German Doctor Sentenced to Life After Killing 15 Patients

In Berlin, a 41‑year‑old palliative care doctor, Johannes M., has been given a life sentence after a court found him guilty of murdering 12 women and 3 men between September 2021 and July 2024.

Prosecutors say the killings may just be the tip of the iceberg. They’re investigating more than 70 other suspected incidents, potentially making this the largest serial‑murder case in Germany’s history.

The victims, aged 25 to 94, were all critically ill but were not at imminent risk of death. The doctor allegedly administered lethal doses of medication during home visits without the patients’ consent.

In July 2024, he killed two patients in one day – a 75‑year‑old man in central Berlin and a 76‑year‑old woman a few hours later in a neighboring district. He also attempted to set a fire to cover his tracks.

The court imposed a lifetime ban on his medical practice and placed him in preventive detention after sentencing.

Health‑care authorities have called for tightening oversight of home‑care delivery to prevent such tragedies and restore trust in patient‑doctor relationships.