Prosecutors allege that 84‑year‑old female Hispanic patient Myrtle Brower was one of six elderly victims murdered between December 1996 and **August 28, 1997**, at Glendale Adventist Medical Center in Glendale, California. The victims—All at advanced ages—died under suspicious circumstances that later drew intense scrutiny. Upon exhumation, toxicological tests revealed high concentrations of Pavulon, a neuromuscular blocker that suppresses breathing, in all six bodies.
Myrtle Brower, a female of Hispanic background, was confirmed to have received Pavulon, which was not part of her legitimate treatment regimen.
Investigators focused their attention on Efren Saldivar, a 31‑year‑old male respiratory therapist employed at the same hospital. He was arrested in **January 2001** and charged with six counts of murder with special circumstances—poisoning and multiple murder—charges that could carry either the death penalty or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Prosecutors stated that Pavulon was used to stop the breathing of patients without following through with artificial ventilation, directly causing their deaths.
The medical examiner's toxicological analysis indicated that for Myrtle Brower, the administration of Pavulon was unrelated to any medical procedure, distinguishing Saldivar's actions as criminal rather than medical malpractice. Additional evidence emerged that Saldivar had also possessed significant quantities of Versed—another sedative-with potential fatal consequences in high doses—at his home, suggesting repeated and deliberate misuse of hospital medications.
Saldivar had reportedly described himself to authorities as an “Angel of Death,” confessing to killing numerous terminally ill patients between **1989 and 1997**. However, during the trial process, he attempted to retract the confessions, claiming they were made during a period of depression and suicidal ideation, hoping to be placed on death row. Police continued their investigation and exhumed numerous bodies; of 171 deaths during Saldivar's tenure, 54 were excluded due to cremation, and 20 underwent closer evaluation, culminating in the six confirmed murder charges.
At the time of arrest, there were no immediate indications of other suspects. Saldivar's arrest in 2001 ended years of investigation carried out by Glendale Police and the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office, led by Deputy District Attorneys Al MacKenzie and Brian Kelberg. The case hinged on scientific evidence from exhumations and Saldivar's own admissions. No arrests were made beyond Saldivar; no other suspects were charged in connection with the death of Myrtle Brower or the other elder patients.
In summary:
* **Victim**: Myrtle Brower, female, Hispanic, aged 84.
* **Date of death**: August 28, 1997.
* **Cause**: Administration of Pavulon, a paralytic drug, without medical necessity.
* **Investigation**: Exhumation of remains revealed Pavulon in toxicology reports.
* **Arrest and charges**: Efren Saldivar, 31-year-old male respiratory therapist, arrested January 2001, charged with six counts of murder with special circumstances; no co-conspirators identified or charged.
