Episode 5: Orville Majors, Angel of Death
In the latest episode of Deviant Criminology, we dive into the dark and unsettling world of medical serial killers, with a focus on Orville Lynn Majors, a nurse from Indiana whose actions left a trail of death and shattered trust in the healthcare system. This episode, titled "Orville Lynn Majors: The Nurse Who Killed," explores the phenomenon of "angels of death," medical professionals who exploit their roles to intentionally harm or kill patients. The discussion contrasts these sinister figures with Dr. Jack Kevorkian's controversial but consensual assisted suicides, highlighting the stark differences between perceived mercy and concealed malevolence.
The episode opens with a chilling scenario that sets the tone for the entire discussion: a routine hospital visit that turns into a nightmare when a loved one falls victim to an "angel of death." This narrative is not just a plot from a horror movie but a real-life fear that many face when they entrust their health to medical professionals. The unsettling reality is that these killers can operate undetected for years, exacerbating fears around medical facilities. The episode then transitions to the case of Orville Lynn Majors, whose actions exposed systemic failures in healthcare and led to significant reforms.
Majors' story is particularly harrowing. Born in Linton, Indiana, Majors became a licensed practical nurse and began working at Vermillion County Hospital. His early life and career seemed unremarkable until the alarming number of deaths in the ICU during his shifts caught the attention of hospital administration and state authorities. Majors was eventually charged with seven counts of murder and sentenced to 360 years in prison. His case revealed the vulnerabilities within the healthcare system, including the reluctance to address red flags and the challenges in investigating medical professionals.
The podcast episode delves into the complexities of Majors' trial, which resulted in his conviction on six counts of murder. The trial highlighted the difference between concurrent and consecutive sentences, with Majors receiving 60 years per murder to run consecutively. This meant he would serve the full sentence of 360 years, ensuring he would never be released. The discussion also touches on the broader implications of Majors' actions, including the lawsuits filed by the families of 80 individuals against Vermillion County Hospital and the motivations behind the hospital's response.
One of the most disturbing aspects of Majors' case is his expressed hatred for the elderly. He openly stated that elderly people should be "gassed" and exhibited a violent disdain for them. This psychological profile raises questions about what triggered his behavior. The episode explores possible incidents involving his grandmother or experiences during a 10-year gap in his history. Majors' unique position as someone who openly expressed his hatred for the elderly, unlike other "angels of death" who often believe they are helping their victims, adds another layer of complexity to his profile.
The episode also sheds light on other notable cases of medical serial killers, such as Dr. Michael Swango. Swango's case, like Majors', involved a pattern of suspicious deaths and unethical behavior that went undetected for years. Hospitals, in an effort to avoid bad publicity and lawsuits, often provided positive recommendations to such individuals, allowing them to continue their deadly practices at other institutions. This systemic failure underscores the need for stronger protections for whistleblowers and more rigorous background checks for medical professionals.
In the final segment, the episode reflects on the significant reforms that emerged from these tragedies. Enhanced patient safety protocols, stricter background checks, and stronger protections for whistleblowers are some of the positive outcomes. These reforms aim to prevent future cases of medical serial killers and restore public trust in the healthcare system. The episode concludes with a call to listeners to support the podcast through follows, likes, ratings, and word-of-mouth promotion, emphasizing the importance of spreading awareness about such critical issues.
Overall, "Orville Lynn Majors: The Nurse Who Killed" is a compelling and thought-provoking episode that highlights the dark side of healthcare and the importance of vigilance in medical settings. It serves as a stark reminder that while most healthcare professionals are dedicated to saving lives, there are rare but dangerous exceptions who exploit their positions to cause harm. By shedding light on these cases, the podcast advocates for safer healthcare environments and greater accountability within the medical profession.
References and Resources
Book: The Will to Kill: Making Sense of Senseless Murder; by James Alan Fox, Jack Levin, Kenna Quinet
Book: Medical Monsters; by Robert Keller
IndyStar article about Majors: https://www.indystar.com/story/news/history/retroindy/2022/09/28/orville-lynn-majors-indianas-angel-of-death-convicted-murdering-patients/69514226007/
WTHI news story: https://youtu.be/gjql6gMir5g?feature=shared
