The Angel of Death: The Chilling Case of Donald Harvey
In the latest episode of Hitched 2 Homicide, we delve into the terrifying case of Donald Harvey, a man who went from hospital orderly to one of the most prolific serial killers in American history. With an estimated 70 victims, Harvey’s heinous crimes spanned hospitals in Ohio and Kentucky, earning him the chilling moniker, "The Angel of Death."
Who Was Donald Harvey?
Donald Harvey seemed like an ordinary hospital worker—quiet, unassuming, and polite. Born in Butler County, Ohio, in 1952, Harvey began his medical career in 1970 as an orderly at Marymount Hospital in London, Kentucky. Little did anyone know, this seemingly gentle man would soon embark on a 17-year killing spree that would leave a trail of devastation.
The Killing Spree Begins
Harvey’s murder spree started just a few months after he began working at Marymount Hospital. He later claimed his first murder was an act of "mercy killing," but it quickly spiraled into a terrifying habit. Harvey was adept at exploiting his access to patients, using a variety of methods including poison, suffocation, and tampering with medical equipment.
As he moved between hospitals in Ohio and Kentucky, Harvey’s body count steadily increased. He took advantage of the hospital environment, where death is often expected, to carry out his crimes without raising suspicion.
A Trail of Death Across Ohio and Kentucky
Harvey's crimes spanned multiple hospitals, including:
Marymount Hospital in London, Kentucky, where his killing spree began.
Cincinnati VA Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he claimed the majority of his victims.
Drake Memorial Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio, another site of his murderous activities.
Using cyanide, arsenic, and other lethal substances, Harvey murdered patients with chilling efficiency. His victims were often elderly, vulnerable, or already in poor health, making their deaths less likely to be questioned.
The Methods Behind the Madness
Donald Harvey employed a variety of killing methods that made it difficult to detect his murderous activities. Some of his preferred methods included:
Poisoning: Harvey used arsenic and cyanide to poison patients, slipping the substances into food, drinks, or medication.
Suffocation**: He sometimes suffocated patients with plastic bags or pillows.
Tampering with Medical Equipment**: In some instances, Harvey altered oxygen tanks or IV lines to kill his victims.
He meticulously documented each of his murders in a diary, which later served as damning evidence against him.
How Did He Get Away with It for So Long?
You might be wondering how Harvey managed to evade detection for nearly two decades. Hospitals in the 1970s and 1980s had far fewer checks and balances, making it easier for someone like Harvey to slip through the cracks. Additionally, his victims’ deaths were often attributed to natural causes or underlying health conditions, allowing him to remain undetected for years.
The Arrest and Confession
In 1987, a hospital worker noticed a foul odor coming from a patient's body. This led to an autopsy that revealed traces of cyanide, which eventually pointed to Harvey. He confessed to killing 37 people but later suggested the number could be as high as 70.
Harvey’s trial resulted in a life sentence without the possibility of parole, bringing a long-awaited end to his reign of terror. But for the families of his victims, the damage was already done.
Why Donald Harvey's Story Still Haunts Us
The story of Donald Harvey serves as a chilling reminder that evil can lurk in the most unexpected places. His ability to operate undetected for nearly two decades underscores the importance of vigilance and thorough investigation in healthcare settings.
Hitched 2 Homicide’s Take on the Case
In this episode, we explore not just the facts of Harvey’s crimes but also the psychology behind his actions. Why did he choose to kill? Was he truly a "mercy killer," or was there something far darker driving his actions? Join us as we unravel the mystery of Donald Harvey and examine the systemic failures that allowed him to continue his killing spree for so long.
Listen to the Full Episode Now
For more chilling details, theories, and discussion, tune in to the latest episode of Hitched 2 Homicide. You won’t want to miss this deep dive into one of America’s most infamous medical murderers.
sources used for this podcast:
The Cincinnati Enquirer. (1987, August 19). Image 1. Newspapers.com.
The Cincinnati Enquirer. (1987, April 8). Image 2. Newspapers.com.
The Cincinnati Enquirer. (1987, April 7). Image 3. Newspapers.com.
The Cincinnati Enquirer. (1987, April 1). Image 4. Newspapers.com.
The Cincinnati Enquirer. (1987, April 15). Image 5. Newspapers.com.
Donald Harvey. (2023, September 12). In Wikipedia.
Fox19 Now. (2019, September 24). 'He just liked killing': Donald Harvey convicted of 37 murders. https://www.fox19.com/2019/09/24/he-just-liked-killing-donald-harvey-convicted-murders/
WCPO. (2018, August 23). Inmate charged in Cincinnati 'Angel of Death' Donald Harvey's fatal prison beating. https://www.wcpo.com/news/crime/donald-harvey-cincinnati-drake-hospitals-angel-of-death-hospitalized-at-toledo-prison
WCPO. (2017, March 28). Donald Harvey, Cincinnati, Drake Hospital's 'Angel of Death,' hospitalized at Toledo prison. https://www.wcpo.com/news/crime/inmate-charged-in-cincinnati-angel-of-death-donald-harveys-fatal-prison-beating
Murderpedia. (n.d.). Donald Harvey.
Roth, W. T. (2009). Defending Donald Harvey: The case of America's most notorious angel-of-death serial killer. Clerisy Press. https://www.amazon.com/Defending-Donald-Harvey-Angel-Death/dp/1578602092/
Skyline Chili. (n.d.). Official website
Kentucky Historical Society. (2021, March 4). The Marymount Hospital serial killer.
Lexington VA Medical Center. (2023, August 28). In Wikipedia.
NKYViews. (n.d.). Newport, Kentucky.
WCPO. (2017, July 27). One year after controversy, how much has changed at Cincinnati VA Medical Center? https://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/hamilton-county/cincinnati/one-year-after-controversy-how-much-has-changed-at-cincinnati-va-medical-center
WCPO. (2022, March 28). Her dad died at the hands of a serial killer in Cincinnati. Now she wants others to learn more about his life. https://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/hamilton-county/cincinnati/one-year-after-controversy-how-much-has-changed-at-cincinnati-va-medical-center
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