(03/02/06) SOMERVILLE ? Former nurse Charles Cullen was sentenced Thursday to 11 consecutive life terms in prison for killing patients at various hospitals in New Jersey.

Cullen has admitted killing 22 patients while working at different hospitals in New Jersey. He also awaits sentencing in Pennsylvania for seven murders in that state. Prior to his sentencing, Cullen faced emotional relatives of his victims in the courtroom. One man whose father was murdered by Cullen says his family will never feel safe in a hospital again.

Investigators believe Cullen may have been responsible for up to 40 deaths during his time as a nurse. Prosecutors did not seek the death penalty in exchange for Cullen?s cooperation.

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Related Links: List of hospitals where Cullen worked