Seventeen newborn babies died between June 2015 and June 2016 at one hospital alone, and police say a nurse may be responsible.
The Guardian reports that 28-year-old Lucy Letby was arrested in 2018, in connection with the deaths numerous infants at Countess of Chester Hospital in Chester, England. Letby was accused of killing eight babies and the attempting to kill six more infants while working as a nurse at the hospital.
After two days of questioning and an intense search of her home last year, authorities released Letby on bail.
As part of an ongoing investigation, detectives reportedly found additional evidence that linked Letby to the deaths of three additional babies, and re-arrested her on Monday.
“As part of our ongoing investigation we have re-arrested the healthcare professional on suspicion of murder in relation to the deaths of eight babies and the attempted murder of six babies,” investigators explained.
Detectives were spotted at the suspect’s Chester home on Monday, conducting additional searches. A blue forensic tent was placed in front of the residence.
While employed at the hospital, Letby cared for infants “requiring various levels of support.” She had worked at the hospital for seven years before she started training to work in the neonatal unit. During her training, an alarming numbers of newborns began to die or fall gravely ill in the neonatal unit.
Prior to her arrest, Letby was once suspended from the hospital, then transferred to an administrative role. It’s unclear what happened to prompt the transfer. It’s also unclear what new evidence led to the suspect’s second arrest.
“At this stage, we are unable to go into any further details about the investigation but as soon as we can provide any further updates we will do,” investigators said.
A spokesman for the Countess of Chester Hospital indicated that the hospital is fully cooperating as authorities continue to investigate.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact investigators at operation.hummingbird@cheshire.pnn.police.uk, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 0800 555 111 (UK).
Check back with CrimeOnline as additional details become available.
[Feature Photo: Lucy Letby/Handout]
