The Unravelling of Nurse Elizabeth Wettlaufer - The Fifth Estate 

The crazy thing is, this is probably way more common than we think, because we rarely ask questions when someone elderly or sick dies.

I'm a nurse on night shift right now....I like my patients alive thank you. How horrible that this lady was able to do this.

A couple weeks ago, I was told by my dog sitter that her father was a victim. You can literally “feel” the trauma in her recounting of this. I honestly think her entire life was destroyed.

Why on earth you leave only one person in the night to care for other people. No managers around, no monitor, no nothing. Perfect environment for predators.

she looked 55 years old in her high school pictures

She committed some pretty heinous crimes but I'll always remember her for the very audible fart she let loose during her interrogation.

The real question is-how many were killed by her god awful poetry?

I live in the US. I have been a registered nurse for 40 years (I am 62). There are good nurses and their are bad nurses. Just like in every profession. But in my profession we have the responsibility of caring for the sick and dying and for advocating for our patients. In the years that I have been in this profession, overwhelmingly, that has been the case. As nurses we often feel that we are the voice for the patients and their families when they cannot, for what ever reason, speak for themselves. We must be their voice. In my years I have fired nurses for failing to live up to the high standards that I expected of them. I wanted my departments to provide excellent care, not just good care. I wanted my staff to be well trained. I wanted them to take pride in their jobs. And they did. We had few patient complaints, very low rates of complications, and an excellent reputation within the community. Each year polls show that nurses are still one of the most trusted professions. So when I see something like this, I am deeply offended. Because it reflects very poorly on the profession. Long term care (nursing homes) can be a problem. Low pay, long hours, no training. In the past women did not work outside the home. When a family member became ill they stayed at home and a family member, usually the female in the home, cared for that person. Now with families requiring a two person income, most cannot keep relatives at home. And home care is VERY expensive and is not usually covered well by medicare/ medicaid. So what are the options? As a society we have to decide where our priorities are. The elderly and sick are viewed as disposable. They don't matter. Someone has to advocate for them.

Please explain to me what about her seems “energetic” and “new”? She’s a sloppy mess.

I had a 20+ career in nursing and I can't understand how anyone can stand by a bed and look at a human being with malice in mind.

I think the Minion scrubs should have been the first warning sign.

She admitted to 8 , how many more were murdered ?

my mom worked w/ this lady. it still gives me chills to this day.

I left my job and cared both of my parents for 10 years. both of them passed away happily under my care...never left them except for marketing for ten years. it was the best years of my life, wouldn't trade for any other.

She waived her right to a preliminary hearing, and confessed to all charges in court on June 1, 2017. On June 26, 2017, Wettlaufer was sentenced to eight concurrent life terms in prison, with no possibility of parole for 25 years.

I sometimes wonder why some people become nurses. I see so many of them hate their jobs. It is so troubling. Do something else if you hate it so much. A lot of them have bad attitudes and are rude, sarcastic, and careless. Then again Ive seen some outstanding nurses.

This is just as bad as killing children. The elderly are helpless, just like children and that is what makes crimes against them so heinous. I can't help but to think about my grandparents while I'm watching this. What if this had been one or both of them? That woman wouldn't be here with us to tell the tale. It's that simple.

What is scary is if she never told anyone, she would of kept doing this and probably have never been caught!

Ok, this makes me sick!! Im a nurse and have been for 25 yrs, i love helping people wouldnt dream of hurting a pt!! I take great pride in my work!

Why didn't this show interview any coworkers? I'm positive the places she worked at received complaints from other staff, and they were ignored.

It's fascinating to me how the fifth estate is shining such a positive light on the intentions and environment of care homes. They are brutally under staffed, and the caregivers they employ are severely over worked and under paid, all while getting physically and emotionally abused by the people they're caring for and the ones they work for. Care homes run these ways are a breading ground for abuse and neglect. You got a real good glimpse of the truth about care homes during covid.

