"Angel of Death" nurse known for allegedly murdering more than 60 babies 35 years ago is scheduled to be released in March 2018. However, a new murder charge would thwart her release next year.
When Genene Jones, a former nurse, was sentenced in 1982 for killing 15-month-old Chelsea McClellan, she had the benefit of a 1977 mandatory release parole law that aims to reduce prison overcrowding. The state law was revised in 1987, but the changes did not apply to Jones' case.
The state law allows inmates with a record of good behavior to be released early. ProPublica reported Jones had received credit for about two days of "good time" for each day she was in jail, setting her mandatory parole date on March 1, 2018, after being imprisoned for 35 years and eight months
New Murder Case
Hoping to keep her behind bars, prosecutors and victims' family members launched an investigation to see if they could bring new murder charge to the 66-year old Jones. In fact, one the babies who survived made a TV appearance to oppose Jones' release. A grown-up Rolando Santos showed to the public a needle scar from blood-thicker heparin overdose that nearly claimed his life
On Thursday, Bexar County District Attorney Nicholas LaHood indicted Jones for murdering 11-month-old Joshua Sawyer in December 1981. LaHood said there's substantial evidence that Jones injected a massive overdose of the anti-seizure drug Dilantin to baby Joshua.
It was not immediately established if Jones asked for a plea or hired an attorney for the new case against her.
"This woman is evil. Her behavior shocks the conscience of anyone with a moral compass," Atty. LaHood told in Texas Monthly.
The new charges related to baby Joshua's death were possible, according to prosecutors. The medical records of the child are still intact and can be used as substantial evidence.
Jones came under suspicion when 42 children died during her 15-month stay in Bexar County Hospital. Initial investigations showed 34 out of 42 babies died during the 3:00 AM to 11:00 PM shift, which is Jones' working hours. Also, an investigation conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed children were 25.5 times more likely to have an injury and 10.7 times more likely to die during Jones' shift.
Playing God
After numerous investigations, authorities considered Jones' motives for the series of killings. Psychologists said she was driven by a desire to be recognized as the heroic nurse who can save dying children. However, she became intoxicated with the power of life and death that she wanted to act like a god.
