The chilling case of Reta Mays, a former nursing assistant at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center in Clarksburg, West Virginia, reached its conclusion on Tuesday with her sentencing to seven consecutive life terms in federal prison. Mays pleaded guilty to seven counts of second-degree murder for injecting elderly veterans with lethal doses of insulin. U.S. District Judge Thomas Kleeh delivered the sentence, referring to Mays as “the monster that no one sees coming.”
The 46-year-old Mays offered no clear motive for her crimes, leaving families and investigators grappling with the senselessness of the killings. Judge Kleeh, however, emphasized that Mays “knew what she was doing,” citing her internet searches about female serial killers and her viewing of the Netflix series “Nurses Who Kill.” He also highlighted her repeated denials of involvement during the investigation, further solidifying his assessment of her calculated actions.
The murders took place over Mays’ overnight shifts between 2017 and 2018. While the victims were under her care, she systematically administered fatal insulin injections, preying on the vulnerable veterans entrusted to the hospital’s care.
The victims included Army veterans Robert Lee Kozul Sr., 89, Archie D. Edgell, 84, Felix Kirk McDermott, 82, and William Holloway, 96; Navy veteran Robert Edge Sr., 82; Air Force veteran George Nelson Shaw Sr., 81; and Army and Air Force veteran Raymond Golden, 88. Mays also received an additional 20-year sentence for assault with intent to commit murder in the case of Navy veteran Russell R. Posey Sr., 92. Each life sentence will be served consecutively, ensuring Mays will spend the remainder of her life incarcerated.
During the sentencing hearing, Mays briefly addressed the court, expressing remorse and acknowledging the irreparable harm she caused. “I know that there’s no words that I can say that would alter the families’ pain and comfort,” she stated. “I don’t ask for forgiveness because I don’t think I could forgive anyone for doing what I did.”
The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of Inspector General released a detailed report following the sentencing, revealing systemic deficiencies at the Clarksburg VA Medical Center. The report included an interview with Mays after her guilty plea, where she claimed to have administered insulin to patients she believed were suffering, wanting them to pass “gently.” She attributed her actions to the stress and chaos in her personal and professional life, stating that it gave her a sense of control.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jarod Douglas refuted this explanation, characterizing Mays’ actions as “predatory and planned, not reactionary.” He emphasized that the decision to end their lives was not hers to make. Mays’ attorney, Jay McCamic, presented her history of mental health struggles, including depression, anxiety, and a past incident where she was knocked unconscious by a patient. He acknowledged the unanswered question of “why” Mays committed these horrific acts, stating that even Mays herself and her family are unable to provide an explanation.
Mays’ military background as a noncombatant in the Army National Guard during deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan adds another layer of complexity to the case. Her duties at the hospital included basic patient care, such as monitoring vital signs and blood glucose levels. Prosecutors highlighted that VA nursing assistants are not authorized to administer medications, including insulin. Furthermore, the hospital did not require nursing assistants to hold certifications or licenses as a condition of employment.
The investigation into suspicious deaths at the medical center during Mays’ employment encompasses approximately 20 cases. However, charges were only pursued where sufficient evidence existed. The case has sparked numerous lawsuits from veterans’ families, alleging widespread failures within the hospital system. The federal government has agreed to settlements in several of these cases.
This tragic event underscores the importance of rigorous oversight within healthcare institutions, especially those serving vulnerable populations like veterans. The case raises critical questions about staffing practices, medication security protocols, and the need for comprehensive mental health support for healthcare workers. The sentencing of Reta Mays brings a measure of closure to the families of the victims, but the lasting impact of her crimes and the systemic issues they exposed will continue to resonate within the VA system and beyond.
The VA, responsible for the care of millions of military veterans, has faced significant scrutiny in recent years. The agency’s former director was dismissed in 2018 following an ethics scandal and internal turmoil. The subsequent appointment of Robert Wilkie as Veterans Affairs secretary marked an attempt to address these challenges and rebuild trust within the organization. The Mays case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and accountability within the VA to ensure the safety and well-being of the veterans it serves.
Ex-Nursing Assistant Sentenced to Life for Murdering Veterans at VA Hospital