Jeffrey Feltner
Nursing Home Serial Killer
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Melrose, Florida
TIME PERIOD
1988-1989
VICTIMS
7 confirmed
Jeffrey Lynn Feltner, an American serial killer and former nurse's aide, smothered seven patients to death between February 1988 and April 1989 at the New Life Acres nursing home in Melrose, Florida. Feltner was apprehended on August 10, 1989, after he anonymously confessed to the murders, citing an uncontrollable impulse to end the patients' suffering. He initially confessed to all seven murders but later recanted; ultimately, he pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder in exchange for a 25-to-life sentence, with no further charges pursued for the other five murders. Feltner died in prison from complications related to AIDS on March 17, 1993. Significant evidence included the suspicious circumstances surrounding the deaths of the victims, which were initially attributed to natural causes, and Feltner's own admissions during the investigation.
Investigators and the public speculate that Jeffrey Feltner's motivations for killing may have been influenced by his own struggles with HIV and feelings of powerlessness, leading him to exert control over vulnerable patients. There are theories suggesting that his initial confession was a manipulative tactic to gain attention or sympathy, as he later recanted. Some believe that Feltner may have committed more murders than the two he pleaded guilty to, given the number of patients who died under his care during his employment.
The Troubled Life and Crimes of Jeffrey Feltner
Early Life and Troubled Beginnings
Born on November 21, 1962, in Miami, Florida, Jeffrey Lynn Feltner entered the world amidst family turmoil. His parents' marriage dissolved just three months before his birth, leaving him in the care of his mother, Shirley, while his father, Kasper, relocated to Michigan. Growing up, Jeffrey and his mother moved to Melrose in 1979, where he attended Interlachen High School. Despite being a graduate, Feltner was known as a loner, often frequenting gay bars and similar establishments. It was during these visits that he contracted HIV, a diagnosis that would cast a long shadow over his life.
In 1986, with the assistance of his mother, Feltner secured employment at New Life Acres nursing home in Melrose. Initially starting as a nurse’s aide, he quickly climbed the ranks, becoming a supervisor respected by both staff and patients. However, his journey was briefly interrupted in 1987 when he took a two-month hiatus to track down his estranged father, a mission that ended successfully with his return to Melrose and his old job.
A Series of Suspicious Deaths
The tranquility at New Life Acres would soon be shattered. Between February and April 1988, five patients mysteriously passed away, their deaths attributed to natural causes. But the truth was far more sinister. In July of that year, Feltner anonymously called a crisis hotline, confessing to the murders of these five patients. He claimed an irresistible urge to end their suffering, a chilling admission that portended further violence.
The victims were Bernie "Berniece" Katherine Olsen, a 69-year-old retired schoolteacher; Lathan Thornton, an 82-year-old Navy veteran; Sarah F. Abrams, a 75-year-old whose family had noticed unexplained bruises around her nose and mouth; Rita May Sugrue, aged 63; and William H. James, a 73-year-old war veteran. Despite Feltner’s confessions, the lack of physical evidence meant that no charges were filed against him at the time.
Feltner’s encounter with the law did not end there. He continued to make anonymous calls, claiming an attempted murder of another patient. His inconsistencies led authorities to dismiss him as a prankster. Nevertheless, he was convicted for making harassing phone calls, trespassing, and filing a false report, earning him a four-month prison sentence.
A New Beginning and More Deaths
Upon his release on November 19, 1988, Feltner relocated to Daytona Beach, living above a bar on Main Street. He found employment at the Clyatt Memorial Center, once again as a supervisor for nurse’s aides. On July 11, 1989, another life was claimed, this time 83-year-old Doris Moriarty. Her death was not initially deemed suspicious given her deteriorating health. Shortly after, Feltner was dismissed for absenteeism but soon found work at Bowman’s Nursing Home in Ormond Beach, where another patient, 81-year-old Ruby P. Swisher, died under similarly obscure circumstances on July 27.
