Wood River nurse was caretaker for mother-in-law. Now she’s charged with her murder.
A Wood River nurse has been charged with murder in the death of her mother-in-law, for whose care she was responsible.
Amy L. Melchert, 47, was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and one count of drug-induced homicide for allegedly administering a lethal dose of morphine to her mother-in-law, Wilma J. Melchert, a news release from Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Gibbons stated.
At 5:46 p.m. on June 12, Wood River police were called to investigate a hospice death in the 500 block of East Ferguson Avenue, the release stated. There, Madison County Deputy Coroner Sakina Vernor found the body of Wilma Melchert, who was 86.
Vernor noticed discrepancies with medication belonging to Wilma Melchert and in the witness statements, the release stated.
After a police investigation, Wood River detectives determined that drugs recently purchased and prescribed to Wilma Melchert were missing. An autopsy and toxicology screening showed she died as a result of a morphine overdose and foul play was suspected, the release stated.
Amy Melchert, a registered nurse, is responsible, Gibbon’s office says.
“In the most fragile times of our lives, we place our trust in those around us who we expect will take the greatest care,” Gibbons said in a statement. “A betrayal of that trust can have devastating consequences. The allegations in this case represent a terrifying breach of that trust and need to be brought to light for all to see and for a court and jury to hear.”
Amy Melchert remained in police custody in Madison County with a bail of $500,000. Circuit Judge Kyle Napp is overseeing the case.
Because of the age of the victim, Amy Melchert could face 20 to 120 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections if convicted, Gibbons said. The minimum penalty for the drug-induced homicide charge alone is 15 years, with a maximum sentence of 30 years.
This story was originally published December 12, 2019 at 1:45 PM.
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