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Nurse Arrested In 2001 Death Of Former High School Rival
Cold Case Unit: N.C. Nurse Administered Fatal Dose Of Painkiller
Joyner was alert after the surgery, but she became unresponsive and went into respiratory arrest while being monitored by Hill in an adjoining recovery room. The state Medical Examiner's Office ruled at the time that Joyner died from "probable medication toxicity." Friday, police said the death was intentional and arrested Hill. Police Capt. Sean Mulhall said that Joyner's death was not reported to police when it happened and was not investigated until this year. That's when the police department's cold case unit started investigating.
Investigators also learned that Joyner was head cheerleader in high school, while Hill was head of the school's flag corps. Authorities have not confirmed there was a grudge between the two, but Joyner's family filed a malpractice lawsuit against Hill and the doctor involved in the surgery. The lawsuit was settled in October 2003, and the parties agreed not to release the terms. About a dozen members of Hill's church turned out at a court appearance Monday to show they believe Hill is not guilty. They were disappointed when the judge denied her bond and handed the case over to Superior Court. The judge said Hill is probably entitled to bond, but as a rule he waits for Superior Court to decide.
A fellow church member said she doesn't see the judge's decision as a setback. "We know that she's going to be vindicated because she did not do this," the woman said. "We bless him that he's doing his job. We were very disappointed because we know that she'd like to be home taking care of her mom." It was revealed in court Monday that Hill's mother has Alzheimer's disease and Hill has been caring for her.
