In brief
A medical professional has been arrested and charged with killing multiple patients, shaking public trust in care systems.
The authorities in Germany have charged a palliative care doctor in Berlin with the murder of 15 patients over a three-year period. The unidentified 40-year-old physician is also under scrutiny for the unexplained deaths of an additional 75 patients. If found guilty, he could be recognized as one of Europe’s most notorious serial killers since the case of a German nurse who killed at least 85 patients years ago.Between 2021 and 2024, the doctor allegedly sedated patients using a potent narcotic and muscle relaxants before causing their deaths. Disturbingly, he is suspected of setting fire to their homes to destroy evidence and misled investigators by calling ambulances after the incidents.Germany has strict laws when it comes to privacy, which is why the identity of the doctor remains undisclosed. According to the law, the maximum penalty for murder is life imprisonment with possible parole after 15 years. However, due to the nature of the alleged crimes, authorities have requested that he be held in special security custody.The accused is currently incarcerated in Moabit Prison in Berlin, after being arrested last August, initially suspected of killing four patients. Since then, a dedicated investigation team has identified more potential victims.
