CHARLESTON, W.Va. — U.S. Attorney Bill Powell indicating recently the investigation into the suspicious deaths of several veterans at the VA Medical Center in Clarksburg is continuing.
Powell was at a news conference in Charleston a few days ago and afterward answered questions from reporters about the probe that’s looking into insulin-induced deaths, four of which have been confirmed by families of the victims.
Powell, who is the U.S. Attorney in West Virginia’s Northern District, said one of his top priorities is keeping in touch with the families of those impacted.
“We’re talking to the family lawyers to make sure they are getting what they need and the first second that we have anything to report as a result of the investigation we’ll be there, but it won’t be a second before,” Powell said.
U.S. Senators Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito have called for the investigation to be a rapid pace. Powell said he understands.
“They senators are concerned like everybody about the investigation, about the veterans, as I am. I’ve said before my dad’s a veteran he gets treatment at the VA so it’s a personal thing to me obviously,” Powell said. “The evidence drives the investigation and wherever the evidence leads is ultimately how we go about getting it done and wrapping it up as quickly as we can.”
Powell said he can’t imagine the stress the families are under.
“We respect that but we have worked with them and they know, I think, through their statements and otherwise that we are supporting them in this and doing everything we can,” Powell said.
Investigators may be looking at as many as 10 deaths. The four that have been confirmed to have died in connection with insulin induction were being on the same floor of the Clarksburg VA Hospital.
Investigators have not released the names of any suspects in the confirmed homicides.