I did in-home care and I loved all my clients. I would NEVER do any of this. I distributed meds and I wanted only for their comfort. This is when people are the most vulnerable and I cried when they died. I worked with Hospice nurses and I respected their dedication. They are wonderful people. All of them. Up all night, helping them breathe It is a noble job and I think all who do this are true angels.

I work as a geriatric nurse and I won't call it my job because I love it so much! I started at 19 then full time after school...This is more than I can comprehend...This just breaks my heart that anyone would even think of hurting/killing these patients who are some of our most vulnerable patients who depend on us for everything 😢 I've never believed in the death penalty but I have to say nurse's like her I struggle with my beliefs! These patients are loved by their families, they have feelings and emotions and how dare her decide to play God and end their lives and not think twice! Somebody please explain this to me...I do not understand how caregivers could do this! Babies and our elderly are among those who need and trust us for everything...This just breaks my heart! RIP to all those who were so unfortunate to cross paths with this physopath...I am so sorry...To the families my deepest sympathies ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

How could anyone let her work intoxicated and be in charge of all those elderly. I woukd have reported her. I am a nurse in both elderly and rehabilitation facilities. She is disgusting. She is playing god.

I dunno what is more scary. The Fact she killed many People, or someone really dated her.

Why does she remind me of Danielle from 90 Day Fiance

This got me pissed off. You only get one life and theirs was snuffed out by her evil acts I'm outraged fr

She confessed to all charges in court on June 1, 2017. On June 26, 2017, Wettlaufer was sentenced to eight concurrent life terms in prison, with no possibility of parole for 25 years.

“An energetic new nurse”- bruh.

I work in a nursing home, on a unit that's especially fitted for patients with dementia. And let me tell you, I absolutely adore every single one of them. This case and many others fill me with so much rage. It's like a shadow of doubt that'll linger in the minds of relatives. You can sometimes catch the vibe of unease, distrust. And I don't blame them honestly. It breaks my heart that my profession was soiled by those monsters.

Her fart in the interrogation was ridiculous.

doesn't matter how strong you make mental health laws,,, not everyone is mentally ill, who is evil.

The elderly are like children, they have no voice..😞

This channel is helping me get over the lack of new episode on Crime watch daily

This is actually my biggest fear, ending up in the hospital and/or having to have surgery, being completely helpless.. and having someone like her having to take “care” of me. I would always want to have a family member or friend by my side to keep an eye on me.

If she was energetic new nurse to that hospital imagine what their tired worn out nurses would look like 😳

This is so upsetting. I’m struggling to find the words. I’m a nurse and I could never imagine harming a patient. We are there to protect and advocate for patients. The elderly and children are vulnerable populations. Maybe, extra care needs to be taken when hiring individuals who will care for those who can not speak up. I’m angry, disgusted, saddened, and confused. How was she allowed to get away with this for so long? I hope she is held accountable for her crimes.

She looks as if you just gifted her Cup Cakes often enough your loved ones would be safe.

My Mom was in elderly care; and I could sure tell which staff wanted to be there and who were just punching the clock... we owe these good caregivers a debt of gratitude

her uniform top is "despicable me" at 10:08.she knew she was despicable.

I live in the Salvation Army's Grace Manor nursing home in Ottawa. Most nurses, including all the ones here, are caring, competent professionals. What this woman did was an atrocity, but it is definitely the exception. We must all be aware of the danger signs, but not be afraid of the boogey-man (or -woman)!

Still can’t believe she farted during interrogations like it was nothing no shame🤣

This makes me sick to my stomach. I lived two apartments down from Bethe. She officiated my wedding, and she was at my house all the time. She even adopted my dog. :( Breaks my heart for these families that have lost, including Bethes parents who will now have to almost grieve for their daughter.

I'm an RN and I work the nightshift in a nursing home 😬 I don't kill people though 😀👍🏼

Im terrified of going to an old age home.. life can get scary when older trust me guys.. especially when alone like so many of us....

