Richard Angelo
Nurse Serial Killer Case
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Long Island, New York
TIME PERIOD
April – October 1987
VICTIMS
4 confirmed
Richard Angelo, a former nurse, was apprehended on November 15, 1987, after being suspected of poisoning patients at Good Samaritan Medical Center in West Islip, New York. Between April and October 1987, he allegedly injected at least 35 patients with paralytic agents, resulting in four confirmed deaths and one attempted murder, with over 30 additional suspected victims. Angelo's motive was reportedly to create a scenario where he could portray himself as a hero by resuscitating patients he had poisoned. He was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter, and criminally negligent homicide, receiving a sentence of 50 years to life in prison. Significant evidence included the exhumation of 32 bodies, with traces of the drug pancuronium found in several victims, corroborating his confessions.
Richard Angelo is believed to have killed multiple patients during his time as a nurse, with investigators suspecting he may have been responsible for the deaths of over 30 individuals based on his confession and subsequent exhumations. Some theories suggest that his motive might have stemmed from a desire for attention and a sense of power over life and death, as he reportedly derived pleasure from witnessing the suffering of his patients. Additionally, there is speculation that his actions were driven by a psychological compulsion, as he continued to inject patients even after being suspected of previous assaults.
The Angel of Death: The Chilling Tale of Richard Angelo
Early Life and Background
Richard Angelo was born on August 29, 1962, on Long Island, New York, into a family deeply rooted in education. His mother was an economics teacher, while his father served as a high school guidance counselor within the Lindenhurst school district. Richard's academic journey was promising; he graduated from St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School in 1980 and went on to attend Farmingdale State College. At Farmingdale, his dedication to his studies was evident, earning him the status of a well-regarded honor student in their two-year nursing program.
The Crimes Unfold
The chilling actions of Richard Angelo first came to light in October 1987 at Good Samaritan Medical Center. Suspicion arose when Gerolamo Kuchich, a 73-year-old patient, suffered ill effects after receiving an injection administered by Angelo. The substance in question was pancuronium, a potent muscle relaxant. Following this incident, Angelo was arrested for assault, as he was the only person matching the description given to authorities.
Upon interrogation, Angelo confessed to more sinister deeds. He admitted to poisoning other patients not only with pancuronium but also with Suxamethonium chloride, both paralytic agents typically used in anesthesia. This revelation prompted investigators to exhumate as many as 30 recently deceased patients to search for traces of these chemicals. Angelo's motive, as he revealed, was a desire to be seen as a hero. He would deliberately induce cardiac arrest in his victims only to "save" them, showcasing his medical prowess to his colleagues.
The Victims
The investigation was extensive, leading to the exhumation of 32 bodies for tissue sampling. The presence of Pavulon, another name for pancuronium, was confirmed in seven individuals:
- John Stanley Fisher, 75, from Amityville, who died on September 8, 1987.
- Milton Poultney, 75, of Lindenhurst, who passed away on September 16, 1987.
- Joseph Francis O'Neill, 79, from West Islip, deceased as of September 21, 1987.
- Frederick LaGois, 65, from Babylon, who died on October 9, 1987.
- Joan Hayes, 53, who passed on October 5, 1987.
- Gerolamo Kuchich, 73, originally from Yugoslavia and visiting Dix Hills, who received a non-fatal dose on October 11, 1987.
- Anthony Greene, 57, from North Babylon, who died on October 16, 1987.
The Arrest and Trial
Richard Angelo's arrest on November 15, 1987, marked the beginning of a high-profile case that captivated the nation. He was held in Suffolk County Jail, opting to remain in custody rather than post his $50,000 bail due to concerns for his safety. His trial was a dramatic courtroom saga, spanning eight weeks with testimony from 32 witnesses and over 100 exhibits presented as evidence.
On December 14, 1989, the jury reached a verdict. Angelo was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder for the deaths of Poultney and Greene, one count of second-degree manslaughter for Fisher, and one count of criminally negligent homicide for LaGois. He also faced two counts of first-degree assault for the attack on Kuchich and three counts of second-degree assault involving Fisher, Greene, and Poultney. Interestingly, he was acquitted of charges related to O'Neill and Hayes, despite the detection of Pavulon in their systems.
Sentencing and Incarceration
On January 24, 1990, a Suffolk County judge sentenced Richard Angelo to 61⅓ years to life in prison. However, due to state law limitations, the maximum sentence permissible was adjusted to 50 years to life. Angelo is currently serving his sentence at Sing Sing Correctional Facility and will become eligible for parole in 2049, at the age of 87.
Conclusion
Richard Angelo's case remains a stark reminder of the dark potential lurking within the medical profession's trusted ranks. His actions, driven by a warped desire for recognition, left a trail of tragedy and loss, forever impacting the families of his victims and the community that once knew him as a promising nurse.
Sources
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First Victims Poisoned
Richard Angelo begins poisoning patients at Good Samaritan Medical Center.
Non-Fatal Poisoning Incident
Gerolamo Kuchich is injected with a non-fatal dose of pancuronium.
Arrest of Richard Angelo
Angelo is arrested for assaulting Gerolamo Kuchich after he matches the suspect description.
Exhumations Begin
Authorities exhume bodies of deceased patients to test for paralytic agents.
Conviction of Richard Angelo
Angelo is found guilty of two counts of second-degree murder and other charges.
Sentencing
Richard Angelo is sentenced to 50 years to life in prison.
