CLARKSBURG — U.S. Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., issued statements Tuesday after the case was unsealed against a former nursing assistant at the Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center.

The charging document has seven counts of second-degree murder alleged against Reta Mays, and one count of assault with intent to commit murder.

Manchin said: “My heart goes out to the families and loved ones who tragically lost a veteran and have had to endure this injustice. While overdue, today justice is finally being served. I hope today’s announcement brings some semblance of peace to their hearts and to the families who are still uncertain about the fate of their veterans.”

“Today’s news confirms that the nursing assistant at the Clarksburg VA Medical Center murdered veterans under her care,” Manchin said. “As a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, I will not stop until we determine how this could have happened, and ensure it never happens again. Our veterans deserve world-class care and their families deserve peace of mind at every step of the way.”

Said Capito: “Our veterans should always feel safe and cared for at our VA hospitals. Period. The situation at the Clarksburg VA was sickening and deeply troubling. It is unacceptable in any setting.”

“My heart breaks for the families of these veterans, and I know I speak for all West Virginians when I say that we are astounded that something like this could happen. The families of these victims deserve answers, and today’s news will help bring some closure to what has been a long and painful journey,” Capito said.

“Going forward, it is important that we make sure our veterans receive the best care possible, feel safe while receiving care at our West Virginia VA medical facilities, and tragedies like this never, ever happen again,” Capito said.