Throughout history, the medical field has seen its share of heroes and villains. While many enter the profession with a genuine desire to help, a few have used their position of trust to commit heinous acts. These individuals, often referred to as "Angels of Mercy," are medical professionals who murder their patients. Their acts, hidden under the guise of care, have been recorded as early as the inception of institutional medicine.

The Profile of an "Angel of Mercy"

Typically, "Angels of Mercy" are found working in the medical sector, predominantly as nurses. They prey on the most vulnerable - patients in hospitals and other medical facilities. The choice of their victims and the settings makes their crimes particularly chilling, as these are places where people go seeking healing and safety.

The Method: Poison as a Weapon

Unlike more overt acts of violence, these killers often opt for poison. Poison allows for a stealthy approach, making the death of an already ill person appear to be a natural and tragic end. This method ensures that their crimes often go undetected, at least initially. The subtlety of poison means that unless someone takes a closer look, which is uncommon, the murders can remain hidden.

Case Study: Vickie Dawn Jackson, the U.S. "Angel of Death"

A notorious example from the 2000s is Vickie Dawn Jackson, dubbed the "Angel of Death" in the United States. Jackson's case exemplifies the horrifying reality of an "Angel of Mercy" killer. Her position as a nurse allowed her to administer fatal doses to unsuspecting patients, with her actions initially masquerading as natural deaths. It wasn't until the alarming increase in the number of deaths that suspicions arose, leading to her eventual capture and conviction.