Confession, Arrest, and Trial
The following month, on August 9, Feltner experienced a mental breakdown and sought help at a mental health center. In a moment of desperation, he contacted WESH TV, confessing to his crimes. The next day, William Powell, the administrator at Clyatt Memorial Center, reported this to the police, leading to Feltner's arrest for Moriarty’s murder. During interrogation, Feltner admitted his deeds, claiming he sought to relieve his victims of their misery. This revelation prompted the exhumation of Abrams, Thornton, and James for further investigation, as the other victims had been cremated.
Feltner's trial began in January 1990, where he retracted his confessions, asserting that he had lied to expose the dreadful conditions and abuse prevalent in nursing homes. His parents supported this narrative, insisting their son was incapable of such heinous acts. Nonetheless, in a strategic move to avoid the death penalty, Feltner pled guilty to two of the murders, securing a 25-years-to-life sentence at Florida State Prison in Raiford.
The End of Jeffrey Feltner
Feltner’s health continued to deteriorate in prison. His mother claimed that his confession was a means to hasten his inevitable demise, as his condition was exacerbated by AIDS, despite treatment with Aztreonam. On March 17, 1993, Jeffrey Feltner succumbed to complications from AIDS, closing the chapter on a life marked by tragedy and violence.
Sources
For those interested in exploring more about Jeffrey Feltner, visit the Wikipedia article that served as the foundation for this narrative.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
First Patient Murdered
Bernice Olsen, 69, dies under suspicious circumstances at New Life Acres nursing home.
Confession to Hotline
Feltner anonymously confesses to killing five patients, claiming an impulse to end their suffering.
Doris Moriarty Dies
83-year-old Doris Moriarty dies suddenly at Clyatt Memorial Center, later linked to Feltner.
Feltner Arrested
Jeffrey Feltner is arrested after confessing to multiple murders during a mental health crisis.
Trial Begins
Feltner's trial starts; he recants his confession, claiming he wanted to expose nursing home abuses.
Pleads Guilty
Feltner pleads guilty to two murders to avoid a death sentence, receiving a 25-to-life sentence.
Feltner Dies in Prison
Jeffrey Feltner dies from AIDS complications while serving his sentence at Florida State Prison.
Jeffrey Lynn Feltner, an American serial killer and former nurse's aide, smothered seven patients to death between February 1988 and April 1989 at the New Life Acres nursing home in Melrose, Florida. Feltner was apprehended on August 10, 1989, after he anonymously confessed to the murders, citing an uncontrollable impulse to end the patients' suffering. He initially confessed to all seven murders but later recanted; ultimately, he pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree murder in exchange for a 25-to-life sentence, with no further charges pursued for the other five murders. Feltner died in prison from complications related to AIDS on March 17, 1993. Significant evidence included the suspicious circumstances surrounding the deaths of the victims, which were initially attributed to natural causes, and Feltner's own admissions during the investigation.
Investigators and the public speculate that Jeffrey Feltner's motivations for killing may have been influenced by his own struggles with HIV and feelings of powerlessness, leading him to exert control over vulnerable patients. There are theories suggesting that his initial confession was a manipulative tactic to gain attention or sympathy, as he later recanted. Some believe that Feltner may have committed more murders than the two he pleaded guilty to, given the number of patients who died under his care during his employment.
The Troubled Life and Crimes of Jeffrey Feltner
Early Life and Troubled Beginnings
Born on November 21, 1962, in Miami, Florida, Jeffrey Lynn Feltner entered the world amidst family turmoil. His parents' marriage dissolved just three months before his birth, leaving him in the care of his mother, Shirley, while his father, Kasper, relocated to Michigan. Growing up, Jeffrey and his mother moved to Melrose in 1979, where he attended Interlachen High School. Despite being a graduate, Feltner was known as a loner, often frequenting gay bars and similar establishments. It was during these visits that he contracted HIV, a diagnosis that would cast a long shadow over his life.
In 1986, with the assistance of his mother, Feltner secured employment at New Life Acres nursing home in Melrose. Initially starting as a nurse’s aide, he quickly climbed the ranks, becoming a supervisor respected by both staff and patients. However, his journey was briefly interrupted in 1987 when he took a two-month hiatus to track down his estranged father, a mission that ended successfully with his return to Melrose and his old job.
