Reta Mays, Second-Degree Murder, West Virginia 2020

Reta Mays, a former employee at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center, admitted her guilt in July 2020 for the murders of eight veterans at the hospital. Mays, a resident of Bridgeport, West Virginia, pleaded guilty to seven counts of second-degree murder in the deaths of seven veterans and one count of intent to commit murder involving the death of the eighth veteran.

The murders took place between July 2016 and August 2018, with Mays injecting the veterans with insulin in their IV lines, resulting in their deaths. The investigation, led by U.S. Attorney Bill Powell, was a collaborative effort between the FBI, the Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General, and local law enforcement agencies.

Mays will be sentenced later this year and faces life imprisonment for her crimes. Her guilty plea marks a significant milestone in the case, bringing closure to the families of the victims and acknowledging the heinous acts committed by Mays.

The prosecution of Mays highlights the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the VA in investigating and prosecuting crimes committed on VA property. The case also underscores the need for increased vigilance and accountability within the VA to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

U.S. Attorney Bill Powell, who led the investigation and prosecution of Mays, announced his resignation in February 2021. During his tenure, Powell oversaw a significant increase in federal prosecutions, including a 50% increase in defendants charged federally and a 90% conviction rate.

The Northern District of West Virginia has made notable strides in combating the opioid epidemic, with Powell’s office leading the charge. The office has implemented numerous initiatives, including Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (SOS), which focuses on prosecuting individuals involved in the distribution of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids.

The case against Reta Mays serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating impact of crime on victims and their families. It also highlights the importance of dedicated law enforcement and prosecutorial efforts in bringing perpetrators to justice and ensuring accountability for their actions.

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