3 Former Psychiatric Hospital Staffers Charged in Patient's Death

Negligence allegations stem from 2020 incident at Psychiatric Institute of Washington

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:12pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a medical device or piece of hospital equipment, such as an IV line or heart monitor, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic without depicting any violence.A harsh, forensic examination of the medical equipment involved in a tragic case of alleged negligence at a private psychiatric hospital.Washington Today

Three former employees of a privately operated psychiatric hospital in Washington, D.C. have been charged with criminal negligence in the death of a patient nearly six years ago. The indictment alleges the defendants failed to provide adequate medical care to the 58-year-old patient, who died 13 days after being admitted to the facility in April 2020.

Why it matters

The case highlights ongoing concerns about the quality of care and oversight at some private psychiatric hospitals, which have faced scrutiny over patient safety issues in recent years. The death also prompted an advocacy group report that found 'very disturbing specific and systemic failures' at the institute.

The details

According to the indictment, psychiatric counselors Nelson Kuma, 37, and Richard Hounnou, 45, as well as registered nurse Norma Munoz-Bent, 68, all of Maryland, failed to properly assess or treat the patient with lifesaving measures for at least 21 minutes as he convulsed and appeared to stop breathing. A wrongful death lawsuit alleges the hospital also falsified the patient's medical records.

  • The patient, identified as Gary Wilson, was admitted to the Psychiatric Institute of Washington on April 13, 2020.
  • Wilson died on the afternoon of April 26, 2020, 13 days after being admitted.

The players

Gary Wilson

A 58-year-old patient with a heart condition who died at the Psychiatric Institute of Washington in 2020.

Nelson Kuma

A 37-year-old former psychiatric counselor at the Psychiatric Institute of Washington, charged with criminal negligence in Wilson's death.

Richard Hounnou

A 45-year-old former psychiatric counselor at the Psychiatric Institute of Washington, charged with criminal negligence in Wilson's death.

Norma Munoz-Bent

A 68-year-old former registered nurse at the Psychiatric Institute of Washington, charged with criminal negligence in Wilson's death.

Psychiatric Institute of Washington

A 130-bed private psychiatric hospital in Washington, D.C. that provides behavioral health programs for children, adolescents and adults.

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What they’re saying

“This trio did nothing to help this patient. This man didn't have a chance there. He was left to die.”

— Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney

What’s next

The three defendants pleaded not guilty on Tuesday and are due back in court on May 29. A civil lawsuit filed by Wilson's niece has been suspended pending the outcome of the criminal case.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for greater accountability and oversight in the private psychiatric hospital industry, where patient safety issues have persisted despite previous calls for reform. It also highlights the importance of thorough medical record-keeping to ensure proper care and transparency.