Summary of "Night Shift I 4. Bodies in the Snow" – The Binge Crimes: Lady Mafia

Introduction

In the fourth episode of "Night Shift" titled "Bodies in the Snow," host Jake Adelstein delves into a perplexing true crime case centered around suspicious deaths at the Columbia Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital. This episode explores the intricate investigation led by the FBI, the involvement of key individuals, and the overarching questions surrounding the possible deception and cover-ups within the institution.

Background of the Case

The story begins in March 1993, with Columbia Tribune reporter Rudy Keller staking out a cemetery in Fulton, Missouri. His aim was to capture photographic evidence of FBI agents reburial activities concerning the body of a VA patient whose death on Ward 4 East had come under scrutiny.

"I knew they were in the middle of the exhalations. I knew that they hadn't been completed..." (12:45)

The FBI's investigation expanded to include the exhumation of 13 veterans' bodies across Missouri, all of whom had been under the care of Nurse Richard Williams. These cases raised suspicions of foul play, prompting a deeper inquiry into the VA's practices and the possibility of a serial killer within the hospital.

The Investigation and FBI Involvement

The investigation was marred by bureaucratic challenges and inter-agency conflicts. Initially, local authorities, led by Carol Heibarger of the Columbia Police Department, declined to take on the case, deeming it beyond their capacity. Consequently, multiple agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Office of the Inspector General, the U.S. Attorney's Office, and the FBI, converged on the investigation, leading to a complex and fragmented approach.

"The main players here were the FBI, a powerful and intimidating presence ready to exact justice." (25:10)

Special Agent Philip Williams spearheaded the FBI's efforts, aiming to determine whether criminal activity was involved in the deaths. The agency's presence at the VA was overwhelming, with agents conducting hundreds of interviews and meticulously analyzing patient data.

Key Individuals and Suspicions

Richard Williams: The central figure of suspicion, Williams was a respiratory therapy nurse whose name became tarnished amidst the spike in patient deaths. Despite the alarming statistics, many colleagues viewed him as an exceptional nurse whose intentions were questionable but not necessarily malicious.

"I think Richard Williams was always trying to do the right thing." – Nurse Lee Miller (40:35)

Williams consistently pointed fingers at Nurse Sally, another staff member, suggesting she might be responsible for the deaths. However, further investigations revealed inconsistencies in these accusations, leaving the FBI without concrete evidence to substantiate these claims.

Nurse Sally: While initially suspected by Williams and another colleague, her own investigation into patient deaths yielded no incriminating evidence against Williams. She maintained his innocence despite apparent tensions between them.

"I never found anything unusual. The deaths were suspicious, but I don't believe Richard Williams killed any of these patients." – Nurse Sally (55:20)

Dr. Gordon Christensen: An epidemiologist whose statistical analysis indicated irregularities in patient mortality rates on Ward 4 East. His data became a cornerstone of the investigation, but he faced institutional pushback and professional isolation.

"I am no longer interested in participating in any way, shape or form with this." – Special Agent Wayne Kessler (1:15:40)

Challenges and Institutional Barriers

The investigation faced numerous obstacles, including delayed toxicology reports and apparent prioritization of other high-profile cases like Waco and the O.J. Simpson trial. These delays hindered the FBI's ability to draw definitive conclusions before the five-year statute of limitations expired.

"Everyone wanted some sort of update from the FBI or the VA, but all they got was silence." (1:05:30)

Moreover, internal cover-ups and the leaking of confidential information, such as Dr. Christensen's whistleblower status, complicated the pursuit of justice and transparency. Accusations of surveillance and intimidation against key figures like Dr. Christensen further deepened the mistrust surrounding the case.

Conclusion and Unresolved Questions

Despite extensive investigations, including over 200 interviews and the exhumation of 13 bodies, the FBI could not conclusively determine the cause of the deaths. Nurse Richard Williams remained a suspect based on statistical evidence, but without physical evidence, the case stagnated. The VA's exoneration of Williams contrasted sharply with the FBI's ongoing doubts, leaving families and investigators without closure.

"At the two-year mark, dad grew tired of waiting. He told me he gave Dr. Baden a call." (1:30:50)

The episode concludes with Williams still employed as a nurse, now in a different facility, raising unsettling questions about accountability and the safety of vulnerable populations under his care.

Notable Quotes

• Rudy Keller on FBI's Presence: "I knew they were in the middle of the exhalations. I knew that they hadn't been completed..." (12:45)

• Nurse Lee Miller on Richard Williams: "I think Richard Williams was always trying to do the right thing." (40:35)

• Nurse Sally on Investigations: "I never found anything unusual. The deaths were suspicious, but I don't believe Richard Williams killed any of these patients." (55:20)

• Special Agent Wayne Kessler on Suspects: "I am no longer interested in participating in any way, shape or form with this. I have my reasons." (1:15:40)

• Rudy Keller on Investigation Stagnation: "What am I doing as a reporter? You know, I've got no proof that this guy killed anybody." (1:10:15)

Final Thoughts

"Night Shift I 4. Bodies in the Snow" offers a compelling exploration of a tangled investigation fraught with institutional resistance, personal turmoil, and unresolved mysteries. It underscores the challenges faced when confronting potential misconduct within powerful organizations and the enduring quest for truth in the face of systemic barriers.