Czech 'heparin murderer' gets life in prison
January 27th, 2009 by Jennifer Walker-Journey
Petr Zelenka liked the excitement around crisis situations and the constant activity of hospital staff, which is why he pursued a position at an anaesthesiological-resuscitation ward at Havlickuv Brod hospital in the Czech Republic. To further his excitement, he administered heparin to patients between May and September 2006, which resulted in serious health complications and even death in some patients.
Heparin is a blood thinner used to prevent blood clots. It is often given before surgery and during treatments such as kidney dialysis to prevent clotting. In appropriate use or overdosing can be fatal.
This week, Zelenka – known to some as the “heparin murderer” – was sentenced to life for the murder of seven people, according to Czech media outlet Noviny. Police have pinned another three murders on him as well as one attempted murder.
Police are looking into 14 other cases in which they suspect murder or attempted murder. Another ten cases were closed after police couldn’t find proof that a crime was committed. Even if authorities link more murders and attempted murders to Zelenka, he will not be prosecuted as he currently will serve the highest sentence for the crimes he already has been found guilty of.
Zelenka admitted to all crimes but during the trial said he only remembers administering heparin to five patients. He says police coerced him into admitting to additional crimes.