She looked like peter griffin in high school

And imagine.. she “only” got caught cause she told on herself. I’m sure she’s not the only one

If you are cracking up and you are a nurse, please quit.

Her poems are that of a psychopath!!!

Can you imagine this beast overlooking you as an elderly frail person just before this witch takes your life

That poem though... wow. Chills were sent up my spine while hearing it, made more intense with the realization that it was written by a real life monster and not merely written for a script or a fictional story.

As an RN this is completely heart breaking and terrifying. I could never imagine harming one of my sweet elderly patients. Sick murderer.

What did we learn today? Don't bully kids or they'll grow up to be serial killers

Wow that is some creepy poetry! RIP to those who lost their lives to this dangerous women.

I am sure this happening every country and right now somewhere...

Its a lot more scarier than the info they have here. She really wanted people to know and to be found out. She told several people what she did but none of them would do anything, or report it, they though she was execrating or making it up. She called that women she met online. She also told a priest, who told her to keep it quiet and don't tell anyone. We live in a society of sheep.

Her poems said “...what I did alone”. She didn’t even consider the patients persons.

This makes me infuriated these are people’s family It doesn’t matter how old they are it will never reduce the pain of losing someone She is awful for this I am heartbroken for the families that lost their loved ones under her care Absolutely evil

She's not even the only one in Southern Ontario. Someone needs to investigate suspicious deaths in Essex County. I deeply fear that someone much like this reprehensible woman killed my Grandfather, but can do nothing about it, as there's no concrete evidence, and there was no autopsy. What's a member of the general public to do?

This is why I want to take care of my parents when/ if needed. I worked in a retirement home and now I wonder why when I was only 19, so many patients requested my help and refused others. Scares me. I plan to go back and hopefully never ever encounter a nut bag like this woman. Our elderly lived extraordinary lives- you should hear some of the stories I’ve been told. They deserve so much more love and respect than this!!!

This is terrifying to have happened in the town I lived. My great grandmother was in Crescent care at the time she was. I feel so bad for the victims families. May their loved ones rest in peace.

Power over the poor and weaks... Just thinking about it makes me sick

My Grandpa died abruptly in a nursing home more than 20 years ago. I learned after his death that he told a couple of my family members just before he died that he was afraid of his nurse and said that she was abusive. He mentioned being worried about bath time and said that he feared drowning or being drowned. it makes me sad and angry.

I know I'm gonna get yelled at but I came here because of Sapphire from Snarled. She did a video of a story from a boy who's mom that dated Elizabeth and Elizabeth tried to kill the kid by sushi cooked with peanut oil and his mom immediately broke up with her.

Annie Wilkes from "Misery" she fits the exact character, from looks to deeds.

She looks like she would break wind during an interrogation! 😣

I worked as a CNA at a skilled nursing facility and the amount of neglect, borderline (if not total) abuse that goes on is horrifying.

There is no way my mother would have ever been placed in a nursing home. She took care of me, and we, her six children took very good care of her when her time came. ❤💓💕💖💗💘💝💞💟

As an RN I can definitely say that there is a lack of oversight on the night shift

anyone else here from snarled?

Someone “professional” kills, its stress related... anyone else kills, it murder.. wth?

This disgusting thing has been the reason why the College of Nurses has denied nursing students with mental illness (highly functional and capable) to take the nursing exam to be nurses.

Well it's not like she looks like an absolute psycho in all her photos going back to childhood, or anything like that...

in June she was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole for 25 years

7:20: “OK slow down here, let’s get to know each other!” 7:26: ..They spent there 1st night together here at the Motel 6! 🧐

It wasn't her place to play God regardless of the age and mental capacity of the elderly people she killed. If she didn't say anything, it would have been a long time until she was caught.

