. They have raised concerns about the safety of patients in hospitals and nursing homes. They have also led to increased security measures and more stringent background checks for nurses.

In addition to the impact on the nursing profession, Harvey’s crimes have also had a significant impact on the families of his victims. Many of these families are still struggling to cope with the loss of their loved ones. They are also angry and frustrated that Harvey was able to get away with his crimes for so long.

The Legacy of Donald Harvey

Donald Harvey is a reminder that even the most trusted members of society can be capable of horrific crimes. His story is a cautionary tale about the importance of vigilance and the need to be aware of the signs of potential violence. It is also a reminder that the victims of violent crimes are not just numbers. They are real people with real families and friends who are left to pick up the pieces after their loved ones are taken away.