Myrtle Luce was a 95-year-old resident of Alpine Manor nursing home in Walker, Michigan, who was killed in a series of murders at the facility that came to light in 1987. Her death was not from natural causes but was later attributed to homicide by two nurse’s aides who worked at the home.

Investigators determined that Gwendolyn Graham and Catherine Wood targeted frail, elderly female residents. According to plea-bargained testimony from Wood, Graham smothered patients with a washcloth while Wood often acted as a lookout. The deaths were initially recorded as natural because of the victims’ advanced age and poor health.

Both aides were arrested in December 1988. Wood agreed to testify against Graham in exchange for a reduced charge; that testimony was central to the case. Graham was convicted of multiple counts of first-degree murder and conspiracy; Wood pleaded to lesser charges and received a reduced sentence.

If anyone knew Myrtle Luce at Alpine Manor or has information about the events there, please share what you remember.