A Series of Suspicious Deaths
The tranquility at New Life Acres would soon be shattered. Between February and April 1988, five patients mysteriously passed away, their deaths attributed to natural causes. But the truth was far more sinister. In July of that year, Feltner anonymously called a crisis hotline, confessing to the murders of these five patients. He claimed an irresistible urge to end their suffering, a chilling admission that portended further violence.
The victims were Bernie "Berniece" Katherine Olsen, a 69-year-old retired schoolteacher; Lathan Thornton, an 82-year-old Navy veteran; Sarah F. Abrams, a 75-year-old whose family had noticed unexplained bruises around her nose and mouth; Rita May Sugrue, aged 63; and William H. James, a 73-year-old war veteran. Despite Feltner’s confessions, the lack of physical evidence meant that no charges were filed against him at the time.
Feltner’s encounter with the law did not end there. He continued to make anonymous calls, claiming an attempted murder of another patient. His inconsistencies led authorities to dismiss him as a prankster. Nevertheless, he was convicted for making harassing phone calls, trespassing, and filing a false report, earning him a four-month prison sentence.
A New Beginning and More Deaths
Upon his release on November 19, 1988, Feltner relocated to Daytona Beach, living above a bar on Main Street. He found employment at the Clyatt Memorial Center, once again as a supervisor for nurse’s aides. On July 11, 1989, another life was claimed, this time 83-year-old Doris Moriarty. Her death was not initially deemed suspicious given her deteriorating health. Shortly after, Feltner was dismissed for absenteeism but soon found work at Bowman’s Nursing Home in Ormond Beach, where another patient, 81-year-old Ruby P. Swisher, died under similarly obscure circumstances on July 27.
Confession, Arrest, and Trial
The following month, on August 9, Feltner experienced a mental breakdown and sought help at a mental health center. In a moment of desperation, he contacted WESH TV, confessing to his crimes. The next day, William Powell, the administrator at Clyatt Memorial Center, reported this to the police, leading to Feltner's arrest for Moriarty’s murder. During interrogation, Feltner admitted his deeds, claiming he sought to relieve his victims of their misery. This revelation prompted the exhumation of Abrams, Thornton, and James for further investigation, as the other victims had been cremated.
Feltner's trial began in January 1990, where he retracted his confessions, asserting that he had lied to expose the dreadful conditions and abuse prevalent in nursing homes. His parents supported this narrative, insisting their son was incapable of such heinous acts. Nonetheless, in a strategic move to avoid the death penalty, Feltner pled guilty to two of the murders, securing a 25-years-to-life sentence at Florida State Prison in Raiford.
The End of Jeffrey Feltner
Feltner’s health continued to deteriorate in prison. His mother claimed that his confession was a means to hasten his inevitable demise, as his condition was exacerbated by AIDS, despite treatment with Aztreonam. On March 17, 1993, Jeffrey Feltner succumbed to complications from AIDS, closing the chapter on a life marked by tragedy and violence.
Sources
For those interested in exploring more about Jeffrey Feltner, visit the Wikipedia article that served as the foundation for this narrative.
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
First Patient Murdered
Bernice Olsen, 69, dies under suspicious circumstances at New Life Acres nursing home.
Confession to Hotline
Feltner anonymously confesses to killing five patients, claiming an impulse to end their suffering.
Doris Moriarty Dies
83-year-old Doris Moriarty dies suddenly at Clyatt Memorial Center, later linked to Feltner.
Feltner Arrested
Jeffrey Feltner is arrested after confessing to multiple murders during a mental health crisis.
Trial Begins
Feltner's trial starts; he recants his confession, claiming he wanted to expose nursing home abuses.
Pleads Guilty
Feltner pleads guilty to two murders to avoid a death sentence, receiving a 25-to-life sentence.
Feltner Dies in Prison
Jeffrey Feltner dies from AIDS complications while serving his sentence at Florida State Prison.