Parole Eligibility
Angelo becomes eligible for parole at the age of 87.
Richard Angelo, a former nurse, was apprehended on November 15, 1987, after being suspected of poisoning patients at Good Samaritan Medical Center in West Islip, New York. Between April and October 1987, he allegedly injected at least 35 patients with paralytic agents, resulting in four confirmed deaths and one attempted murder, with over 30 additional suspected victims. Angelo's motive was reportedly to create a scenario where he could portray himself as a hero by resuscitating patients he had poisoned. He was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter, and criminally negligent homicide, receiving a sentence of 50 years to life in prison. Significant evidence included the exhumation of 32 bodies, with traces of the drug pancuronium found in several victims, corroborating his confessions.
Richard Angelo is believed to have killed multiple patients during his time as a nurse, with investigators suspecting he may have been responsible for the deaths of over 30 individuals based on his confession and subsequent exhumations. Some theories suggest that his motive might have stemmed from a desire for attention and a sense of power over life and death, as he reportedly derived pleasure from witnessing the suffering of his patients. Additionally, there is speculation that his actions were driven by a psychological compulsion, as he continued to inject patients even after being suspected of previous assaults.
The Angel of Death: The Chilling Tale of Richard Angelo
Early Life and Background
Richard Angelo was born on August 29, 1962, on Long Island, New York, into a family deeply rooted in education. His mother was an economics teacher, while his father served as a high school guidance counselor within the Lindenhurst school district. Richard's academic journey was promising; he graduated from St. John the Baptist Diocesan High School in 1980 and went on to attend Farmingdale State College. At Farmingdale, his dedication to his studies was evident, earning him the status of a well-regarded honor student in their two-year nursing program.
The Crimes Unfold
The chilling actions of Richard Angelo first came to light in October 1987 at Good Samaritan Medical Center. Suspicion arose when Gerolamo Kuchich, a 73-year-old patient, suffered ill effects after receiving an injection administered by Angelo. The substance in question was pancuronium, a potent muscle relaxant. Following this incident, Angelo was arrested for assault, as he was the only person matching the description given to authorities.
Upon interrogation, Angelo confessed to more sinister deeds. He admitted to poisoning other patients not only with pancuronium but also with Suxamethonium chloride, both paralytic agents typically used in anesthesia. This revelation prompted investigators to exhumate as many as 30 recently deceased patients to search for traces of these chemicals. Angelo's motive, as he revealed, was a desire to be seen as a hero. He would deliberately induce cardiac arrest in his victims only to "save" them, showcasing his medical prowess to his colleagues.
The Victims
The investigation was extensive, leading to the exhumation of 32 bodies for tissue sampling. The presence of Pavulon, another name for pancuronium, was confirmed in seven individuals:
- John Stanley Fisher, 75, from Amityville, who died on September 8, 1987.
- Milton Poultney, 75, of Lindenhurst, who passed away on September 16, 1987.
- Joseph Francis O'Neill, 79, from West Islip, deceased as of September 21, 1987.
- Frederick LaGois, 65, from Babylon, who died on October 9, 1987.
- Joan Hayes, 53, who passed on October 5, 1987.
- Gerolamo Kuchich, 73, originally from Yugoslavia and visiting Dix Hills, who received a non-fatal dose on October 11, 1987.
- Anthony Greene, 57, from North Babylon, who died on October 16, 1987.
The Arrest and Trial
Richard Angelo's arrest on November 15, 1987, marked the beginning of a high-profile case that captivated the nation. He was held in Suffolk County Jail, opting to remain in custody rather than post his $50,000 bail due to concerns for his safety. His trial was a dramatic courtroom saga, spanning eight weeks with testimony from 32 witnesses and over 100 exhibits presented as evidence.
On December 14, 1989, the jury reached a verdict. Angelo was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder for the deaths of Poultney and Greene, one count of second-degree manslaughter for Fisher, and one count of criminally negligent homicide for LaGois. He also faced two counts of first-degree assault for the attack on Kuchich and three counts of second-degree assault involving Fisher, Greene, and Poultney. Interestingly, he was acquitted of charges related to O'Neill and Hayes, despite the detection of Pavulon in their systems.
Sentencing and Incarceration
On January 24, 1990, a Suffolk County judge sentenced Richard Angelo to 61⅓ years to life in prison. However, due to state law limitations, the maximum sentence permissible was adjusted to 50 years to life. Angelo is currently serving his sentence at Sing Sing Correctional Facility and will become eligible for parole in 2049, at the age of 87.
Conclusion
Richard Angelo's case remains a stark reminder of the dark potential lurking within the medical profession's trusted ranks. His actions, driven by a warped desire for recognition, left a trail of tragedy and loss, forever impacting the families of his victims and the community that once knew him as a promising nurse.
Sources
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 Victims Poisoned
Richard Angelo begins poisoning patients at Good Samaritan Medical Center.
Non-Fatal Poisoning Incident
Gerolamo Kuchich is injected with a non-fatal dose of pancuronium.
Arrest of Richard Angelo
Angelo is arrested for assaulting Gerolamo Kuchich after he matches the suspect description.
Exhumations Begin
Authorities exhume bodies of deceased patients to test for paralytic agents.
Conviction of Richard Angelo
Angelo is found guilty of two counts of second-degree murder and other charges.
Sentencing
Richard Angelo is sentenced to 50 years to life in prison.
Parole Eligibility
Angelo becomes eligible for parole at the age of 87.