I have worked with great nurses and awful nurses. This woman's behavior is criminal and not normal for nurses in way or form. Nurses have good days and bad days just like everyone and can get irritated, this is considerably different than that.

Me: Wade is either drunk or high for this interview... Narrator: One evening she knocked on her neighbor’s door begging for some medial marijuana. Me: Whoop there it is 😂 right on

She’s wearing minions scrubs. Cuff her. 🚔

i dont appreciate the negative comments towards nurses on here. there are plenty of awesome women and men who are nurses and work very hard looking after your parents. you cant take a couple of bad apples and judge them all. i am shocked at these comments.

Who else is watching in 2019 ???

This lady...I don't like this lady.

As a RN I couldn't imagine doing something like this. I also worked night shift at a nursing home several years ago with only myself, another LPN, and a handful of CNAs for the whole facility. I can see how she got away with these crimes for as long as she did. Most people in nursing homes have DNR directives because of their age and medical conditions, plus with no real supervision, access to the drugs, patients' families aren't always there, and no autopsies, yeah its relatively easy to commit a murder I would think. There's no way those deaths were accidental due to her being high on drugs, she had to have planned it. I couldn't say what her motive was but I think she must have enjoyed killing for her to have done it that many times. Nursing homes everywhere aren't near as regulated as they need to be. The people who have to go to them are completely dependent on their care and they deserve better care than what they get. Lord help me if I ever end up in one.

In this, as well as in other true crime shows' comment sections there are a lot of people commenting on the looks of the "bad person"...usually unkind words...and it sometimes makes me think that kind of words, that kind of mentality by people surrounding them, might have contributed to (and here I stress the word "some") of these people turning evil. I think being nice to others saves lives. I honestly do.

never trust someone who stays at the motel 6...

Are people REALLY trying to defend her in the comments? Oh my god..

That girlfriend for the night had some very good vibes

7:31 I don't want to imagine the intimacy lol

She ended up confessing to all charges in June 2017, both in police interrogation and of her own volition, although she maintained that God, or even the devil, put her to it. She’s serving eight concurrent life terms in prison.

I used to cut the grass of that place. Crazy

Typical predators; the ones you least expect.

I"m an RN. She worked in Long Term Care , because she was an LPN. She also picked that career , and the night shift because it was the perfect clientale and the perfect shift to steal drugs and kill residents.

Moral of the story: DON'T TRUST NURSING HOMES WITH YOUR LOVED ONES. As a former RN...abuse to all ages occurs and its time to put it to an end. No one deserves this abuse.

People complain about cops, nurses etc etc but when they need one that's a whole different story. There are good and bad at any job and I shouldn't be surprised at the negative comments that generalize - these are comments from people who don't know any better and are ignorant. Don't judge until you've walked the walk and talk the talk. Also nurses aren't usually unhappy about nursing, they're frustrated at how misunderstood they are. Your job is to give all that you have of yourself daily emotionally and physically. Then when your shift is done you know that no one out there will understand your level of exhaustion. We know it's part of the job but nurses aren't robots - like all of you who comment and judge....were human and most of us carry a great level of compassion.

I do wonder about her childhood not that it would excuse her actions but I do wonder.

That was some horrible poetry on many levels.

I've been in a facility in TN and I witnessed great care by nurses to the elderly, when a nurse is unstable they can be cold blooded killers.

I am a cna. I just quit working at my second nursing home because of the nurses. I love my residents, but I can’t take the stress anymore! The majority of nurses that I’ve worked with are always mad, juvenile and overworked. They liked the money of overtime, but didn’t like being there so much. I’ve seen it time and time again. Poorly ran nursing homes that are always short staffed, and the patients and cna’s suffer way more than the nurses....I am officially done with nursing homes!

“She was the goalie for the hockey team” I wonder what specific skills she had that attracted the hockey coach to the very overweight woman while he searched for a goalie for a small goal 😂

Always be nice to your waiter and your nurse!!