The investigation that led to eight charges of first-degree murder against a Woodstock, Ont., nurse in the deaths of patients under her care started after police received information from a Toronto mental health facility.
A source has confirmed to Global News that Toronto police were called by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and officers attended the facility to interview Elizabeth Tracey Mae Wettlaufer, a 49-year-old registered nurse from Woodstock.
Wettlaufer provided information to hospital staff that caused them “concern,” The Canadian Press reported.
READ MORE: What we know about the Woodstock nurse charged with killing 8 nursing home residents
Investigators determined the incidents didn’t take place in Toronto, so officers notified the police agencies where the alleged offences took place.
It’s not known what specifically was reported to police.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), London and Woodstock Police Services announced during a press conference Tuesday that Wettlaufer was charged with eight counts of first-degree murder.
The OPP said a drug was administered to patients at two nursing homes in Woodstock and London, Ont. between 2007 and 2014.
Seven deaths took place at the Caressant Care Long Term Care Home in Woodstock and an eighth person died at Meadow Park in London.
According to a peace bond dated Oct. 6 obtained from court, Wettlaufer was placed under several peace bond conditions before entering into police custody.
She was ordered to continue mental health treatment with her family doctor, or with any licenced physician as referred by her family doctor or representatives from CAMH.
READ MORE: Nurse accused of killing 8 people at nursing homes in Ontario
Wettlaufer was “not to possess Insulin, medications or any drug as defined by the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act unless they are prescribed for you by a physician, or over the counter medication, for your own personal care.” There was also a requirement not to possess or consume alcohol.
She was also barred from providing caregiver services as well as attending long-term care facilities and hospitals.
Wettlaufer was required to live at her apartment or with her parents, who live in Woodstock, and to obey a curfew between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. with the exception of attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
She appeared in a Woodstock court on Tuesday and was remanded into custody.
Lawyers for Wettlaufer could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday.
When contacted by Global News, a CAMH spokesperson declined to comment citing patient confidentiality.
With files from Mark Carcasole, David Shum and The Canadian Press
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