A nurse who worked in the hospice unit at the Tomah VA Medical Center is facing a felony charge in Monroe County after investigators say she removed oxygen from a dying patient despite a medical order requiring him to receive it continuously.
Beth Marie Holtz, 53, was charged Sept 9 in Monroe County Circuit Court with intentionally abusing a patient causing great bodily harm, a Class E felony. If convicted, she faces up to 15 years in prison, a $50,000 fine or both.
The allegations are from an incident on August 17, 2025, at the Tomah VA. According to the criminal complaint, a 75-year-old patient was receiving hospice care for pulmonary fibrosis, a condition that scars the lungs and impairs breathing.
The patient had an order for continuous oxygen, along with do-not-resuscitate and do-not-intubate orders.
According to the complaint, Holtz believed the man was actively dying and removed his oxygen that evening when other hospice staff became concerned.
One certified nursing assistant told investigators she found the patient's skin to be whitish yellow, with blue or black lips. He was cold and clammy, moaning and reaching into the air. The CNA put his oxygen back on.
About five minutes later, his oxygen saturation was at 69%, and his heart rate was 120 beats per minute. The CNA noted that his color returned, he warmed up, and his breathing improved after oxygen was restored.
Holtz acknowledged removing the oxygen during an interview with VA police. She said the patient was restless, pulling at the equipment, and appeared close to death. She believed removing it might make him more comfortable.
Holtz also said Dr. Brandon Moul had suggested removing the patient's oxygen after examining him following a fall earlier that day.
Moul disputed that account, according to the complaint. He told investigators he did not instruct Holtz to remove the oxygen and that she did not consult him before doing so.
Investigators allege the patient was without oxygen from approximately 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., when an incoming nurse restored it.
The investigation also focused on comments Holtz allegedly made near the end of her shift.
A CNA told investigators Holtz said she hoped the patient would die before the shift ended because death paperwork would be easier than paperwork associated with his earlier fall.
Holtz denied saying she hoped he would die during her shift. She acknowledged commenting that death paperwork was easier but said she was joking.
Holtz later agreed to a polygraph examination. According to the complaint, during the post-test interview, she said her primary reason for removing the oxygen was that she believed the patient was uncomfortable. She also acknowledged that "part of her did want him to pass sooner to be at peace."
Holtz denied intentionally harming the patient or attempting to hasten his death.
The patient died Aug 23, 2025, six days after the incident. The complaint does not allege Holtz caused his death. The felony charge alleges her actions caused great bodily harm.
Prosecutors initially requested an arrest warrant, saying Holtz had moved from Monroe County and was believed to be living in Waukesha County. The warrant was issued Sept 9.
Holtz appeared by video from custody for her initial appearance Sept 15 in Monroe County Circuit Court. Judge Mark L. Goodman set a $5,000 signature bond. As conditions of the bond, Holtz may not have contact with the alleged victim's family or their residences. She may continue working at a healthcare facility if she is under the direct supervision of another healthcare employee.
Holtz waived the time limits for a preliminary hearing. A preliminary hearing scheduling or waiver hearing is set for Oct 12 at 1 p.m.
The criminal complaint contains allegations that have not been proven in court. Holtz is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. A preliminary hearing is set for Oct 12, 2026.
Holtz is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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